Inquests Taken Into Suspicious Or Unexplained Deaths

For the County of Devon

Articles taken from the Exeter and Plymouth Gazette

[printed in Exeter.]

1907

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:  Abbott; Abel; Adams(2); Aggett; Anstis; Ash; Austin; Avery(2); Baker(3); Bale; Barden; Barkell; Barrett; Bastin; Bastyan; Batchelor; Batten; Beal; Beatie; Beckly; Bennett; Berry; Best; Bickford; Bidwell; Bindon; Blackmore; Bolt(2); Bond(2); Bovett; Bowden(2); Bray; Brewer; Bromell; Brown(2); Bryan; Buckingham; Bulley; Burridge; Burrow; Burton; Cann; Carpenter; Cassell; Cawse; Chadder; Channon; Clarke; Cleeve; Cole; Coles; Collins; Coniam; Coombs; Copp; Corbett; Cornelius; Couch; Cox; Crook; Curtis; Daniel; Dayment; Delemore; Dennis; Dicker; Dimond; Distin; Dodd; Drew(2); Duder; Dunn(2); Durant; Dure; Dyer; Dymond; Ellacott; Elworthy; Evans; Fey; Finemore; Fisher; Ford(2); Foster; Frankpitt; Fredon; Furzon; Gale(2); Gardner; German; Giffard; Gill; Ginnetta; Glass; Gliddon; Glover; Good; Gould; Green(2); Gregory; Gribble; Guard; Guest; Harris; Harvey; Hawkings; Hawkins; Haydon; Hayman; Haywood; Healy; Helyer; Herbert; Hill; Hocking; Hodge; Hodges; Hole; Homeyard; Howe(2); Hutchings(2); Huxham; Ingerson; Jewell; Jones; Jutson; Keith; Knowling; Lacey; Lake; Lancey; Lang(2); Langdon; Lee; Lethaby; Lethbridge; Ley; Liddell; Lock(2); Logan; Long(2); Loram; Lord; Luscombe; Maddick; Manfield; Manning; Mapledoram; Marks; Matthews; Mead; Mears; Medway; Miller; Mitchell; Morris(2); Morrish; Moulding; Mulford; Narramore; Norman; Northcott; Norton; O'Brien; Oldreive; Palk; Palmer; Parish; Parker; Parkin; Parr; Parsons; Patt; Penfitt; Pengelly; Penny; Petherbridge; Powlesland; Pring; Prior; Pym; Quaintance; Quick; Rabjohns; Rackley; Ratley; Reddicliffe; Rendle; Retter; Rice; Roberts; Robins; Rolstone; Roper; Rossendahl; Routley; Rowe; Rowsell; Sage; Salter; Sandle; Savery; Scagell; Searle(2); Sellway; Setten; Short; Simmons; Snell(2); Somerfield; Stanbury(2); Stapleforth; Stapleton; Stark; Sterne; Stevens(2); Stone(2); Strugnall; Sutton; Symonds; Taverner; Taylor(2); Tedbury; Tierney; Totterdell; Treble; Treleaven; Trigger; Truscott; Tucker(4); Valpri; Vanstone; Vickery; Vincent; Voisey; Vosper; Waldren; Ware; Warren; Watkins; Webber(2); Weller; Welshman; Were; Western; Wharton; Wheaton; Whiteway; Wickett; Wilkins; Williams(2); Willis; Wood; Woodbury; Wyatt(2); Wylie; Yeoman

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Wednesday 2 January 1907
EXETER - An Inquest was held at the Exeter Workhouse yesterday on the body of a mason named GEORGE WEBBER, aged 69, who died the previous day. Dr Pereira said death was due to heart failure. the Jury returned a verdict accordingly.

EXETER HEAVITREE - Mr H. W. Gould, District coroner, held an Inquest at 21 St Anne's-road, Heavitree, yesterday on the body of JOHN DANIEL, aged three years. LUCY DANIEL, wife of JAMES DANIEL, railway labourer, identified the body as that of her son. the child had a bad cold and was taken worse on Saturday morning. He died about nine o'clock. The child had been strong and healthy. Dr T. Duncan said he considered death was due to congestion of the lungs and bronchitis, which brought on syncope. A verdict of "Death from Natural Causes" was returned.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Thursday 3 January 1907
TEIGNMOUTH - Fatal Fall At Teignmouth. - At Teignmouth Hospital yesterday morning Mr S. Hacker conducted an Inquest on the body of MRS CHARLOTTE TRUSCOTT, wife of MR T. TRUSCOTT, of Den-crescent. The husband stated that the deceased was 68 years of age, and, with himself, kept a lodging-house. On Monday morning, while he was fetching a porter, his wife went to wash the front door steps. On returning, the deceased, was lying on a sofa, having been placed there by Mr Thomason. She was unconscious and on Dr Johnson's arrival she was taken to the Hospital. MARY ELIZABETH TRUSCOTT, daughter-in-law, said that when picked up deceased had washed the front steps but not the area steps. Henry Philip Thomason, a visitor at Den-crescent, said he and his mother were in the drawing room of the house, when he heard a noise of something falling. A minute afterwards he heard a groan. On looking out of the window he saw MRS TRUSCOTT, and, on going to her assistance, found she was lying on her back on the area steps. She was unconscious and blood was coming from her mouth. Mr Henry Mills, House Surgeon at the Hospital, said that, in his opinion, deceased died through fracture of the skull. The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death," and, together with the Coroner, expressed their sympathy with the family.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Friday 4 January 1907
EXETER - Yesterday afternoon the Exeter City Coroner, Mr W. Linford Brown, held an Inquest at the St. Thomas Parish Church Institute concerning the death of ELIZABETH AGGETT, aged 77. MRS TREGALE, of Artizan's Dwellings, Exeter, said deceased was her mother. She suffered from bronchitis and on Wednesday afternoon witness found her quite unconscious. The deceased died before the arrival of a doctor. Mr Mark Farrant said he had attended the deceased for years. Death was due to syncope. The Jury returned a verdict of "Death from Natural Causes."

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Tuesday 8 January 1907
BAMPTON - A verdict of "Death from Natural Causes" was returned at an Inquest held yesterday at Bampton on the body of ROBERT HOWE, a labourer, who had been lodging at Bampton for the past six months. It appears that on Friday night he complained of feeling unwell and went to bed, where he was found dead the next morning. Mr Arthur Reed Down, Surgeon, said death was due to cerebral haemorrhage and heart failure. A verdict was returned as above.

CHUDLEIGH - Tragic Deaths At Chudleigh. Inquest And Verdicts. - Yesterday the District coroner, Mr S. Hacker, held inquires at the Town Hall, Chudleigh into the two tragic deaths which took place in the town at the end of the week. The first Inquiry related to GEORGE BERRY, aged 27 years, a clay cutter of Woodway-street, who disappeared on Thursday morning and whose body was found on Saturday in the river Teign. - ALICE BERRY, the widow, said that she was only married to deceased a fortnight ago. He had never been himself since he had influenza two years ago and during the past twelve months got worse. He complained of his head and that he could not sleep. All through the Christmas he was very depressed and quiet. She had heard him say that life was not worth living, as he could not get any sleep, but he had never threatened to commit suicide. - George Hosegood, another clay cutter, said he saw the deceased about a quarter past seven on Thursday morning near the Bellamarsh level crossing. He appeared to be going towards Chudleigh Knighton, which was away from his work. Half an hour later Frederick Moyse saw the deceased's work basket and tea can near the bridge which spanned the river. As the articles were there on his return to dinner he took them home. When he heard that the river was being searched for deceased he took the things to the Police. - James Phillpotts, a packer on the Great Western Railway, deposed that while walking from Trusham on Saturday morning he saw the body of the deceased lying face downwards in the river Teign by the Pile Bridge. - P.C. Lobb, who recovered the body, said that he found on deceased some correspondence from Manchester relating to some pills which he was taking. A box of pills was also found on the deceased. - MRS BERRY said that her husband had written for and tried several things. - Dr Walters said deceased came to him three weeks ago and complained of sleeplessness and indigestion. Witness gave him some medicine and sleeping powders, and had not seen him since. Death was due to drowning. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Found Drowned," and expressed sympathy with the widow.

CHUDLEIGH - The second Inquiry was into the death of GEORGE BERRY TAVERNER, a prominent tradesman of Chudleigh, who was found hanging from a beam in his loft in New Exeter-road, on Saturday evening. - WALTER GEORGE TAVERNER, son of the deceased, said that his father, who was 53 years of age, was working on Saturday with his men in connection with the business he carried on as a hay, corn and coal merchant. He had tea with the family. About half-past five witness went out milking. On returning about six o'clock he went into the loft to fetch some bedding for the horses and saw his father hanging from a beam by a rope. He ran down and called for help. - Evidence was given by John Grant and Frank Stone, two employees of the deceased, that they proceeded to the loft and cut down the deceased. He was hanging by a rope which was always left on the beam for the weighing scales to be attached. His toes were just touching the ground. - P.C. Rowland said that he tried artificial respiration for some time, but without effect. - WILLIAM TAVERNER, veterinary surgeon, of Newton Abbot, said that deceased, who was his cousin, suffered from disease in the abdomen, which witness told him would necessitate an operation. Deceased said that it gave him dreadful pain at times, but that he would never be operated on. His cousin was a highly sensitive man, very nervous and dreaded the operation. Deceased was in good circumstances and must have committed the act on the impulse of the moment. - Dr Walters said that the operation referred to was a simple one, and would have afforded great relief. The deceased also suffered from a form of heart disease, which led to fits of depression. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Suicide while Temporarily Insane, and, with the Coroner, expressed sympathy with the widow and family.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Wednesday 9 January 1907
TAVISTOCK - Sudden Death At Tavistock. - An Inquest was held at the Tavistock Guildhall yesterday by Mr R. R. Rodd, County Coroner, touching the death of JANE ROLSTONE, the widow of a gardener, aged 80 years. Sergeant-Major Bowles was Foreman of the Jury. - MATILDA WOOD, a daughter, deposed that her mother had been spending Christmas at Plymouth. On Friday morning witness met her in the Tavistock Market, when she was looking fairly well, but frail. She called to see the deceased on Saturday night, who, when she left, was having broth for supper. She called again at 3 o'clock on Sunday afternoon, and found her mother dead in bed. John Ernest Steer, publican and milk purveyor, stated that he found the deceased's jug at the bottom of the stairs and shouted up to her as usual, "How are you this morning?" She replied that she had been poorly all night and asked him to tell her daughter, MRS WOOD to come out and see her. He deeply regretted that his attention to his business caused him to forget to deliver the message. Directly he thought of it on Sunday evening he sent a message to MRS WOOD. Dr C. J. Cook of Plymouth, said that the deceased was under his care from December 27th to December 30th. She was suffering from an attack of syncope, to which her death was due. The Jury returned a verdict of "Death from Natural Causes," and the Coroner expressed his own and the Jury's sympathy with the members of the family. Mr W. Wakeling, of Plymouth, a relative, thanked the Coroner and the Jury for their expression of sympathy.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Thursday 10 January 1907
STOKE FLEMING - Inquest On MR PETHERBRIDGE Of Stoke Fleming. - Mr Sidney Hacker yesterday Inquired into the circumstances attending the death of MR ROBERT PEARSE PETHERBRIDGE of Ash Farm, Stoke Fleming, near Dartmouth, who on Tuesday morning was found lying dead in a stream of water at Bugford - a neighbouring farm. It was stated that deceased's face was in the water, but the back of his head was out. Near by was his coat, which had been folded up, and upon which had been placed his hat. It was stated that deceased went to Plymouth on Saturday for a change, but there he appeared very depressed, and would not stop longer than Sunday, saying that he must get home to see the cattle. In 1900 he sustained concussion of the brain as a result of a trap accident. A verdict of "Suicide while Temporarily Insane" was returned.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Friday 11 January 1907
EXETER - Yesterday, at the Exeter Police Court, an Inquest was held by the City Coroner, Mr W. L. Brown, on the body of MARY ANN MARKS TEDBURY, widow of WILLIAM TEDBURY, a gardener, who died on Tuesday last in Palmer's Almshouses, Magdalen-street. Mrs Mary Halse, of Friars Hope, said that deceased, who was her aunt, was 76 years of age. She had been confined to her bed for two months. The deceased's aged sister, who lived with her, said she had been ill for two years, and died suddenly on Tuesday night. Mr H. Andrews said that death was due to heart failure, caused by old age. The Jury returned a verdict of "Death from Natural Causes."

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Tuesday 15 January 1907
EXETER - Mr W. Linford Brown, the City Coroner, conducted an Inquiry at the Exeter Police Court yesterday, into the circumstances attending the death of ERNEST HARRY SNELL, the eight months old child of a carter, living at Old Okehampton-place, Okehampton-street, Exeter. - It was stated that the child had been apparently quite well during the past few weeks. It was restless on Friday evening, but the mother considered this was due to the fact that it was vaccinated the previous Monday. The child, however, died on Saturday morning. - Mr Andrew, Surgeon, stated that the child was quite well when brought to him to be vaccinated. It was a well-formed, well-nourished child. A post mortem examination made by another doctor at his request revealed signs of intense bronchitis and that the heart was engorged. Death was due to acute bronchitis and it was quite possible that the illness developed very quickly. He did not think the vaccination of the child had had any bad effects. If any had resulted, they would not be apparent until after the rising of the vesicles. - A verdict of "Death from Natural Causes" was returned.

EXETER - An Inquest was held by the City Coroner, Mr W. Linford Brown at the Police Court yesterday on the body of the nine-year-old son of FREDERICK JAMES MANNING, a painter's labourer of 23 Smythen-street. Exeter. the boy died as the result of an epileptic fit. It was stated that the lad had had as many as seven fits in one day. A verdict of "Death from Natural Causes" was returned.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Wednesday 16 January 1907
COLYTON - An Inquest was held at Colyton yesterday, conducted by Mr Cox, Coroner for the District, concerning the death of the male child of CAROLINE PALMER, a girl of 16, belonging to Colyton, and employed by Mr Banks of Howberhayne Farm. Dr W. H. Evans expressed the opinion that the child had had no separate existence. The Jury returned a verdict accordingly. The Coroner, in summing up, strongly censured Mrs Banks, the girl's mistress.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Thursday 17 January 1907
PAIGNTON - Killed On The Railway. Inquest At Paignton. - Mr G. F. Kellock, Deputy Coroner, yesterday, held an Inquest at Paignton on the body of MR RY. MORRIS, father of the Paignton Stationmaster, who was killed on the railway line at the Young Park crossing on Monday. - Evidence of identification was given by MR H. MORRIS, son, who said his father intended visiting his (deceased's) wife at a Nursing Home on Monday and could easily get there over the crossing. - Miss Kathleen Marshall, a nurse, said she saw deceased from a house opposite the crossing. He was standing with one foot on the rail looking in the opposite direction to that in which the train was approaching. He saw the train as it was upon him and a look of horror came into his face, while he made a movement as if to get out of the way, but it was too late. - Frederick Heywood, the driver, said he noticed deceased at the crossing, and, as usual at this spot, blew his whistle. To his alarm deceased, who had been standing well clear of the line, started to go across just as the engine was on him, and the buffer struck him. The train was stopped and witness sent the fireman to see what had occurred. The witness was questioned by MR MORRIS and the Jury as to whether he could see the deceased as stated, but he was quite sure, and Inspector Shattock (Exeter) said he had ascertained this was so. The Inspector said he was quite satisfied that the officials of the train did all they could. - James Ellicombe, the fireman, and Edward Parnell, the guard, also gave evidence of finding the mangled body between the metals and P.C. Brand said the body was 25 to 30 feet from the crossing. There was no letter on deceased, whose watch was still going when searched. - The Coroner remarked on the clearness of Miss Marshall's evidence and remarked that level crossings must exist not only in England but throughout the world. - MR MORRIS said the whistle was always blown on approaching this crossing and he stated that deceased was hard of hearing. - A verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned, and a vote of sympathy with the family was passed by the Jury and acknowledged by MR MORRIS.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Friday 18 January 1907
PAIGNTON - An Inquest on the infant child of MR E. HAWKINGS, artificial teeth maker, resulted in a verdict of "Death from Natural Causes." The child was born early in the morning before a doctor or nurse could be summoned, and did through suffocation.

BOVEY TRACEY - South Devon Farmer's Suicide. Hung With A Piece Of String. - Mr George F. Kellock, Deputy Coroner, conducted an Inquest at Luscombe Farm, near Bovey Tracey, on the body of THOMAS DAYMENT, a farmer, aged 86 years, who, it was stated, committed suicide by hanging himself with a piece of string to the post of his bed. Mr R. Ellis, of Pitt Farm, was chosen Foreman. On Friday morning MRS DAYMENT, a daughter-in-law, took deceased up his tea and biscuits about 7.30, when he appeared to be in his usual spirits. On going up again about 10 o'clock to help him dress she found him hanging to the post of his bed by a piece of string that was used to hang a curtain on to keep the draught from the bed. She called JOHN DAYMENT, a son, who cut deceased down. A verdict of "Temporary Insanity" was brought in by the Jury. Much sympathy is felt in the neighbourhood for the family who are greatly respected.

GREAT TORRINGTON - Torrington Revelations. Mother Censured. - An Inquiry has been held by Mr G. W. F. Brown, Coroner, at the Town Hall, Torrington, into the death of ALFRED JONES, age about nine weeks, an illegitimate child of MAUD MARY JONES. The child was taken ill and Dr Brown was sent for, but refused to give a certificate until the Coroner had been consulted. Dr Brown made a post mortem examination. - Inspector Francis, of the N.S.P.C.C. (Barnstaple) watched the case for that Society. - The first witness was Thomas Kelly, an insurance agent, of Torrington, who stated that he called on business at the house where the mother of deceased lived. The grandmother was nursing the child at the time. In course of conversation she said she did not know what was the matter with the child's arm. It seemed of no use to it. Witness asked if it was paralysed. She replied that she did not know. He examined the child's arm and found it broken. He asked if he should fetch a doctor, but the grandmother preferred leaving it until the mother came in. However, he went to the doctor and gave information. In reply to the Coroner, he said he did not know whether the child was insured or not. - The mother of the child, MARY JONES, said she was a married woman, living apart from her husband. She was residing with her father and mother. She did not know the child's arm was injured, and did not know how it happened. She did not notice it was broken until the doctor was sent for. The child did not cry much unless she touched its arm. She had previously washed the child and found that it kept its arm down by its side. She did not think it necessary to send for a doctor. The child was not insured. She had had other children, but they had died. The last one was born dead. She fed deceased on milk. - MARY JANE WARD, grandmother, said she could not account for the injury to the arm. She knew nothing about it. The child slept with its mother. The mother was a heavy sleeper. - Dr Brown gave evidence as to the death occurring from natural causes. He had made a post-mortem examination. There were no marks of violence, but the child was not well nourished. The cause of death was collapse, resulting from gangrene of the bowels. - The Jury returned a verdict in accordance with the medical testimony. - The Coroner said the Inquiry revealed a horrible state of affairs. He severely warned the mother as to sleeping with children, as she was a heavy sleeper. He cautioned her to mend her ways and not to come before him again.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Saturday 19 January 1907
CREDITON - The Crediton Wall Accident. A Fatal Trip. - The circumstances of the Crediton wall accident, which resulted in the death of a labourer, JOHN DREW, were investigated by Mr H. W. Gould, District Coroner, yesterday. - James Risdon, labourer, Crediton, brother-in-law of deceased, identified the body. DREW lived in Park-street, and was about 55 years of age. - William Buckwell, builder, Crediton, said deceased had been in his employ for the past fortnight and was engaged in taking down a cob-wall at the bottom of Park-street. He was employed on Thursday morning in throwing the last section. Witness visited the spot about 8.30 a.m. and found deceased had undermined the wall to let it drop inwards, towards an orchard. this was the custom. He excavated from the inside and would throw about 12ft. at a time. Deceased had dug away the centre of the piece, had reached the end, and was standing clear so as to finish the excavation. Witness, while standing in the road, noticed the piece tottering, and shouted "Look out, JACK; jump off." But deceased ran up a slope and tripped over at stone, and the wall was upon deceased before he had time to recover himself. Witness instantly sent a boy for a doctor and the Police and assisted a mason to dig out deceased. When rescued the deceased was breathing, but died before the arrival of Dr Campbell. It was unusual to prop a wall, inasmuch as the removal of the props would be a dangerous process, and be liable to throw the wall in an opposite direction to that intended. The deceased had thrown the other portions successfully. If he had not tripped, or if he had done as witness directed, he would have been safe. - John Parish, mason, working at the same place, corroborated. - Dr Scott-Campbell stated that when he arrived, a few minutes after 9 a.m., the deceased was dead. He found the left collar-bone fractured, but there were no other bones or limbs broken. The shock paralysed the action of the heart and in deceased's position prevented breathing. The cause of death was suffocation. - The Jury found that death was Accidental, and that no blame was attributable to anyone. They expressed sympathy with the widow and gave her their fees.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Monday 21 January 1907
EXETER - An Inquest concerning the death of HENRY WICKETT, aged seven weeks, son of HARRY WICKETT of 58 Bartholomew-street, who was found dead in bed by his mother. Mr Brash said death was due to convulsions. The Jury returned a verdict of "Death from Natural Causes".

EXETER - An Inquest was held on the male child of ERNEST CHARLES LACEY, of Astwick Villas, St. Thomas, who died a few hours after birth. The medical evidence was that the birth was premature, and the Jury returned a verdict accordingly.

FILLEIGH - Sudden Death At Filleigh. Died At Work. - An Inquest was held on Saturday by Mr G. W. F. Brown, County Coroner, on the body of an old man, aged 67, named HENRY BALE, a labourer, living at Farthingdale Cottage, Filleigh. From the evidence it transpired that the deceased left home on Thursday morning about nine o'clock to go to work at Tower Farm, Swymbridge. He had for some years been suffering from heart disease, but he appeared to be in better health on Thursday morning. He did not, however, return at his usual time in the evening and his wife sent one of the sons to look for him. It was after nine o'clock when the son found the deceased sitting against the hedge where he had been at work. He had a stick in his left hand, and a hook in the other hand. His lunch had not been touched, so that the dead body had probably been all day in the position in which it was found. - Dr F. W. Kendle, of Southmolton, said he had attended the deceased for many years for heart disease, and had warned him not to take violent exercise, or to do hard work. Death was due to heart disease. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Death from Natural Causes" and gave their fees to the widow.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Tuesday 22 January 1907
TORQUAY - At the Ellacombe Parish Room, Torquay, last evening, the Deputy Coroner held an Inquest respecting the death of JOHN ABEL, 74, labourer. Death was due to strangulation. The Jury returned a verdict of "Suicide while Temporarily Insane."

MOREBATH - Fatal Accident Near Bampton. The Inquest Opened. - Mr H. W. Gould, District coroner, opened an Inquiry at Exebridge, Morebath, yesterday, into the circumstances attending the death of THOMAS BOWDEN, aged 60 years, sawyer, of Exebridge. As reported in the "Gazette" yesterday, deceased was standing on a travelling bench at the Exebridge Steam Sawmills, guiding timber to be cut by a circular saw, when, by some means, the timber "dipped" and the unfortunate man fell back and met with his death by breaking his neck. William Goss, a labourer, was also knocked off the travelling bench, but escaped with a shaking. Goss saw BOWDEN reel round and fall back between the bench and the belt. He went to deceased's assistance. He was lying on his back helpless, and groaned once. Goss has expressed the opinion that the deceased saw the piece of timber flying back, and, in stepping out of the way to avoid it, fell back. The bench was about 3 ft. wide. - Only two witnesses were heard yesterday. MARY BOWDEN identified the body as that of her father. He enjoyed good health and was not subject to attacks of giddiness. - Mr Henry Paine, Surgeon, of Bampton, said when he arrived at the sawmills life was extinct. He formed the opinion that deceased had fractured his neck. There were no other injuries. - The Inquiry was adjourned when an inspector of Factories will attend. - Deceased was Secretary to a Friendly Society in Bampton. He was also for many years bandmaster of the Volunteer Band.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Wednesday 23 January 1907
DAWLISH - Child Burnt To Death At Dawlish. Flannelette And A Toy. - Mr G. F. Kellock, Deputy Coroner, held an inquest at Dawlish Vestry Hall, yesterday, touching the death of RICHARD WALTER RACKLEY, aged two and a half years, son of parents residing at Exeter-road. Mr James Gamlin was chosen Foreman of the Jury. - FANNY RACKLEY, wife of RICHARD WALTER RACKLEY, yachtsman, said she left the child in the house at 9 a.m. the previous day. It could not walk and was seated in an ordinary chair playing with a paper toy (usually called a brush, used at regatta fairs) close to the fire-guard. When she came home Mr and Mrs Richards (who lived opposite) were attending to the child, whom she discovered suffering from burns. - Dr Arthur Hudson said he found deceased suffering from severe burns about the body and face. It was conscious. After being attended to he ordered removal to the Cottage Hospital, where, however, the child died about an hour after admission. - Mrs Rachel Richards said she went to RACKLEY'S house, her husband noticing smoke issuing from their bedroom window. She discovered the child on the floor groaning. - Mr Richards said he wrapped deceased in his coat and extinguished the fire, afterwards taking off the clothes remaining, and applying oil. There was a fire-guard in the room, and nothing else was burning. - In reply to the Coroner, the mother said deceased was wearing a print dress with flannelette underneath. Mr Kellock: "There you are! That and the plaything was the cause of it all." - The Jury returned a verdict of "Death from Misadventure," and concurred in the Coroner's expression of thanks to Mr and Mrs Richards.

NORTH TAWTON - Sad Death Of A Boy At Northtawton. The Father Reprimanded. - Mr J. D. Prickman, County Coroner, yesterday held an Inquest at Great Beere Farm on the body of ERNEST TUCKER, a boy, 12 years of age, the son of WILLIAM HENRY TUCKER, a farm labourer, living at Hole Cottage. Mr H. Rattenbury was chosen Foreman of the Jury. WILLIAM HENRY TUCKER identified the body as that of his son, ERNEST TUCKER, who was 12 years old in April last. Witness was at present engaged at binding wood, at which he could earn about 1s 6d. a day. That, however, was not his work, as he was a cattleman. He was not at present physically weak, but previous to the last five years he had taken a bucketful of doctor's medicine. Mr M. Cutcliffe, Surgeon, stated that the mother called at his house on Wednesday and left a message requesting him to visit the child that afternoon or the next day. He accordingly went to Hole on Thursday and found the deceased in a very weak state, very ill and suffering from abdominal trouble. At the request of the Coroner he had made a post-mortem examination of the deceased. He found the body was fairly well nourished. There were signs of heart disease, the remains of an attack of pleurisy and acute inflammation of the bowels. He attributed death to natural causes. The Coroner, in summing up, referred to the sad surroundings of the case and to the destitute state of the home. He said the first duty of the father was to provide for his wife and family. He could scarcely accept the excuse of his not being in his usual situation as cattleman, as if he referred any Friday to the "Devon and Exeter Dailey Gazette" he would find many such situations on offer. Had there been any evidence of neglect of the family on his part, he would have found it a very serious matter. The Jury returned a verdict of "Death from Natural Causes," and added a rider "That they considered there had been neglect on the part of the father in not realising the serious condition of the deceased, and not obtaining medical assistance earlier."

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Friday 25 January 1907
WOOLACOMBE - An Inquest was held on the body of the victim, JAMES SOMERFIELD, aged 59, a labourer, whose home is at Ilfracombe, but who was lodging at Woolacombe, he having been employed in the work of cutting a new road for Miss Chichester of Arlington Court. The Inquest was held by the North Devon County Coroner, Mr G. W. F. Brown at the Pavilion. The evidence disclosed the fact that the earth fell upon the deceased, who must then have fallen on the point of the pickaxe which he had been using, the point entering his body and ripping him open. The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death," and, as also did the doctor, handed their fees to the family.

MOREBATH - Fatal Accident At Morebath. - An adjourned Inquest on the body of THOMAS BOWDEN, aged 60 years was held at Exe Bridge, Morebath, yesterday. Deceased was working at a circular saw at Exe Bridge Saw Mills, when a slip apparently occurred with a piece of timber. A man working with deceased was thrown to the ground and he saw deceased fall from a staging about 17 inches high. The evidence did not show whether the timber struck deceased or not. He, however, had his neck broken. "Accidental Death" was returned.

NEWTON ABBOT - Fatal Fall At Newton. Dangerous Stairs. - Mr Sidney Hacker, County Coroner, held an Inquest at the Newton Town Hall yesterday relative to the death of a little girl named ELLEN MAUD GERMAN, aged 8 ½ years, who fell downstairs at the Prospect-terrace Cottage Home on Tuesday and when picked up by the foster-mother was found to be dead. - Miss Sabina Attwell, the foster-mother at the Home, was called, and said she heard a sound as of someone falling and on going to ascertain the cause found deceased lying at the bottom of the stairs. She did not think deceased was then dead, but she appeared to have fainted. - Witness wrapped her up in a blanket, nursed her for about twenty minutes, and then, as there were no signs of returning to life, called the other foster-mother at the next house, and Dr Culross was afterwards summoned. In reply to a question from the Coroner, witness said she considered the stairs were dangerous, as there were twelve stairs the children had to go down over, and it was very hard to see the first two or three either by day or by night. Witness had fallen down the stairs, as well as most of the children at the Home. She had told the Superintendent about the stairs and he (the Superintendent) said he did not consider it was safe for the children to go down them. Coroner: You say you sent the children down these stairs after the Master told you they were dangerous? - Witness: I always have sent them down, sir. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death," and added a rider to the effect that, according to the evidence tendered that day, the stairs appeared to be very dangerous and should be immediately seen to in order that the lives of the other children should not be in danger. - Mr Mortimore remarked that they greatly regretted the occurrence and now that the attention of the Committee had been drawn to the matter it would receive their attention. This was the first death that had occurred at the Home, which had been open five years.

EXETER - A verdict of "Death from Natural Causes" was returned at an Inquest at Exeter yesterday on JAMES LORAM of 63a Paris-street, Exeter, brass-worker, aged 53. Deceased was met by a friend on Exe Bridge on Wednesday during the dinner hour and before he could reply to a salutation fell and died. Medical evidence showed that death was due to acute heart failure.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Saturday 26 January 1907
WOODBURY - At an Inquest at Woodbury yesterday on ERNEST BASTIN, who was drowned while sliding on ice on a pond, a verdict of "Accidentally Drowned" was returned.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Monday 28 January 1907
NEWTON ABBOT - At an Inquest held at Newton Abbot on Saturday by Mr S. Hacker, on CLEMENTINA NORTON, three years old, daughter of JOHN STANCOMBE NORTON, quarryman, of Aller, it was stated by the father that his younger children often visited the quarry while he was at work. On Wednesday deceased and her brother went there, and as the day was cold they were allowed to go into the shed, in which the men took their meals, to play. There was a fire burning there in an unprotected grate. After having his dinner he returned to his work and almost immediately deceased rushed out of the shed with her clothes in flames. With the assistance of a fellow workman named Searle, witness got the blaze out, but not until the child had received severe injuries. In reply to the Coroner's question whether it did not strike him that it was a dangerous thing to leave the children in a place with an open fire, witness said he didn't think of it. The Coroner: Children do not think; it is the duty of parents to think for them. The medical evidence showed that deceased died from shock following the burns. A verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Tuesday 29 January 1907
STOKE DAMEREL - Exeter Signalman Killed. - An Inquest was held yesterday at Devonport on the body of WILLIAM HOMEYARD, relief signal linesman, who resided at Andrew's Cottages, Cowick-street, St Thomas. Deceased, who was employed by the London and South Western Railway Company, was sent to St Budeaux to fill a temporary vacancy. He was engaged in repairing a signal on Friday and slipped off the ladder. His left collar bone and several ribs were broken and the left lung pierced, death being due to haemorrhage. A verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned, the Jury expressing their sympathy with the relatives of the deceased.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Wednesday 30 January 1907
BLACKAWTON - An Eccentric Woman At Blackawton. The Inquest. - Yesterday Mr Sidney Hacker, County Coroner, held an Inquest at Blackawton concerning the death of EMILY TIERNEY, 67, spinster, who was found on Sunday morning lying across her bed in a dying and unconscious condition. - The evidence showed that deceased lived alone and had been in ill-health for a long time. She was in receipt of 10s. a week from her friends. Deceased objected to a doctor being called in. - One witness, Mrs Hamilton, expressed the opinion that death was due to exposure and starvation. She admitted that MISS TIERNEY had meals, but said she would not buy suitable food. The cottage was in a very insanitary condition. She would not open the windows, and never had a fire lighted. - Dr J. H. Harris, of Dartmouth, said deceased had been suffering from Bright's Disease, and death was due to a uraemic convulsion. Deceased was a semi-imbecile, but was not bad enough to be under restraint. She would not allow anyone to do anything for her. She used to fill her house with cats and other animals: in fact, it was a quintessence of filth. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Death from Natural Causes."

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Thursday 31 January 1907
EXETER - Found Dead In A Hut. Inquest At Exeter. - Mr W. Linford Brown, the Exeter Coroner, held an Inquest yesterday on the body of BENJAMIN PRIOR, general labourer, aged 49, who resided at South Wonford. SARAH JANE PRIOR, wife, said the deceased had complained of pains in the region of the heart and had been taking medicine. He went to his work at Queen-street Station as usual on Tuesday morning. Ralph Melhuish, yard foreman, stated that deceased appeared in good health and spirits at 10.30 a.m. Thomas Kiff, Sandford Street, said he found the door of deceased's hut closed, and on opening it he saw deceased lying dead. P.C. Perkins stated that Mr Wolfe, of Heavitree, Surgeon, had told him that deceased was suffering from a very bad heart and that it was a wonder he had lasted so long. Mr Brash, Surgeon, said he considered death was due to heart failure. A verdict of "Death from Natural Causes" was returned.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Friday 1 February 1907
EXETER - Exeter Woman's Death. The Doctor And His Account. - Mr W. Linford Brown, City Coroner, conducted an Inquest at the Exeter Police Station, yesterday, on the body of ANN WATKINS, wife of THOMAS WATKINS, aged 50 years, who resided at 2 York-terrace, Exeter. - George Thomas Harris, bank cashier, of Holsworthy, identified the body as that of his aunt. Witness did not know whether her husband was living. He had not had any fixed occupation for the last ten years, but was once a bank agent at Holsworthy. - Mrs Cole, deceased's landlady, said MRS WATKINS had been lodging with her for eight weeks. During the past week she had suffered from bronchitis and witness had poulticed her. - John Hogarth, a fellow lodger, said he went to fetch Dr Duncan about 5.45 a.m. on Wednesdays, but the latter said he couldn't come, and added that there were other doctors. Witness again rang him up, and said it was a serious case, but received no further reply. He, eventually, secured the services of Dr Bradford. - A Juror: Did Dr Duncan give any reason for not coming? - Witness: No. - Mrs Cole stated that Dr Duncan had previously treated the deceased when she lived in Summerland-street. - The Coroner said he had sent P.C. Perkins to ask the doctor for an explanation. - P.C. Perkins said Dr Duncan had told him that he treated deceased about twelve months ago in Summerland-street, and as there was a little account outstanding between them he did not care to attend her again until that was paid. - Dr Bradford said death was due to heart failure, brought on by chronic bronchitis. The whole system, however, had been weakened by alcohol. - A verdict of "Death from Natural Causes" was returned.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Saturday 2 February 1907
AXMINSTER - Mr C. E. Cox, Coroner, held an Inquest at Axminster Workhouse yesterday concerning the death of the infant child of FLORENCE STRUGNALL, an inmate of the House. The mother stated that the infant was twelve days old and that on waking on Thursday morning she discovered it was dead. Dr Langran, who made a post-mortem examination, said the child died from suffocation. the Jury returned a verdict in accordance with the medical evidence.

ILFRACOMBE - Mr G. Brown, Coroner for North Devon, has held an Inquest at the Crescent Hotel, Ilfracombe on the body of MRS EMILY WILLIAMS, aged 58, the wife of a boatman named SAMUEL WILLIAMS, who, according to the medical evidence, died from loss of blood due to the bursting of a varicose vein. The Jury returned a verdict in accordance with the testimony. It was stated that when deceased was taken ill she was on her way to the christening of her grandchild.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Wednesday 6 February 1907
BARNSTAPLE - The Sudden Death At Barnstaple. - An Inquest was held last evening at Mr Dennis's Temperance Hotel, Cross-street, Barnstaple, on the body of JAMES BRADFORD TUCKER, landlord of the Queen Anne's Hotel, a native of Tiverton, 65 years of age, who died suddenly in the bar of his Hotel the previous night. The Inquest was held before Mr T. A. R. Bencraft, Borough Coroner. The evidence given by Mr Alfred Mills, the widow, and Dr C. Cooke was to the effect that the deceased and his wife had been in Australia for some years, where he had done well as a publican and was much respected. He became the landlord of the Queen Anne's Tavern, Barnstaple, about three weeks ago, but, not liking it, he had made arrangements to transfer it to someone else and possession was to be taken that day. It had been the intention of the deceased to return to Australia at the end of this week. When in the bar the previous night (Monday), about 10 o'clock, serving a customer and conversing with him, he suddenly fell down, and before assistance could come to him he was dead. He told a customer (Mr Alfred Mills) that he had lost money over the tavern, and that he was going out of it the next day. The witness stated that the deceased seemed fairly cheerful and that he had had nothing to drink. When Dr Cooke arrived life was extinct. - The widow stated that her husband suffered from a weak heart and that the worry connected with the Queen Anne's Tavern had made his health worse. He never spoke after he fell. The evidence of Dr Cooke showed that death was due to heart failure. - The Jury returned a verdict accordingly.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Monday 11 February 1907
NEWTON ABBOT. - Newton Abbot Boy's Sudden Death. - Mr S. Hacker, District Coroner, held an Inquest at Newton Abbot, on Saturday, on the body of ARTHUR LOUIS CHADDER, aged 17, who died suddenly at 37 Fairfield-terrace, on Thursday evening. - The evidence showed that deceased lived with a sister, as both parents were dead. He was in good health up to Thursday, when he complained of giddiness and in the evening he went to bed unwell. His sister took up a cup of tea at ten, and found him groaning and unable to recognise her. He died shortly after. - Dr Charles Martin said he found deceased unconscious, breathing heavily and suffering from convulsive contraction of the heart. On making a post mortem examination, he found that a clot of blood had formed in one of the cavities of the heart, and this, although a very rare occurrence, satisfactorily accounted for death. - A verdict of "Death from Natural Causes" was returned.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Tuesday 12 February 1907
COLYTON - Colyton Drowning Case. Inquest and Verdict. - Yesterday afternoon Dr Tweed, of Honiton, Deputy Coroner, held an Inquest at Colyton concerning the death of ERNEST LONG, 31, of West-street, Colyton, whose body was found in the river Coly. - GEORGE LONG, deceased's father, said his son was a baker's assistant, and was employed by Mr Lock. For about a week he had been depressed on account of having received notice to leave from his employer. He last saw him alive on Friday. The deceased was a single man. - William Lock, baker and confectioner, with whom deceased was employed, said he had given deceased notice to leave, because he had not recently given satisfaction. - Herbert Wyatt, a fellow workman of the deceased's, said he last saw LONG alive on Saturday morning at 4.45, when he entered the bakehouse. Witness observed that he had been particularly quiet for some days. - Mr Lock, recalled, said the accounts kept by the deceased were found somewhat incorrect. - Dr Evans, who examined the body, attributed death to drowning. - The Jury returned a verdict to the effect that deceased Drowned Himself during Temporary Insanity.

LUSTLEIGH - Death Of A Lustleigh Tradesman. - An Inquest was held by Mr S. Hacker yesterday on the body of WILLIAM H. HARVEY, builder and contractor, of Lustleigh. Deceased had a stroke some two years ago, from which he never wholly recovered. Soon after noon on Saturday he was taken ill and died about 4 p.m. The evidence of D. Sutherland was to the effect that death was caused by cerebral haemorrhage caused by the breaking of a blood vessel. The Jury returned a verdict in accordance with the medical evidence. Much sympathy is felt for the family. Deceased was forty-nine years of age. For many years MR HARVEY was a bellringer and up to two years ago captain of the Lustleigh bellringers and many of his holidays were spent in taking his men from church to church in order to ring peals. He was also a prominent member of the Rational Sick and Benefit Society. For a long time he was an active and enthusiastic member of the Horticultural Society's Committee.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Thursday 14 February 1907
SHALDON - Shaldon Child's Death. - Yesterday morning an Inquest was held at the Victoria Hall, Shaldon, on the body of GERALD BULLEY, the child of EMILY BUTLER, a single woman, of Shaldon, and employed as a domestic. It appeared that the child, who was a year and a half old, was put out to nurse with Mrs Ware, wife of a labourer of Middle-street, Shaldon, who received 5s. per week for its keep. The child was somewhat delicate, but up to Sunday had been in its usual health. Then it apparently caught a bronchial cold and in the night began to groan. Mr Bell, Surgeon, was sent for, but the child died before his arrival. He found on making a post mortem examination that the child was well nourished, but that the lungs showed signs of bronchial pneumonia. Death was due to natural causes, and the Jury returned a verdict accordingly.

EXETER - A verdict of "Death from Natural Causes" was returned at an Inquest held at the Exeter Police Station yesterday, on the body of WILLIAM BOWDEN, the infant child of WILLIAM BOWDEN, railway signalman of 10 Nelson-road, St. Thomas. Evidence was given to the effect that the child was born on the 10th inst., that it breathed for a few moments and died. Mr Stokes, Surgeon, said death was due to premature birth and natural causes.

TEIGNMOUTH - The Teignmouth Tragedy. Depression And Suicide. - The death of THOMAS EDWARD LEE, labourer, of 36 Mulberry-street, Teignmouth, which occurred on the Great Western Railway, at Teignmouth, on Tuesday afternoon, was the subject yesterday of an Inquiry by the District coroner, Mr S. Hacker, at the Town Hall, Teignmouth. - The Great Western Railway Company was represented by Mr T. Shattock (Chief Inspector), Mr Eddy (Engineers' Department, Exeter), Mr Flewellen (Locomotive Department, Newton) and Mr W. E. Hole (Stationmaster at Teignmouth.) - The body was identified by ADA LOUISA LEE, widow, who said deceased had not been in regular employment for the last nine months, and was very downhearted in consequence. On Tuesday morning deceased went out at 9 o'clock to look for work and she did not see him alive again. - William Avery, labourer, of Lower Brook-street, said that he met deceased the previous day on the Esplanade about 25 minutes to 11 o'clock. Deceased went towards the seawall. - Thomas Murphy, brewer, staying at 4 Den Crescent, said that he was walking along the sea-wall with his wife, and saw deceased standing in the middle of the down railway line and watching an up passenger train approaching. When the train was about fifteen yards off, deceased suddenly crouched down and, crossing the six-foot way, deliberately laid his head over the inner rail, with his neck resting on the metal. Before anything could be done the train passed over him. Witness shouted to the driver and made signals intending to indicate that he had run over someone, but the train did not stop. - Isaac Joseph Green, of Bristol, the driver of the train which left Teignmouth at 12.58 p.m., said that he had just got out of Teignmouth Station, and was going about ten miles an hour, when he saw the last witness on the sea-wall waving his hands. Witness thought at first that he was signalling to someone in the train, as people on the seawall often did. The gentleman, however, got so excited that he looked back along the train to see if any of the coach doors were open, but as everything seemed all right he went on. He thought that perhaps a dog had got under the train and on examining the engine at Dawlish he found one spot of blood on the sand pipe. - The Coroner: Did you not feel a jerk? - Witness: No; bless my soul, the engine weighs 110 tons. If it went over a horse and cart I should hardly feel it. - The Foreman (Mr F. Cole): You did not think it was necessary to stop the train when you saw the gentleman waving his hands? - Witness: No. I did not know there was a man there, or I should have stopped. - Witness, answering the Coroner, said he could not understand how deceased was not struck by the engine-guard, as it was only 3 ½ inches above the rail. - Mr Flewellen said that the deceased might have pressed his neck down on the line, or the guard might have partially cut the neck and the wheels have completed the severance. - The Coroner: How was it you did not see the man in front of you? - Witness: The line curves a great deal and unless the man were 30 or 40 yards ahead, I could not see him from the engine. - Mr Flewellen explained that the engine was 35 feet long, that there was a very wide footplate and that the two would prevent the driver seeing anything immediately in front of the engine. - P.C. Friendship said he found the body of deceased lying in the six-foot way, and the head between the rails of the up line. - MRS LEE, mother of the deceased, said her son worked at one place for 23 years. About nine months ago he was discharged and he had never been the same man since. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Suicide while Temporarily Insane" and expressed sympathy with the widow and relatives.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Friday 15 February 1907
BRAMPFORD SPEKE - Killed Near Exeter. A Lover's "Tiff." Summons And Suicide. - A lover's quarrel, an alleged assault and a summons, apparently led up to the suicide near Stafford's Bridge, about three miles from Exeter, of a stationer's carrier, named HENRY SIMMONS, of 11 Leigh-street, Holborn. the deceased was seen standing at the level crossing and as the Bristol express approached him he threw his hat into the air and then jumped in front of the engine. In his pocket was found the summons and a letter addressed to Miss Eliza Harbourn, 27 Gale's Gardens, Bethnal Green-road, London, N.E. This was read by the Deputy Coroner, Mr F. Thomas, at the Inquest at Brampford Speke. The letter commenced "My dearest Eliza," and stating "When I asked you if you were going to charge me and you said yes, and through you saying that little word this is the consequences ..... It is a marvellous thing I have not assaulted you before - the temper you have. You could never give me a civil answer..... Had I married you, you would not have had a bad husband. I have still got the same amount of affection for you, so I must say 'good-bye' to you for ever .... Yours affectionately, HARRY. - There were ten crosses at the bottom of the letter. On another piece of paper deceased left all he had to Charlie James, a fellow lodger. A verdict of "Suicide while Temporarily Insane" was returned.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Saturday 16 February 1907
NEWTON ABBOT - The Death In A Newton Train. - At the inquest held at Newton Abbot yesterday on JOHN COLES, Bishopsteignton, George Maddicott, farmer, Bishopsteignton, stated that deceased, 66 years of age, was formerly a gardener, but had not worked for years. In the summer he did tent-preaching in Hereford and Worcester, but witness did not know how he was paid for this. He had no pension nor private means. The Coroner, Mr Hacker: But how did he live? - Witness: He laboured for the Gospel, and the Lord always met his needs. He was known as an evangelist, or preacher of the Gospel. On Thursday he left home to attend a meeting at the Gospel Hall at Newton. He was a very active man and always enjoyed good health, never having had a doctor in his life. William Percy Austin said that deceased walked from Bishopsteignton to Newton and after attending the meeting had tea at his house, prior to going to the Station to return to Teignmouth, where he was to attend a meeting in the evening. He stated that deceased entered the 6.32 train at Newton, and within a few minutes breathed heavily and became unconscious. He was removed to the waiting-room. Dr Scrase said when he arrived deceased was dead. On making a post-mortem he found the heart in an advanced state of fatty degeneration and death was due to syncope. The Jury returned a verdict of "Natural Causes."

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Tuesday 19 February 1907
IDE - A verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned at an Inquest held yesterday at Ide on the body of WILLIAM HOLE, of Knowle Cottage, Ide, bailiff's agent, aged 66 years. Deceased was going home on the top of a waggon on Friday, when he was thrown off through, it is surmised, a wheel of the waggon dropping into a deep rut. His neck was broken.

GREAT TORRINGTON - Torrington Resident's Sudden Death. Inquest. - Mr G. W. F. Brown, District Coroner, held an Inquest in the Torrington Town Hall yesterday, on the body of MRS HARRIET TAYLOR, wife of MR JOHN TAYLOR, Calf-street, Torrington. The husband identified the body, and said his wife was 67 years. He last saw her alive on Saturday morning about 9.30 when she appeared to be in her usual health. He went to work, but was called about 10.15 to find his wife dead in an armchair in the kitchen. His daughter was present. Deceased had suffered for years from heart complaint and a doctor had attended her, but not recently. She sometimes had two or three attacks a week. - ELLEN TAYLOR, daughter, said she was in the kitchen with her mother (who was sitting in the armchair), when the latter complained of feeling a pain in the back part of her head and then expired. Dr Macindoe, who arrived about 10.45 found deceased dead and attributed death to heart failure. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Death from Natural Causes," and expressed sympathy with MR TAYLOR and family in their loss.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Wednesday 20 February 1907
LYDFORD - The Late MR DICKER, Of Totnes. The Inquest. - We reported a short time since that MR DICKER, an agent, was missing from Totnes. A day or two since we gave a report from our Tavistock correspondent of the discovery of the body of MR DICKER in a linhay near Princetown. Mr J. D. Prickman has held an Inquest on the body. The evidence of deceased's son, CHARLES E. DICKER, of Newton Abbot, was to the effect that on January 22nd MRS DICKER saw her husband in Totnes, and then left for a visit to Newton Abbot. Deceased was seen by a neighbour in Totnes on the 24th January. Since then he had been missing from the neighbourhood. Witness said his father had been in the employ of Messrs. Singer and Co., for nearly ten years. - Mr Frederick Smith, of Powder Mills, near Princetown, deposed to finding the body of the deceased hanging in a shed on his farm. - P.C. Radford stated that he found on the body a pocket diary, in which was an entry supposed to be meant for the deceased's wife. It was: "Ask your father to see to my worldly affairs, and hand you my money. Then take care of it." - Another entry was: "I came away from Totnes mad, and did not know where I was going. I have walked all over Dartmoor, and laid by walls and hedges. I have been in the barn, where I shall be found, three nights up to now, Thursday, 4 p.m. Agonies of pain in mind and body God bless you, but do keep away from the drink. That is what worried me so dreadful, you know. But it is too late now; I must end it. Good-bye. God bless you and the boys - LEWIS." On another page was: "I have been walking about for days with my mind gone and stopping in this barn, where I shall be found. Ask Mr Harris to pardon me if he can and pay you any money owing. - Signed, LEWIS. It was the furniture that worried me and drove me mad." - Another entry was: "ANNIE. - If you had stopped drink this would never have happened. I have asked you scores of times to sign the pledge, as an example to me. It would have made a man of me. You know what my brain is like. Do, I beg of you, leave off all drink, for my sake; I am going, then you will go on all right. - LEWIS." - Dr Dyer, of Princetown, attributed death to strangulation, caused by hanging. The body was completely frozen and that prevented his determining the probable day of death. There was no question of starvation. - The Coroner said there was sufficient evidence to show the state of deceased's mind at the time of his death. - A verdict of "Suicide while Temporarily Insane" was returned.

HALBERTON - The Halberton Sensation. Inquest On Exhumed Body. Death From Natural Causes. - Mr H. W. Gould, District Coroner, conducted an Inquiry at Halberton yesterday, into the circumstances attending the death of the male child of LUCY KERSLAKE WILLIAMS, single woman, of Halberton. - Captain George Izat, R.N., was chosen Foreman of the Jury. - Mr J. F. Pugsley, of Tiverton, watched the proceedings on behalf of the sexton at Halberton (William Norton). Others present included Mr J. Hosegood, of Cullompton, (Registrar of Births for the District), Inspector Thompson, N.S.P.C.C., and the Rev. Prebendary Gregory (vicar of Halberton). - The Coroner said the Inquiry was held under most unusual circumstances. The child was born on February 1st, and lived an hour. It was then buried without any certificate. It was difficult to conceive how such a thing could have happened. On the facts becoming known to him he considered them somewhat suspicious and ordered an exhumation of the body. This was done, and they were there that day to Inquire into the cause of death. That there had been an error of judgment on the part of someone in allowing the child to be buried without a certificate there could be no doubt. It was quite possible that proceedings would be taken in another Court against those who were responsible. But that was a matter in which the Jury were not concerned. - The body having been viewed at the Swan Inn, the first witness called was SARAH WILLIAMS, wife of JOHN WILLIAMS, labourer, of Halberton, who identified the body as that of the male child of her daughter, LUCY KERSLAKE WILLIAMS, a single woman, and a domestic servant. Witness was present at the birth of the child on February 1st, at 2.30 a.m. The child lived about an hour. Witness's daughter was not attended by a doctor, although witness spoke to one about her. Nurse Ottery attended her daughter. The body was sent to Mr Norton, the sexton, for burial on Friday evening, but he was not at home. The body was kept until the Saturday morning. Witness's husband took the body to Mr Norton, with a piece of paper from Dr Jewell, and a shilling, which had to be paid. - The Coroner: You did not register the birth of the child? - Witness: No, sir. I did not know we had to do such a thing. If I had known, I should have done so. - William Norton, sexton of Halberton, said he received a box for burial from JOHN WILLIAMS, husband of the last witness. He supposed the box contained the body of a child. WILLIAMS gave no particulars and witness made no inquiries. When he received the box there was a note on it, signed by Dr Jewell and two sixpences. - The note was produced and read by the Coroner. It read:- "LUCY WILLIAMS has this day been delivered of a male child. Lived one hour after birth - John Jewell." - The Coroner: And on that note you buried the child? - Norton, Yes, sir. - Did it not occur to you that a certificate was required? - I thought it was not a proper certificate, but, notwithstanding that, I buried the child. - P.C. Brommell, of Halberton, said that, acting on the authority of the Coroner, he exhumed the body from the churchyard, at 6.45 p.m. on Saturday, in the presence of Sergt. Parnell, the sexton and a man named Gooding. The body was buried at a depth of about three feet in a grave in which he understood a relative had been interred. The body, wrapped in a piece of clean cloth, a night-gown and brown paper, was in a box. - Mr Gidley, Surgeon, of Cullompton, said he conducted a post-mortem examination at the Swan Inn on Saturday night. There were no marks of violence or bruising. There was very little discolouration. The child had lived after birth, but the heart and kidneys were very much enlarged, which was unusual in the case of a newly-born baby. It was a condition of Bright's Disease such as would be met with in older people. The kidneys measured four inches by three inches, whereas the normal size would be about ne and a half inches by one inch. The proper structure of the kidneys was replaced by fibrous tissues, so that the functions of the kidneys could not be performed. He attributed death to natural causes. - The Jury returned a verdict in accordance with the medical evidence. - The body of the child was reburied last evening.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Friday 22 February 1907
FREMINGTON - Mr Brown, District Coroner, held an Inquest on the body of RICHARD PATT, a well-known hawker, who was found dead in his trap between Fremington and Instow. The evidence showed that a lad named Heal was returning from school on the evening in question and saw the deceased just outside Fremington. He had intended asking him to let him ride. PATT endeavoured to put on his coat, but suddenly fell against the side of the cart. The boy, thinking deceased was under the influence of drink, did not interfere. The attention of Thomas Prust, a Fremington dealer, was called to deceased lying in his cart, and, on looking at him, he saw that he was dead. Dr Toye, of Bideford, said he had made a post-mortem examination and found that deceased was suffering from fatty degeneration of the heart and that the cause of death was syncope. The Jury, of which Mr T. W. Elliott was Foreman, returned a verdict of "Death from Natural Causes."

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Tuesday 26 February 1907
BRAMPFORD SPEKE - The Dangers Of Fording. Inquest At Brampford Speke. The Fatal Accident On The Exe. - The Deputy District coroner, Mr F. Thomas, conducted an Inquest at the Agricultural Inn, Brampford Speke, yesterday, on the body of CHARLES ROWSELL, labourer of Broadclyst, recovered from the river Exe, near Brampford Speke on Saturday. ROWSELL was, on the Wednesday, attempting to cross Fortescue Ford with a horse and cart, when the latter over-turned in the river, and the man and horse were drowned. At the time the river was in flood. - JAMES ROWSELL, 11 Victoria-crescent, Newport, Mon., carman, in the employ of the G.W.R., identified the body as that of his brother, aged 30 years. He was a single man and resided with his mother, who was a widow. - Ernest Greenslade of Vinnicombes, Poltimore, said that his father, brother Frederick and himself carried on business as farmers, butchers and contractors. On Monday, the 18th inst., his brother and himself and ROWSELL commenced to haul stone at Upton Pyne for the St. Thomas Rural Council, to spread on the roads for steam rolling purposes. Three horses and three carts were engaged. On Monday and Tuesday they got to Upton Pyne from Stoke Canon by way of Stafford's Bridge, Mr Hosegood, of Woodrow, having given his brother permission to go over a private roadway. On Tuesday evening they returned by way of Fortescue Ford, his brother having been told that was the nearest way home. They were shown the way by William Merryfield, of Rewe, who was engaged spreading stones on the roads at Upton Pyne. the method adopted to cross the river was half-moon fashion and no difficulty was then experienced. It was decided to return to work next morning by the same route. His brother Frederick and Merryfield were in the first cart, the second was in charge of himself (witness) and the third in charge of ROWSELL. The carts were close upon each other. The first cart crossed without any apparent difficulty, but his (witness's) cart and horse were over-turned, and they were all swept down the river for about half a mile. His brother came to his rescue and with difficulty, they managed to get to the bank. The horse was drowned. They ran back to where they left ROWSELL, and found him in the cart. The horse and cart were stationary in the river. He (witness) shouted to ROWSELL to hold on, as assistance was coming. But immediately afterwards the horse moved and the cart over-turned. Witness shouted to ROWSELL to cling to the cart, but he tried to swim. He made two or three strokes and then disappeared. The horse was also drowned. - William Merryfield, labourer, said he had accompanied men across Fortescue Ford many times, but had never driven a horse and cart across himself. Mr Fred Greenslade and himself experienced no difficulty in crossing on Wednesday morning. He could not say whether the other carts followed the proper course of the ford. When he saw what had happened to the second horse and cart he ran to Mr May's at Fortescue Farm for assistance. When he got back ROWSELL and his horse and cart had gone. He had seen horses and carts cross the ford when the water was higher than it was on Wednesday morning. - P.C. Jarvis, of Stoke Canon, said that on Saturday morning he found ROWSELL'S body near Red Rock, about a mile from Fortescue Ford. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death by Drowning." - The Coroner said he understood there had been a rumour afloat that the search made for the body of ROWSELL was not so diligent as it might have been. Mr Greenslade, sen., had assured him that that was not so. He had every assistance from the Police and others and a most diligent search was made for the body. The fact that it was not found before Saturday was, no doubt, due to the muddy state of the river. Many people were fond of making statements, without inquiring into the facts before doing so. - The Jury agreed. - Mr Greenslade, senior, thanked all who helped to search for the body. - Several members of the Jury commented on the danger of the Ford to strangers. One suggested whether it would be possible to erect a bridge there, while another suggested a gauge. Mr May, of Fortescue Farm, which is close to the Ford, however, remarked that during the last 15 years he had known the course of the Ford to alter six times, so that he failed to see how it would be possible to warn strangers. It was a nasty crossing.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Thursday 28 February 1907
NEWTON POPPLEFORD - Blacksmith's Shocking Death. Inquest And Verdict. - The Inquest on the body of MR WILLIAM PRING, blacksmith, of Newton Poppleford, who was found dead in his shop with a portion of his head blown away, was held by the District Coroner, Mr C. E. Cox, in the Lecture Room, at Newton Poppleford, yesterday. - As recorded in the "Gazette" the said affair has created quite a sensation in the district. - Supt. de Schmid, of Honiton, was present to watch the proceedings on behalf of the Police, and Mr W. F. Thomas, solicitor of Ottery St. Mary, represented the widow and family. - THOMAS SELLEK labourer, said he lodged with deceased, who was his brother-in-law. He had breakfast with him on Tuesday morning and noticed nothing unusual in his manner. As he (witness) was leaving the door to go to his work he heard the report of a gun, and a neighbour, Mrs Stone, who was in the road, exclaimed "He is dead." He did not ask who was dead, but ran down to the Police Station for P.C. Pook. The Constable was not at home, but he was told he was at Northmostown Farm, and he proceeded there for him. - The Coroner: I was informed deceased received some letter yesterday morning? - Witness: I know nothing about it. - The Coroner: Deceased's wife is ill in bed, I believe? - Witness: Yes. - SELLEK, answering further questions, said deceased had five children, the oldest being 11 years of age. - The Coroner: Have you anything more to tell us? - Witness: Nothing at all. - Mr Thomas: Was deceased as cheerful as usual on Tuesday morning? - SELLEK - Yes, sir. - Supt. de Schmid questioned SELLEK as to why he ran off to the Police simply because Mrs Stone said "He is dead." - SELLEK replied that he acted as he did on the advice of someone, but he could not say who. - The Coroner (to witness): I must say you don't seem to be giving your evidence very willingly. - A Juryman: I think he was very much frightened at the time of the occurrence. - The Coroner: Of course, we must make allowance for that. - Mrs Stone, wife of Alfred Stone, labourer, living near the PRINGS, said she was engaged to look after MRS PRING, who was ill in bed, and the children. the youngest child was six weeks old. Deceased had not, to her knowledge, been depressed. In fact, he always seemed to be in the best of spirits, and she had never heard him threaten to take his life. Deceased ate a good breakfast on Tuesday morning and when he left to go out to his work, there was nothing about his manner which struck her as unusual. He went out about 9.20 a.m. Shortly afterwards she heard a report and remarked to her little son, who was in the house, "There is Mr Tilt shooting birds again." She went out of the house to empty a bucket of ashes and spoke to SELLEK and Mr Charles Wellsman. They said they had not seen any smoke coming from the direction of the garden, but SELLEK remarked that smoke had come from the shop. Just after she (Mrs Stone) saw PRING lying on the ground in the shop. She shouted to SELLEK, "Oh, BILL, he is dead," and the next thing she did was to run for Mrs T. Wellsman. She said to Mrs Wellsman, "Do please come up, I believe MR PRING has shot himself," and Mrs Wellsman rushed up to the shop and was the first to enter. MRS PRING had told witness her husband repaired guns, but she had never seen him handling any. - Mrs Wellsman, wife of John Wellsman, farm labourer, said Mrs Stone came to her exclaiming, "Oh, my God he has shot himself." She went to the shop and found PRING lying on his right side with his feet towards the fire, and his head was blown off. She saw THOMAS SELLEK in the yard, and said "TOM, go for someone; MR PRING has shot himself." Mr Summers was the second to go into the shop after the occurrence. She (Mrs Wellsman) had lived near deceased 18 years, and had never known him in a depressed state. She did not say he had been quite so bright as usual lately because he had a lot of sickness in his family. She thought that worried him. - The Coroner: Was there any money trouble that you know of? - Mrs Wellsman: There was, I believe, some little trouble about a bill for some iron work which deceased did not consider he should be made pay. - The Coroner: Was he a man of temperate habits? - Witness: He was a very quiet, sober man, and a good husband and father. - Mrs Wellsman continuing, said she did not notice any gun in the shop, but the fire was burning very brightly. - William Summers, boot and shoe maker, of Newton Poppleford, said deceased commenced business on his own account about three years ago. Mrs Wellsman came to him on Tuesday and said MR PRING had been shot. When he went to the shop he saw that deceased's head had been blown off. He was lying on his right elbow with his feet towards the forge. Witness was not aware that deceased had been depressed, but knew that he had had sickness in his family. - Edward Stuart, blacksmith, of Harpford, recognised having seen the barrel of the gun (produced) lying in deceased's shop. There were also other barrels in the shop. He could not tell for what reason deceased put the barrel in the fire. He knew PRING was in the habit of mending gun locks. - P.C. Pook, of Newton Poppleford, said he found deceased on the floor in the shop and the position of the body led him to think that before he fell he had been standing blowing the fire. The barrel of the gun was at an angle of 45 degrees, or parallel with the man's head. A part of PRING'S head was resting on his chest. He was in a sort of sitting position. The fire was burning brightly and the barrel of the gun, when he took it out of the fire, was red hot. He did not find any letter on deceased which would show that he received one on Tuesday morning, but there were three other letters. - Mr Thomas said he understood these letters were from him, and had reference to an action in which deceased was plaintiff. - P.C. Pook said he did not think a blacksmith would, in the ordinary course, put a barrel of a gun in a fire in the manner in which he found the one produced. - Dr Fielding, of Ottery St. Mary, said he had attended MRS PRING during her illness. Husband and wife always seemed to live very happily together. The whole of deceased's skull was blown off down to the eyes, which were also blown out. The only part of the head left was the base of the skull and two or three fragments at the back hanging to the scalp. Death must have been instantaneous. Portions of the brain and skull were found near the shop door. - P.C. Pook said he had searched for shot, but could not find any. - Mr Thomas said deceased was plaintiff in an action which was to have been heard in Exeter next Wednesday. About two months ago an action was brought against deceased by a firm of ironmongers at Exeter for a bill due from his late uncle, who was named BROOM. PRING took on the blacksmith's business from the latter and the action was brought against him on the ground that he was an executor. Judgment was given against PRING, and they were now seeking to recover the amount from the daughter of the late MR BROOM, the case for the plaintiff being that she entered into a contract indemnifying PRING from any debt. The daughter refused to recognise the claim from the Exeter firm. She offered something on account and asked that it should be taken in full discharge of the debt, as her father's estate was insolvent. The firm declined to do this, and then sued PRING. There was very little question that he was entitled to recover the amount of the order made against him. - He (Mr Thomas) saw the deceased on Saturday, when he seemed in his usual spirits, and asked him to get certain particulars from people in Newton Poppleford with regard to the action. - The Coroner said it was a shocking case. The position in which the gun was found struck one as remarkable, and certainly raised the question whether deceased came by his death by his own action. - The Jury returned a verdict that PRING took his life while Insane. - It is expected that the funeral of MR PRING will take place at Newton Poppleford tomorrow.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Friday 1 March 1907
NEWTON ABBOT - At the Inquest on JOSEPH BURRIDGE, porter at the Great Western Railway Station, who fell off the top of a dining car while in the act of filling a water tank, the Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death," and recommended the Railway Company to see what precautions could be taken to prevent a further accident.

ILFRACOMBE - Mr G. Brown Coroner for the District, held an Inquest on the body of CAPTAIN WYLIE, who died suddenly at his residence at Chambercombe-terrace. Dr Kettlewell said he believed death was caused by sudden heart failure, due to natural causes. He must have taken great exercise that morning as his clothes were saturated with perspiration. At his age this would put abnormal pressure on the heart and, perhaps, increased the appetite, so as to make him eat heartily. This may have set up indigestion and caused sudden heart failure. The Coroner having briefly summed up, a verdict of "Death from Natural Causes" was returned.

GREAT TORRINGTON - Mr G. W. F. Brown, Coroner, held an Inquest at the Torrington Workhouse touching the death of MARY GUARD, of Kingscott, St Giles. Mr J. D. Copp was chosen Foreman, WILLIAM GUARD, son of deceased, identified the body as that of his mother, aged 63 years. Mrs Cook, a neighbour, stated that deceased lived next door with her son. On the 8th inst. she heard screams in deceased's house. Being accustomed to hearing deceased scream she did not go in until a quarter of an hour after, when she found her sitting with her clothing burning. he assisted to put out the flames. Deceased did not say how it occurred. She saw no fire in the grate except a few hot coals. John Cook said he resided with his daughter-in-law (the last witness). He went to assist, and made out the flames. Dr Macindoe said he attended deceased for extensive burns. She was removed to the Workhouse on Monday, the 11th Feb., and died on Monday, the 25th from exhaustion occasioned by severe burns. The Coroner said they were unable to clear up how the fire originated. The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death."

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Saturday 2 March 1907
BUCKFASTLEIGH - At Buckfastleigh the Inquest on the body of THOMAS PENNY, of the Globe Inn, who died suddenly, resulted in a verdict of "Death from Syncope, due to fatty degeneration of the heart."

KINGSBRIDGE - An Inquest was held by Mr S. Hacker, Coroner, at the Town Hall, Kingsbridge, yesterday, concerning the death of JOHN INCH DIMOND, carter, of Dodbrooke. He was in the employ of Mr W. Whitting, haulier, Kingsbridge, and while unloading some manure the prong he was using broke and a splinter pierced the thumb of his right hand. At first very little notice was taken of the wound but it began to fester and a doctor was called in about a week after the accident. In spite of medical skill, the deceased died on Wednesday morning. He was 32 years of age, married, with a family of three. The Jury returned a verdict to the effect that death was due to Lock-jaw, the result of an Accidental Wound.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Tuesday 5 March 1907
RATTERY - The Rattery Suicide. An Aged Woman's Delusion. - An Inquest was held at the Reading Room, Rattery, near South Brent, by Mr Coroner Hacker, yesterday afternoon, relative to the death of MARGARET ROPER, aged 80 years, a widow, who was found hanging in her bedroom on Saturday evening. Deceased lived with her daughter, and had, apparently, suffered severely from rheumatism and was almost totally deaf. A letter was left by the deceased which at first gave an impression that she had not been cared for, but, after careful investigation by the Coroner, no grounds could be found for the statement; hence it was assumed that the unfortunate old lady was wandering in her mind. MRS ROSE HARRIS, the first witness, was questioned as to the cause of the letter, but gave every satisfaction to the Coroner that everything had been made comfortable for her mother. Dr Williams said he had frequently attended the deceased, and visited her only a week since. He was perfectly satisfied that MRS HARRIS was not lacking in making her mother comfortable. She was always looking clean and happy. Her pains and deafness would, to some extent, account for such a delusion. MR GEORGE HARRIS, son-in-law, deposed to returning from Ashburton about half-past 7 on Saturday evening. Finding deceased's bedroom door fastened on the inside, he forced it open and found her hanging as described. MR LEWIS ROPER (son) and Wallace Harris also gave evidence. The Jury of whom Mr John Wakeham was Foreman, returned a verdict of "Suicide while in an Unsound State of Mind."

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Wednesday 6 March 1907
NEWTON ABBOT - A Fractured Spine. Extraordinary Case At Newton Abbot. - Mr S. Hacker held an Inquiry at Newton Abbot last evening touching the death of FRANCIS JOHN CURTIS, aged 31, a grocer's porter, who died in the Workhouse infirmary on Saturday. MARY ELIZABETH CURTIS, the widow, stated that on January 3rd, 1905, deceased met with an accident while driving from Brimley to Bovey Tracey, and was taken to the Newton Hospital. After remaining there some time he was discharged and admitted to the Workhouse infirmary. Dr J. J. Scrase said that he saw deceased on the night of the accident and found him suffering from a broken spine, the bone being broken and the spinal cord crushed. There was also a fracture of the breast bone and a wound on the lower part of the spine. Some time after deceased told him that, as far as he could remember, he was sitting on the side of the trap; it was very dark; he heard a sound as though the wheel struck the hedge or the stones at the side of the road; he felt a shock and became unconscious, remembering nothing more until he found himself lying in the road. Witness treated deceased at the Hospital for some months, and he was then removed to the Workhouse Infirmary as an incurable case. Deceased was practically dead below the waist. He lived for more than two years. The fracture of the spine was the primary cause of death and the injury to the cord was bound to prove fatal sooner or later. The Coroner adjourned the Inquiry so that the Police may secure witnesses who were on the spot immediately after the accident.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Thursday 7 March 1907
EXETER - Last evening an Inquest was held at the Exeter Police Station by Mr W. L. Brown on the body of GEORGE BREWER, 49, travelling showman, who died the previous day. Deceased's son said his father was sawing a piece of wood in a yard at Cowick-street, when he suddenly fell to the ground and expired. His father had a seizure at Taunton two years ago and one previously at Truro. Dr Stokes said death was due to sudden failure of the heart's action. The Jury returned a verdict in accordance with the medical evidence.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Friday 8 March 1907
OTTERY ST MARY - Fairmile Landlord's Death. Pony And Motor-Car. Inquest And Verdict. - Mr C. E. Cox, Coroner for East Devon, held an Inquiry at Fairmile, near Ottery St Mary, into the circumstances attending the death of MR JOSEPH HENRY RETTER, landlord of the Fairmile Inn, who met his death under tragic circumstances, near Gosford Pines. The deceased was driving home from Ottery St Mary, when his horse became frightened at an approaching motor car and the deceased, who was at the animal's head, was crushed between one of the wheels or shafts and a telegraph post. - MRS RETTER, the widow, identified the body and said the deceased was 29 years of age. - MR JOHN RETTER of Four Elms Farm, Ottery St Mary, uncle, said deceased came to his farm for seed oats. He assisted the deceased to load the cart. There were six sacks, which contained 30 bushels of corn. Witness knew the horse and, generally speaking, it was a quiet animal. The deceased left witness's farm shortly after 12 o'clock. The road where the accident took place was wide. On hearing of the accident he went to the place, but his nephew was then dead. - Mr Henry Marks, farmer, Gosford Farm, said he knew the deceased. He saw a motor car pass along Gosford-road, towards Ottery at about half-past 12. The car was going slowly - about seven or eight miles an hour. He heard the motor horn sound shortly afterwards. The driver of the car then came up to his house and asked for help, as there had been an accident. Witness went to the spot, which was about 150 yards distant. The horse and cart were in a ditch and the deceased was lying against the hedge at the back of the cart. Witness spoke to the deceased, who only said, "Take me home; take me home." Witness sent for brandy and bathed deceased's lips with it. The deceased, however, expired soon afterwards. The motor car had not passed the cart. There was plenty of room for two vehicles and both vehicles were on the proper side. - Mr Gilbert Cowley Waterford, of Medhurst, Sidmouth, the owner of the motor car, and who was driving at the time of the accident, said his usual residence was at Kingfield House, Sharrow, Sheffield. He had driven the car ever since he had it. Witness's sister and chauffeur were with him. They were going from Honiton to Ottery. The car was travelling about 12 miles an hour before the accident. On the car getting in sight the horse became restive and witness pulled up the car. The deceased jumped from the cart and took the horse by the head. He gave it two slashes with the whip and the horse bolted forward. The deceased then, apparently, lost control of the horse and was dragged on to the bank. Witness was under the impression that the deceased was pinned between the telegraph post and a wheel of the cart. Until the engine of the car was stopped there was considerable noise. Witness took hold of the horse's head and his sister and the chauffeur went to the deceased's assistance. The deceased was able to stand up and seemed as if he were going to extricate himself, but dropped on the bank. Witness's sister then went for brandy and witness proceeded to Ottery for Dr Reynolds. When he returned the deceased was dead. - By the Foreman: The deceased only remained sensible a few minutes. - Dr Reynolds said that on his arrival at the scene the deceased was dead. He examined the body. The chest was crushed in, and three or four ribs were broken. He could not say what actual internal injuries deceased sustained, but probably there was rupture of the lung and liver. - P.S. Hart, Ottery St. Mary, said the width of the road where the accident occurred was 30 ft. from hedge to hedge. The metalled part of the road measured about 15 ft. - The Coroner said it did not appear that the motor car was going at an excessive speed. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death," and expressed the opinion that the occupants of the car did all they could for the deceased. The Jury also expressed their sympathy with the widow. - Amid many tokens of sympathy and regret, the funeral of the deceased took place in the Escot churchyard.

GITTISHAM - Mr Cox, the District Coroner, held an inquiry into the death of LEONARD FRANCIS QUAINTANCE, aged one year and seven months, who died in his mother's arms. The Jury returned a verdict that the child was suffocated while sleeping in his mother's arms.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Saturday 9 March 1907
BRADNINCH - Drowned In The Culm. Inquest At Bradninch. A Blacksmith's Troubles. - The District Coroner, Mr H. W. Gould, conducted an Inquest at the Guildhall, Bradninch, yesterday, on the body of WILLIAM STARK, blacksmith, of Bradninch, which was recovered n the previous day from the river Culm at Bradninch. - WILLIAM HENRY STARK, of Hele, plumber's assistant, identified the body as that of his father, who was about 52 years of age. He last saw him alive on Monday night. Deceased had been troubled about money affairs. His eyesight also troubled him. On Monday night deceased said he felt like throwing himself into the river. But witness told him not to speak like that and the subject dropped. Deceased had been ill in bed two or three days. - By a Juryman: Deceased had troubled about his work in consequence of failing eyesight. He had been shifted from one shop to another, but he did not know anything about his being reduced in position. His (witness's) mother was too unwell to attend the Inquest. - MABEL STARK, a daughter of the deceased, said her father left home about 5.30 on Thursday morning to go to work. He said nothing about suicide, but before he went he kept on saying to her, which was unusual, "Mind you go and see Granny." - John Heard, labourer, of Bradninch, said he saw the deceased in the roadway about 5.50 a.m. walking towards Hele Paper Mills. He wished him "Good morning." He noticed nothing unusual in deceased's manner. - William Robert Bowden, stoker at Hele Paper Mills, nephew of the deceased, said he discovered STARK'S dinner-basket on the bank of the river. He gave information to the Police. - William Pepperell, labourer, Silverton, said he found the body of the deceased in the Culm in about five feet of water. - Dr Muir of Bradninch, said he had examined the body. There were no marks of violence. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Suicide while Temporarily Insane."

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Tuesday 12 March 1907
NEWTON ABBOT - The Death Of F. J. CURTIS. Adjourned Inquiry. - At the adjourned Inquiry at Newton Abbot last evening touching the death of FRANCIS JOHN CURTIS, who died in the Newton Infirmary two years and three months after he sustained an accident through which he broke his spine, Joseph John Holmes stated that on January 3rd, 1905 he was returning from work at Bovey Potteries and heard a noise up the road. He afterwards found a lot of boxes, bottles and oil cans lying in the road and further on he came upon deceased lying by the side of the road. He tried to raise him up, but as deceased was in great pain, he desisted, and went for help. Subsequently, Dr Stewart arrived, and under his directions deceased was taken to the Newton Hospital. Frank Gibbons said ten minutes before he arrived on the scene he heard a great rattle up the road on which he was driving. He drove to Bovey for the doctor, and on the way saw the trap lying in the hedge. William J. T. Mardon stated that he took a stretcher from Bovey and place deceased on it, subsequently lifting him into a cab and taking him to Newton. He did not explain how the accident occurred, and while he complained of internal injuries he said nothing about his back being hurt. At the spot where the accident occurred there was a stone in the hedge, which had been struck by the wheel, and another one lower down was probably what deceased fell against. Percy William Peters stated that deceased, in his employ, started at 11 a.m. on one of his customary rounds. He was a steady man and had driven the horse about a month. The harness was practically new and had been in use ever since. When witness questioned deceased he did not seem to know how the accident occurred. The horse's fetlock was cut, but it had not fallen. William Steer said he stopped the horse, which was trotting down the road towards Bovey dragging the trap on its side. The Coroner, Mr S. Hacker, said, although no one actually saw the accident, apparently, it being a very dark night, deceased drove too near the hedge and struck a large stone, which upset the trap. The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death."

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Wednesday 13 March 1907
EXETER - Mr W. Linford Brown, the Exeter Coroner, held an Inquest at the Exeter Police Station yesterday on the body of MARY JANE BLACKMORE, aged 54 years, of Alma-place, Cowick-street, Exeter. MABEL LASKEY, daughter, said her mother had always enjoyed good health. On Monday, however, she was called to go to work and was found dead. Mr Farrant, surgeon, said death was due to syncope, caused by heart disease. A verdict was returned accordingly.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Thursday 14 March 1907
BRENTOR - Fatal Accident Near Marytavy. The Inquest. - At the Reading Room, Brentor, yesterday, Mr R. R. Rodd, County Coroner, held an Inquest on the body of JAMES MOOR BATTEN, a small farmer, of Brentor, whose mutilated body was found on the Great Western Railway, between Lydford and Marytavy, on Tuesday morning. Chief-Inspector W. Scantlebury, Traffic Department, Plymouth, and Inspector G. Llewellen, Locomotive Department, Newton Abbot, were present on behalf of the Great Western Railway Company. Mr J. Gerry was Foreman of the Jury. - JAMES MOOR BATTEN, jun., stated that the deceased, his father, who was 61 years old, started from his home, Blackdown Gate at eight o'clock on the previous morning to go to work at South Brentor Farm. He usually went by road and witness could not understand why he went across the line. He had suffered from indigestion and had been under the care of a doctor for some time. He had suffered a good deal, but had been better of late. - William Groves, an engineer in the employ of the Great Western Railway Company, said that on the previous day he left Launceston at 7.35 a.m. All went right until he reached about a quarter of a mile the Marytavy side of Brentor Station, when he noticed something unusual, and thought he had struck something. This was on a curve. It was his duty to look out, and he was doing so properly. The curve rendered it impossible to see any object more than a yard ahead. He gave warning at Marytavy and examined the engine and then found blood and hair on the footplate of the buffer plank. He was going at about 31 miles an hour. His train was just in front of the South Western train. (Both lines run parallel for some distance.) - John Mallett, a packer of Marytavy, said that he was in the train on the previous day, which left Marytavy Station at 8.34 a.m., and which stopped on the curve just before reaching Brentor Station. He got out and then saw the mutilated remains of the deceased. The clothes produced were found near the remains of the deceased, and were his. The remains were scattered. There was no level crossing or right of way, and the deceased was a trespasser. - The son, recalled, stated that a watch and other articles produced belonged to his father. - The Coroner said that, as the features were beyond recognition, he wanted to be certain as to the identification of the deceased, and the son's evidence made the identification clear. The Coroner added there was no evidence to show how the deceased got on the line, or his motive for being there, which must remain a mystery. He directed the Jury to return an open verdict "That the deceased, while trespassing on the Great Western Railway, was knocked down by a passing train and Killed." The Jury returned a verdict accordingly and expressed their sympathy with the widow and family, the Foreman remarking that the deceased was respected by all of them.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Friday 15 March 1907
CANADA - Broadhempston. - At the Inquest on MR E. W. ROUTLEY, husband of MRS ROUTLEY, shopkeeper, of Broadhempstone, who was killed in the Ottawa Hotel at Kenora, Canada, a verdict was returned to the effect "That ROUTLEY died as the result of injuries inflicted by John St. Amaund." At the subsequent proceedings, before Magistrate More, St. Amaund was committed for trial on the charge of murder. From the evidence it appeared that during an argument the deceased called St. Amaund some nasty names and the latter knocked him down. As deceased attempted to rise St. Amaund again knocked him down and kicked him. ROUTLEY was picked up by two men and a doctor sent for, but on the latter's arrival the unfortunate man was dead. His skull was fractured over the left temple. The deceased left England about a year ago and proceeded to Canada, where he was employed on the Grand Trunk Railway at Ottawa. MRS ROUTLEY was about to leave the village to join him when news of his death arrived.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Saturday 16 March 1907
EXETER - Fatal Fall At Broadclyst. Inquest And Verdict. - Yesterday an Inquest was held at the Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital by Mr W. L. Brown, City Coroner, on the body of ETHEL GREGORY, age 13, daughter of JOHN GREGORY, farm labourer, of Broadclyst, who died in the Hospital on Wednesday from blood poisoning. The father said his daughter went out picking primroses last Tuesday week, and on her return said she had fallen off a hedge. She had a slight scratch on the knee, which was attended to. On the following Thursday the leg became worse and the doctor was called in, and advised her removal to the Hospital. ANNIE GREGORY, sister of the deceased, said that when ETHEL came back from primrosing she fell down a step. Witness rubbed in some embrocation and the following day she put on hot flannels. Mrs Hooper, of Broadclyst, said she heard nothing of the fall until the Wednesday when the deceased was limping and said she had fallen at the back of the buildings. Dr A. Hawkins, House Physician, said that the day after the deceased was admitted to the Hospital an operation was performed. There was no external wound, but death was due to blood poisoning, caused by some injury to the knee. The blow was apparently on the inside of the knee, and set up inflammation of the bone. That spread and the poison was carried by the blood all over the system, causing the poisoning. The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death," and passed a vote of condolence with the relatives of the deceased, an expression in which the Coroner joined.

BRADNINCH - Found Drowned At Bradninch. An Open Verdict. - Two bodies have been recovered from the River Culm, at Bradninch, within the last seven or eight days, and on two successive Friday evenings Inquests have been conducted by the District Coroner, Mr H. W. Gould, at the Guildhall. - The Inquiry held last evening was on the body of ROBERT MANNING FRANKPITT, a native of Bradninch. Some years ago deceased was a farmer, occupying Tidbridge Farm, but latterly he acted as a labourer in different places. - Mr W. Baker was Foreman of the Jury. - MRS ELIZABETH QUICK, widow, of Bradninch, said deceased was her brother. He was about 58 years of age. Towards the later end of January he stayed at witness's house a week. When he left he did not say where he was going. Since then she had heard nothing of him. Deceased had a grown-up family. She never heard him mention anything about suicide. - Samuel Hawker, baker, Bradninch, said he saw FRANKPITT on January 30th at the Merry Harriers Inn. He asked for a pint of cider. This was about half a mile from where the body was discovered. Deceased was sober. - Mrs Elizabeth Board, widow, of the Merry Harriers Inn, Cullompton, said that on the last occasion on which the deceased called at her house he left about nine o'clock. The night was very dark. As she thought he was going to Silverton, she remarked to him, "You have a long way to go." He replied that he was not going very far. - Charles Henry Snell, labourer, said that on Thursday he saw in the river what appeared to him to be a bag. On making a closer examination he found it to be a body. The depth of the water was about three feet. - P.C. Hunt said he searched the body and found nothing to throw any light on the fatality. Deceased had 11 ½d. in his pocket. - Dr Muir said there were no marks of violence. He thought the body must have been in the water more than three weeks, and quite possibly six weeks. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Found Drowned."

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Monday 18 March 1907
TORQUAY - Fatal Fall At Torquay. Inquest Adjourned. - An Inquest was held at Torquay on Saturday, on the body of GEORGE TRELEAVEN, coal lumper, who fell down the hold of the coasting vessel Glassalt, which was discharging in the harbour, on March 6th. Robert Pymsaid he was working the wynch, and deceased in attempting to catch hold of a rope, by which a full basket was being drawn up, over-balanced, and fell head foremost into the hold. Dr Thompson, House Surgeon at the Torbay Hospital, said the deceased, when brought into the Institution, was suffering from a fracture of the fore part of the skull, fracture of the upper jaw, and broken nose. He was not suffering from injury to the brain at first, but eventually inflammation spread to this and death resulted on Friday. The Inquiry was adjourned by Mr S. Hacker, until Thursday, in order to enable the Factory Inspector to be present. Mr F. Dobson intimated on behalf of Messrs. Renwick and Wilton, that the firm would pay all funeral expenses, that the men were all insured in a good office and the facts had been laid before the latter with a view to compensation being obtained for the widow.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Tuesday 19 March 1907
EXETER - Child's Sad Death. Revelations At Exeter Inquest. Witnesses Admonished. - Some startling revelations were forthcoming at an Inquest conducted by the Exeter City Coroner, Mr W. Linford Brown, at the Exeter Police Station last night concerning the death of an infant, ALBERT S. WELSHMAN, whose mother resides at 15 Cheeke-street, Exeter. - The mother deposed to having put the child out to the care of a Mrs Smith and Mrs Chamberlain. The child died suddenly on Sunday. - Mr Mark Farrant said the cause of death was inflammation of the lungs. The child had been seriously ill for days. - The Coroner said it was evidently a case in which there had been some neglect, and, although the evidence seemed not to justify a verdict of "Manslaughter" he hoped the Police would take some steps to bring the case before other authorities. It was absurd to say the parties did not know there was something the matter with the child. - The Jury expressed a wish to hear Mr Botting, chemist, Sidwell-street, to whom the child was taken on Thursday last. Mr Botting attended and said he did not remember the child being brought to his shop. From the description given he should say it was seen by his assistant, Mr Gibson. - The Coroner: Is Mr Gibson a qualified man? - He is not qualified by examination, but he has had plenty of experience. - The Coroner: That is not the point. Has he passed any examinations? - No, but my assistant did not prescribe. He gave what was asked for. - The Coroner: We were told that this child was taken to your shop, where it was seen by your assistant, who said there was nothing to be alarmed at, and two days after it dies. The medical evidence shows that it was suffering from inflammation of the lungs and abscess in the left lung. That could not have come on in a few hours. - Mr Botting: No. - The Coroner: And your assistant has not passed any examination at all? - But I am always present. - Were you present on this occasion? - I expect I was close at hand. - The mother said she went to the shop on Thursday and asked the assistant what he could give her for the baby's cough and for tightness on the chest. He made her up a mixture, for which she paid two-pence. The assistant also said there was nothing to be alarmed at. - The Coroner: Evidently the child was dying then. - Mr Botting: I don't suppose he realised it was so serious. Abscess on the lung is a deep-seated matter which can only be discovered by a doctor. - The Coroner said Mr Gibson should have referred the mother to a doctor. - Mr Gibson, who was also called, said he supplied ipecacuanha wine. He did not remember whether he said there was nothing to be alarmed at. He just looked at the baby from the counter. - The Coroner: Why didn't you tell her to go to a doctor? - Mr Gibson replied that he did not examine the child. - The Coroner: Do you remember saying that there was nothing to be alarmed at? - Mr Gibson: No, I cannot remember using such words. - Mrs Chamberlain confirmed that he did say so. - The Coroner said the guardians of the child were much to blame, unless they had been misled by the chemist. - The Jury found that death was due to Natural Causes, and thought there had been great neglect on the part of the mother and Mrs Smith. - The Coroner: Then you don't express any opinion with regard to the chemist and his assistant? - The Foreman: Chemists prescribe for hundreds of children in the course of a year. I don't see any wrong in it, as far as I am concerned. - The Coroner severely admonished the mother and Mrs Smith and told them they had had a narrow escape.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Wednesday 20 March 1907
PANCRASWEEK - Inquest at Pancrassweek. A Child's Sad Plight. - Mr J. D. Prickman, District Coroner, has held an Inquest at Grawden Gate, Pancrassweek, on the body of WILLIAM HENRY GLIDDON, of Pyworthy. The child was identified by its mother, who said it was born in August 1905 and had been always delicate. For the first two or three months of its life it was kept at home with her mother. Then it was put out to nurse with various people in the district and she paid 12s. a month. About a month ago her mother fetched the child from Dunsland Cross and kept it a week at home, when it was taken to Mrs Abbot, at Grawden Gate, where it died. Witness had not obtained a doctor for the child as she thought it was suffering from teething rash. She usually visited the child once a month, but the last time she saw it alive was three weeks ago, when it was taken to Mrs Abbot. It was not then worse than usual. It had not more sores than when she last saw it. It always had proper care and, when putting it in a fresh place to keep, she always gave instructions that a doctor was to be called if necessary. - Mrs Abbot said that MRS GLIDDON, the child's grandmother, made arrangements for her to take the child. She was to received 2s. 6d. a week. The child was brought to her on the 23rd February. It then had scabs and a bad cold. MRS GLIDDON said the scabs were due to teething rash and asked her to give the child some castor oil. She fed it on broth and bread and butter. On the 11th March she wrote to MRS GLIDDON asking her to either take the child to a doctor or send a doctor to see it, but received no reply. On the following Thursday a girl brought a bottle of medicine from a chemist. The same night Mr Abbot went to Pyworthy to see the GLIDDONS. - Mr W. G. Gray, Holsworthy, said the child had no teeth. Its head and face and the back of the shoulders were covered with eczema, and at the back of the head there was a sore an inch by a quarter. On the back of the left shoulder there was another sore the size of a shilling, also one on the toe of the left foot. These were not eczema sores, but caused by pressure. The lateness of teething would cause a predisposition to convulsion, but he could not say that that was the cause of death. - The Jury, after the Coroner had summed up, returned a verdict of "Death from Natural Causes."

SWIMBRIDGE - Suicide Of A Devon Farmer's Wife. - Yesterday the North Devon District Coroner, Mr G. W. F. Brown, held an Inquest at Combe Farm, Swimbridge, on the body of ANNIE DUNN, aged 31, the wife of MR ERNEST DUNN of Combe Farm. - The evidence of the deceased's husband was to the effect that MRS DUNN had been indisposed and about ten days previously had gone to his father's at Heanton Court for a change. She returned the previous day, and about 5.30 in the evening witness noticed she was restless and apparently in pain. He asked her if she had taken anything and she said that probably she had. Her father then came and witness went for Dr Cooper. Some arsenic was kept in a cupboard for the purpose of killing rats. - The deceased's father said that during her husband's absence the deceased admitted having taken rats' poison and, asked why, she said she had got very low, and was behind with her work, with which she did not seem to be able to get forward. - Dr Cooper stated that it appeared that the deceased had taken about two tablespoons full of arsenic with a glass of water and he found a glass in her bedroom with about a teaspoonful of arsenic remaining. She died about 10.30 later in the evening. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Suicide while Temporarily Insane," and expressed their sympathy with the relatives.

EXETER - A Coroner's Jury at Exeter yesterday returned a verdict of "Accidental Death" at the Inquest held on the body of JAMES HENRY MEAD, retired licensed victualler, who lived at the Licensed Victuallers' Cottages, Union-road. Deceased slipped over a step on January 3rd.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Thursday 21 March 1907
PAIGNTON - Inquest On A Paignton Child. - Mr coroner Hacker yesterday held an Inquest at Paignton concerning the death of LILIAN GERTRUDE DISTIN, the child of GEORGINA DISTIN, of Winner-street, who died on Saturday. The child was eleven months old and died from convulsions. Hannah Steer, a neighbour, denied a rumour that the mother had asked her to do harm to the child. Dr Adams said that, as the result of a post-mortem examination, he found the infant well cared for, but improperly fed. The Jury returned a verdict of "Death from Natural Causes."

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Saturday 23 March 1907
UPTON PYNE - Child Suffocated At Upton Pyne. Dangers Of Bottle Feeding. - An Inquest was held last evening at Nattacott Farm, Upton Pyne, by Mr H. W. Gould, District coroner, touching the death of DOROTHY ROSE SELLWAY, the month-old daughter of CHARLES HENRY SELLWAY, dairyman, who was found dead in bed on Tuesday evening. - The evidence of the mother was to the effect that she put the child, which had had a cold since its birth, to bed about midday on Tuesday, giving it a bottle of milk and water. She then went into Exeter and returned about 3 o'clock. She did not see the baby, however, but went milking, returning about seven. On going to the baby she then found it dead. She had left instructions with the servant girl to attend to the baby if it cried. She did not consider it a long time to leave a baby from 12 to seven. The clothes were not over the child's mouth. - Alice Pope, domestic, said she did not hear the baby cry at all during the afternoon, and so did not go up to it. - Dr Marshall, of Thorverton, said that the child died from suffocation. The bone protector at the end of the bottle pipe covered the mouth of the child. Its nose was choked through a cold. Air was, therefore, prevented from getting into the lungs. - In reply to the Coroner, Dr Marshall said it was dangerous to leave a child sucking a bottle with no one at hand. It was a common practice, but one that should be condemned for many reasons. First, there was the possibility of death from suffocation, and then there was the chance that the baby, having a bottle full of milk in bed, took it when it liked, with the possible result of gastric intestinal disturbances. Feeding bottles should be condemned very strongly and all babies should be hand fed. - The Coroner: Is it a proper thing to leave it from 12 to seven without anyone seeing it? - Witness: No, I think it is rather unusual to leave a baby so long. That is the tendency with those bottles. They are considered to supply enough for so many hours that parents do not trouble about them. - The Coroner: But even with that it would be a very long time? - Dr Marshall: Yes, it would, but the mother apparently thought the baby asleep. - The Coroner said that he did not wish to censure MRS SELLWAY, but it seemed to him it was an unusual time to leave a child from 12 to seven without anyone seeing it. He was sure it would be a lesson to her and hoped she would profit by it. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death." - The Foreman, Mr Coles, asked whether the Jury could not condemn the use of feeding bottles. - The Coroner: Even if you do, I am afraid they will still continue to be used.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Monday 25 March 1907
MORELEIGH - Tragic Death Of A South Hams Farmer. - The circumstances surrounding a sad case were investigated on Saturday night at Morley Parke Farm, Morleigh, by Mr S. Hacker, County Coroner and a Jury, of which Mr E. P. Jackson was the Foreman. the victim was MR WILLIAM EDMONDS OLDREIVE, the occupier, who died on the previous evening as the result of an accident while rabbiting. - The widow deposed that the deceased was 38 years of age. When she was returning from Dartmouth Market on March 15th she was told of the accident and on her arrival found her husband in bed. He was conscious and said that his injury was due to an accident. He wished a statement written out. The statement was handed to the Coroner and was to the effect that he exempted William Trout from all blame as to the accident. It was witnessed by Mr T. Timewell, a Juryman, who said that he wrote it at the request of the deceased, who was aware that he was dying. MRS OLDREIVE said that she was present when the deceased read over the statement, and signed it. Dr T. W. Webb stated that he saw the deceased on the day of the accident. He found on Friday morning that acute gangrene had set into the wound. He saw him in the afternoon with a doctor from Plymouth, but he was so collapsed that his condition was hopeless. The cause of death was blood poisoning. - William Trout, of Stanborough Camp, Halwell, stated he was out rabbiting with deceased. By accident the trigger of his gun caught in a twig of scrubby oak and went off. The charge entered the body of the deceased, who was about seven paces from him. - In summing up, the Coroner referred to the statement made by the deceased when he knew that he was dying and the explanation given by Mr Trout, observing that, under the circumstances, it would appear there was no blame attaching to him. - The Jury found that deceased died from blood poisoning from the wound caused by the Accidental discharge of a gun, and exonerated Mr Trout from blame in the matter. - A vote of sympathy, in which the Coroner joined, was conveyed to the bereaved relatives. Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Wednesday 27 March 1907 EXETER - Mr W. Linford Brown, the Exeter City Coroner, conducted an Inquest at the Exeter Police Court yesterday concerning the death of IVY MAY DYER, the month old child of ELIZABETH DYER, residing at 25 Clifton-street, Newtown, Exeter. The mother stated that about 6.30 on Monday morning she fed and nursed the child, when she appeared to be in her usual health. She afterwards put her to bed. At about 7.30 she tried to rouse her and noticed that the child was bleeding at the mouth. Dr Andrew attributed death to convulsions. The Jury returned a verdict in accordance with the medical evidence.

EXETER - Yesterday afternoon an Inquest was conducted by the Exeter City Coroner, Mr W. Linford Brown, relative to the death of LILY FURZON, of the Artizans'-buildings, Cowick-street, St. Thomas, who died on Sunday morning. WILLIAM FURZON identified the body as that of his daughter, aged six months. The child had been attended by Dr Perkins, who attributed death to heart failure. The Jury returned a verdict accordingly.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Thursday 28 March 1907
BIDEFORD - Drowned In A Trough. Inquest Near Bideford. - Mr G. W. F. Brown, County Coroner, has held an Inquest at Warmington Farm, near Bideford, on the body of REGGIE GLASS, aged one year and ten months, who was found drowned in a cattle trough on Thursday. The father of deceased identified the body and MRS GLASS, the mother, said she saw the deceased playing at the front of the house about ten minutes before the body was discovered. Miss Huxtable, an assistant in the house, deposed to going into the yard and finding the deceased lying in the cattle trough in about fourteen inches of water. She immediately took him out of the trough and into the farmhouse, but she was of opinion that he was dead when she found him. A doctor was at once sent for. Dr Toye said the child was quite dead by the time he came, and that death was due to drowning. the Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death," and expressed sympathy with the parents.

MORCHARD BISHOP - A Farmer's Troubles. Suicide At Morchard Bishop. - Mr H. W. Gould, District Coroner, held an Inquest at Week Barton, Morchard Bishop, on the body of MARK COLE, a farmer, aged 40 years. The evidence showed that deceased had been worrying a great deal because he had lost some cattle lately, and had got notice to leave his farm. In a letter to his brother, MR D. COLE, of Heavitree, deceased referred to his trouble, and said he could stand it no longer. On Friday afternoon, Dinah Tamlin, deceased's housekeeper, left to go to the Station. Deceased, whom she left in the kitchen, seemed in a very depressed state. On returning from the Station in the afternoon she called for the deceased. As she did not receive any reply she called in Mrs Smith, a neighbour, and, entering together, they found him lying on the floor, dead, with his gun by his side. There was, it is stated, a stick in deceased's left hand, which pointed towards the trigger of the gun. - The evidence of Mr H. Allen, Surgeon, of Morchard Bishop, showed that deceased had a wound immediately under his chin. The skull was fractured and the wounds, in witness's opinion, were self-inflicted. - The Jury returned a verdict to the effect that deceased Committed Suicide while of Unsound Mind. - The funeral took place at Puddington Churchyard, where deceased's grandparents, mother and sister had been previously buried. The Rev. G. Walters officiated. The bearers rode in front on horseback. They were Messrs. N. Pitts, (Brindeville), P Waller (Puddington), A. Down (Higher Week), Partridge (Brindeville), F. Down (Northtawton) and W. A. Saunders (Lapford). The hearse and carriages were supplied by Mr Borne, of Crediton.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Tuesday 2 April 1907
UPLYME - The Fatal Accident At Lyme Regis. The Verdict. - Yesterday an Inquest was held on the body of MR WILLIAM STAPLEFORTH, who met with a fatal accident on the Uplyme-road, Lyme Regis on Good Friday afternoon. The Inquiry, which was held on the deceased's premises - the Black Dog Inn, Uplyme - was conducted by Mr Cox, of Honiton, the Coroner for the East Devon District. Mr R. Perham was elected Foreman of the Jury. Mr Cecil Forward, solicitor of Axminster, represented the widow of deceased. - CLIFFORD STAPLEFORTH, a lad of about 18 years of age, a son of deceased, said his father, who was an Innkeeper and job master, was 44 years of age. He started from the Inn on the afternoon in question with the deceased with a colt harnessed to a putt. The animal was partly broken in. It was three years old this spring, and very good tempered and quiet. Witness was in the putt holding the reins, while his father was leading the animal. They passed Lieut. Coates, R.N., in his motor car near the railway bridge, but the animal took no notice of this car. They went on and when opposite Mr Shipley's met another motor car. The animal was somewhat frightened, and plunged up on the footpath as the car passed, and then pulled up. His father spoke to the driver of the car, and told him he should be more careful in passing a colt. The car then proceeded on its way. When near Clappentail-lane, a man named Hill told them there was another car coming, and they asked him to wave to it to stop. With the same, the car came round the bend by St Andrew's, and witness and his father held up their hands to it to stop. The colt started rearing and when the car got near Dr Spurr's, the animal turned right round and started galloping towards Uplyme. All at once witness missed his father, and with the same felt the wheel go over something. He pulled the horse up by Spring Cottage, Mr Ley, the Lyme Stationmaster, came out and witness asked him to go back and see if his father was injured, which he did. Witness subsequently went towards where he had left his father and Mr Ley met him and told him his father lay dead on the footpath. - Mr Walter Thomas Hill, of Lyme Regis, mill sawyer, said he was on the spot when the accident occurred. The driver of the car, on seeing witness, at once slowed down and brought the car to a standstill by Dr Spurr's. Witness saw the wheel of the cart go over deceased. The gentleman in the car (a Mr Davison) got out and came up to where STAPLEFORTH lay. He said "He is dead," and asked witness to fetch a doctor. Dr Spurr came and witness went for the ambulance and the Police. - Dr Spurr spoke to being on the scene within a few minutes of the accident. The deceased was dead. He was bleeding freely from the left ear, nose and mouth, and the contact of the wheel must have caused instantaneous death. - The chauffeur of the car, Harold Berkley Domone, said he was a certificated driver. The car was hired by Mr Davison, who had never driven the car. He was not travelling more than four to five miles an hour when the witness Hill shouted to him to pull up. Witness applied the brakes immediately, and pulled up. He also stopped the engines. - Mr Forward cross-examined witness as to whether he did really pull up by Dr Spurr's, as the first witness said he did not. But the chauffeur adhered to his statement. - A verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned, and the driver was exonerated by the Jury from blame.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Wednesday 3 April 1907
EXETER HEAVITREE - The Late MR J. BEAL. Magisterial References. - Yesterday, before the commencement of the ordinary business at the Wonford Petty Sessions, Mr W. T. Bayne (chairman of the Bench) proposed that a vote of condolence be sent to the family of the late MR JAMES BEAL, who died on Sunday, and who was Clerk to the Bench for many years. Mr Bayne said he had known MR BEAL for a great number of years, and had formed a high opinion of his sterling worth as a lawyer and a man. He performed the duties of Clerk to the Bench in an admirable manner, and the Magistrates accustomed to sit at the Sessions owed a great deal to the deceased for his legal assistance. As an advocate MR BEAL was also held in the highest esteem by his colleagues. He was a man who played many parts in the course of life. He was sure the profession and the public, and especially the Magistrates, would miss him very much, and that all greatly regretted that his family had sustained so serious a loss. - Col Blake seconded the motion. He said it was with deep sorrow and regret that he read the news of the death of so esteemed and valued a citizen. MR BEAL was a tower of strength to the Justices of the Wonford Division. No one could ever had failed to have been struck by MR BEAL'S great courtesy, kindly feeling and warmth of heart. Many days would elapse before they would forget the great service he had rendered. - Mr J. W. Orchard, who has rendered much assistance to MR BEAL in discharging the duties of Clerk to the Division, said that as a member of the legal profession he thoroughly endorsed the remarks which had fallen from the lips of the Magistrates. The profession had sustained a great loss in the death of MR BEAL. - Superintendent Jesse stated that he had known MR BEAL for 18 years, and desired to testify to the great courtesy and ready assistance he always gave the Police. - the motion was carried unanimously. - The Magistrates appointed Mr J. W. Orchard of Castle-street, to act as Clerk, pending steps for the appointment of a successor. - The Inquest. - The circumstances attending the death of MR BEAL were Inquired into by the City Coroner, Mr W. Linford Brown, and a Jury yesterday afternoon at the Police Station. - GEORGE FREDERICK BEAL, lieutenant in the Dorset Regiment, and son of the deceased, identified the body. His father was 58 years of age. About a quarter to 11 on Sunday night witness found his father was not in his room and then went to the bathroom, knocked and asked "Are you having a bath?" He got no answer, opened the door and discovered his father dead in the bath. The water was discoloured by blood. He fetched Mr F. H. H. Orchard and Mr Shirley Perkins. Deceased had been depressed while witness had been at home; in fact, ever since his wife's death. His father suffered from diabetes. - MISS FLORENCE GARDNER BEAL, niece of the deceased, who resided with him, said she last saw him alive on Sunday night about 10.30. The deceased said he would have a bath and she prepared the bathroom. He had been very unwell for a long time. He was morbid and depressed and had been attended by Dr Dyball. - Dr John Shirley Perkins, Surgeon, said he was called about 11.30 p.m. on Sunday. He found the deceased dead in the bath. There were four cuts about five inches long on the left side of the throat. The cuts had severed important blood vessels. On the right side of the throat there was another cut about four inches long and an inch deep in the centre. this had also severed large blood vessels. Across the left calf there was a gash passing through the skin and severing many of the muscles of the calf nearly down to the bone and also some small blood vessels. The cause of death was shock, following severe haemorrhage. Diabetes often caused intense depression. - P.C. White produced a razor, which he found on the edge of the bath. - The Coroner said he had known MR BEAL for a great many years, and his duty that day was a very painful one. Being in the same profession as MR BEAL, he met him frequently and was sure he was voicing the sentiments of the legal profession when he said the members had lost a very good friend. They were all very sorry that he had ended his days in such a manner. MR BEAL was a man of very great ability, a very sound lawyer and an exceedingly kind-hearted man. All the members of the legal profession looked upon him with an exceedingly kind spirit. He knew from his own knowledge that the deceased had not been the man he was some years ago. He had not left any letter relating to the tragedy. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Suicide during Temporary Insanity," and expressed sympathy with the relatives of the deceased.

EXETER - Exeter Pedlar's Death. - The Exeter City Coroner, Mr W. Linford Brown, held an Inquest at the Exeter Police Station yesterday, on the body of BRIDGE O'BRIEN, aged 65, a widow, who lived in Preston-street, Exeter. - Mary Ann Parkin of 63 Victoria-street, Exeter, said deceased was the widow of MICHAEL O'BRIEN, a furniture dealer, of Bristol, and had lately followed the occupation of a pedlar. - P.C. Perkins said that on Sunday he was called to the deceased's house as she had not been seen since Thursday. The door was locked on the inside. Witness forced the door open and found deceased dead on the floor with her head partly under the bed. there was a quantity of blood on the floor. - Mr Pereira, Surgeon, said he made a post mortem examination and found a large clot of blood on the brain. There were also a cut and a bruise on the back of the head. Death was due to cerebral haemorrhage. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Death from Natural Causes."

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Thursday 4 April 1907
EXETER - An Inquest was held at Exeter yesterday on the body of ISAAC NORRISH BOND, 'bus driver, aged 48. MRS BOND heard deceased make a slight noise on Tuesday morning. She immediately went to him, but he died in her arms. A post-mortem revealed heart and kidney disease. The immediate cause of death was syncope, due to the condition of the heart after influenza, and complicated by Bright's Disease. A verdict of "Death from Natural Causes" was returned, and sympathy expressed with the relatives.

EXETER - Exeter Woman's Death. Alleged Neglect. - Yesterday an Inquest was opened at Exeter on the body of CELIA ANN VOISEY, but, after taking some evidence, the Inquiry was adjourned until this evening. - KATHLEEN VOISEY, of 4 Milk-street, identified the body as that of her daughter, who was 24 years of age. For about three weeks she had had a very bad cold. Witness suggested to her daughter that she should have a doctor, but she refused to see one. At midnight on Monday, witness noticed deceased was breathing very heavily and at once sent for a doctor, but before he arrived she was dead. - Mr H. B. Harrison, Surgeon, stated that he made a post mortem examination of the body, which showed that all the organs, with the exception of the heart and lungs, were sound. It was impossible, as the last witness had stated, that the deceased could have been healthy only three weeks before she died. He had never seen lungs in a worse condition. - The Coroner, Mr W. L. Brown, addressing MRS VOISEY, remarked that deceased must have been dying for some time. - One of the Jurymen asked why MRS VOISEY did not send for a doctor before. - MRS VOISEY replied that she wished now she had done so. - Mr Harrison said the deceased's life might have been saved if she had been taken in hand some time ago, but not lately. Deceased scarcely had any lung left.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Friday 5 April 1907
BURRINGTON - Kicked To Death. Burrington Man's Shocking End. - The body of MR ABEL HODGES was found late on Tuesday night near his residence at Burrington. Deceased had been on his usual business round to Kingsnympton during the day. - His face was badly disfigured by, it was supposed, the kicks of his horse. The deceased had carried on a hawker's business in the neighbourhood for many years, and was much respected. - The Inquest was conducted by the District Coroner, Mr G. W. F. Brown. - Mrs Middleton, of Golland Farm, identified the body. - William Avery, cabman, at the Fortescue Arms, Southmolton-road, deposed that deceased was quite sober when he left the Fortescue Arms to go home. He had to hurry as he had no lamp. - Thomas Slater said he left the Fortescue Arms at 10 o'clock and went home by the road. On the way to Churchland Rock, he saw a horse and cart in the road, which he recognised to be HODGES'. Deceased was under the cart, just behind the horse's heels. The reins were around his neck and he appeared to be dead. - Dr Hanson, of Chulmleigh, said the face was very much bruised. The right nostril was cut in two and there was a wound on the left jaw, three inches long. The base of the skull was fractured and this had set up haemorrhage in the brain. All these injuries might have been caused by the kicking of a horse. - The Jury returned a verdict that deceased was Kicked to Death by his Horse.

MORETONHAMPSTEAD - Mr Sidney Hacker conducted an Inquest yesterday afternoon, relative to the death of JOHN SNELL, aged 65, who was found hanging from a beam. The Jury returned a verdict of "Suicide while of Unsound Mind."

STOKE GABRIEL - Shot In A Quarry. Stoke ;Gabriel Tragedy. - The small fishing village of Stoke Gabriel was alarmed when it was known that the body of the eldest son of MR J. B. DUDER of Aish Farm - MR JOHN HERBERT DUDER - had been found in a quarry on the farm. He had, apparently, shot himself with a gun which was found beside him. The deceased was about 37 years of age. After his marriage he for some time carried on farming operations at Blackawton, but about 17 months ago he left the locality and came back to Stoke Gabriel to reside with his parents. It is understood that of late years the deceased had not been in good health. It was discovered that he had left the residence, apparently while the family were asleep. He seems to have left by way of the cellar, as the other doors of the house were fastened. When discovered he had been dead for some time. Much sympathy is expressed for the family in their bereavement. - The Inquest was held by Mr S. Hacker. - JOHN BEAVIS DUDER, father of the deceased, stated that his son was 31 years of age and was married. The deceased had been living with witness for the past eight months. He was not living with his wife, although they were not separated. They met occasionally and seemed to be good friends. Further evidence was called. P.C. Hunt said that he found the body in Tor Kiln Quarry, clutching a double-barrel gun. A rope was tied to the trigger and also to a bush, so that deceased must have pointed the gun at himself and pulled it, with the result that it discharged. Dr G. M. Soper, Dartmouth, described the injuries, and said the shock was sufficient to cause death. He considered that the wound was self-inflicted. On August 9th of last year, he attended the deceased when he was suffering from depression and religious mania. On the following day he was better, but he advised him to take a change. The deceased was only affected temporarily. - ETHELINDA DUDER, wife of deceased, said that he worried about religion. Although they had not been living together they were on good terms and had had no quarrels. The Jury returned a verdict of "Suicide during Temporary Insanity."

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Monday 8 April 1907
BARNSTAPLE - Sudden Death At Barnstaple. A Lonesome Spinster. - An Inquest was held on Saturday evening, at Hill's View, Barnstaple, by Mr T. A. R. Bencraft, Coroner, on the body of MISS ELEANOR SMITH BUCKINGHAM, who was found dead on Friday evening. - The Coroner said the deceased was about 76 years of age and had lived in the house by herself for the last two years. She was last heard of on Wednesday evening, when a neighbour saw her shut a window and pull down a blind. The deceased had been ailing a little. She was found dead by the Police on the floor near her bed and was partly dressed. As the neighbours had not seen her since Wednesday evening, the Police were communicated with and they forced an entrance. - Evidence was given by Mr J. Carter, Southmiston, Mrs Ayre, Mrs Hutchinson, and P.S. Tucker to the effect that deceased sometimes employed a charwoman, but did most of the house work herself. She had complained to a neighbour of feeling unwell. The evidence also bore out the statement of the Coroner. - Dr Jonas said the deceased was lying flat on her back on the floor by the side of the bed. One arm was through the back of a chair, which she had evidently caught hold of as she fell. Death was due to heart failure. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Death from Natural Causes."

PAIGNTON - Sudden Death At Paignton. - Shortly after six o'clock on Thursday evening, MISS ELIZABETH DENNIS, aged 42, a lodging-house keeper, living at the Braes, Paignton, left home to go shopping. She suffered from heart disease. Feeling ill she secured a cab and was driven home by Wm. Daniels, who saw her enter the doors leading to the back of the house. On doing this she, evidently, fell and expired. Her body was found next morning by the servant, Louisa Penwill, who had waited for her until midnight. Dr Adams having made a post mortem examination, found the heart diseased. A Jury, on Saturday evening, who sat under Mr G. F. Kellock, Deputy Coroner, returned a verdict in accordance with the medical evidence.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Wednesday 10 April 1907
BOVEY TRACEY - The Tragic Occurrence At Bovey. Inquest and Verdict. - Last evening the Deputy Coroner, Mr G. F. Kellock, held an Inquest at Edymead, Bovey Tracey, on the body of FREDERICK SHIRLEY BARON LETHBRIDGE, who shot himself on Sunday. CAPTAIN JOHN GUY BARON LETHBRIDGE, adjutant in the Devon Imperial Yeomanry, identified deceased as his brother, who was 27 years of age. On Sunday morning witness accompanied Dr Stewart to the deceased's room for the purpose of dressing the wounds, which had not healed in his brother, following an operation for appendicitis. After this had been done witness followed Dr Stewart from the room, but, subsequently, returned and asked deceased if he could do anything for him. In reply he asked witness to tell the servant to bring his hot water as he would get up and go for a drive. Witness then joined Dr Stewart in the dining-room and had a consultation with him, afterwards instructing the servant to take the water to the deceased. She did so, but found the bedroom empty. Witness heard no report of firearms, but about a quarter of an hour after he left his brother he heard the servant scream. Witness rushed out and heard deceased groaning in the lavatory, the door of which was locked. Witness rushed outside to try the smoking-room window, but in the meantime the servant got the steps, and, using them to mount the tin room, got through the window and unlocked the lavatory door. Deceased was on the floor, with gunshot wounds in the face and head. He was still breathing. Witness called Miss Trail, who was staying in the house, and she did her best for him, but he died within five minutes. Deceased suffered from bad health and had only recently been operated on for appendicitis. He was very depressed and could not sleep. He said sometimes that he felt he was going mad, and he continually fought and fought against this feeling. Charlotte Hill corroborated as to the finding of deceased, and also as regards his bad health, sleeplessness and depression. Dr Murray Stewart stated that he had attended deceased for some time. It was thought that the operation for appendicitis would relieve him and after this was done, at Plymouth, deceased did very well for about a fortnight, and was brought back to Bovey Tracey. The depression, however, increased and deceased became more hopeless than ever. He used to say that sometimes he felt almost suicidal, but it was said in the way that people who were depressed sometimes talked and it was not thought that he would attempt suicide at all. It was suggested that when his wound had healed he should consult a nerve specialist. There was not the slightest doubt that death was due to the shot wounds. The Coroner said it was one of those unfortunate cases that often followed depression and sleeplessness and no blame was attaching to anyone. The Jury returned a verdict of "Suicide during Temporary Insanity," and passed a vote of condolence with MRS LETHBRIDGE, deceased's mother and family, in which the Coroner concurred.

DARTMOUTH - The Fatality At Dartmouth. Solicitor And Jury. - At Dartmouth Guildhall, yesterday, the Coroner, Mr A. M. Davson, held an Inquest touching the death of EDWIN HAYMAN, a carter, who was killed in the grounds of the Britannia Royal Naval College, Dartmouth, on Monday. He was returning from the College with a waggon and two horses, one of which was behind. Suddenly the front horse bolted and in trying to stop it, deceased tripped over the reins and the wheels passed over him, killing him almost instantly. The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death," and added that they did not consider any blame was attached to the employer of the deceased for placing him in charge of the horses. Mr P. R. Hockin, who appeared on behalf of the widow and family, protested that that was a legal point, which it was not in the province of the Jury to decide. It was for a Civil Court or the High Court of Justice to decide such matters. The Coroner said the Jury were entitled to add a rider to their verdict. Mr Hockin asked that his protest should be noted. The Coroner and Jury expressed their sympathy with the widow and family of deceased.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Thursday 11 April 1907
NORTHAM - The North Devon Tragedy. Inquest At Northam. - The Coroner for North Devon, Mr Brown, held an Inquest at the Vestry Room, Northam, yesterday on GERTRUDE STAPLETON, of Great Torrington, who was found drowned in the Torridge opposite Higher Cleave Houses, Northam, on Tuesday morning. - RICHARD STAPLETON, husband, said deceased was 28 years of age, had been unwell for some time and attended by Dr Brown up to Sunday last. The last time witness saw her alive was Monday morning about 6 o'clock, when he left to go to his work. She was then in bed. On returning from work at 7 p.m., he found she had left home. He traced her during the night as far as Wear Gifford, but heard nothing more until Tuesday morning, when her body was found. Deceased had been depressed and, about three weeks ago, said she could bear the strain no longer. - Alfred Parr deposed to seeing deceased on one of the seats on Torrington Common on Monday morning, about half-past nine, and again about one o'clock, on the same seat. - Thomas Milton stated that he found deceased's hat and umbrella tied to the third seat on the river bank, about 7.15 on Tuesday morning. - Mr Whitfield deposed to finding the body in front of his house, on the river bank, about a quarter of a mile from where the hat and umbrella were found. - Dr Brown, of Torrington, stated that he had been attending deceased for eight weeks for dyspepsia. Latterly she had been depressed and in a low condition, but saw nothing suggesting suicidal tendency. It was possible that the marks on deceased's face were caused by stones or some other hard substance. - P.C's Wyatt and Rice stated that nothing was found on the body to indicate any intention of committing suicide. - The Jury, of which Mr S. Fulford was Foreman, returned a verdict of "Found Drowned," and expressed condolence with the husband and relatives.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Friday 12 April 1907
WHIMPLE - Mr Coroner Cox held an Inquest on the infant male child of WILLIAM HUTCHINGS, of Allergrove, at the Reading Room. Mr A. Bailey was chosen Foreman of the Jury. On the evidence of the parents the child was dead when taken from the cradle at 7 p.m., although it was alive two hours previously. Dr A. Walker, of Broadclyst, who made a post mortem examination, stated that the cause of death was bronchial pneumonia. A verdict to that effect was given.

ASHBURTON - A verdict of "Death from Natural Causes" was returned at an Inquest on RICHARD G. FINEMORE, a pensioner, aged 63, who died rather suddenly at the Culloden Inn. Mrs Cook, wife of the occupier of the Inn, identified the body as that of her late sister's husband, who was aged 69 years. Dr Legassick deposed to having made a post mortem examination.

BOW - A Boy Killed At Bow. Falls Off A Roundabout. - Morgan's Roundabouts and Swings visited Bow on Wednesday and were stationed in a field at the higher part of the village. They had just commenced business, when CHARLES ELWORTHY, between five and six years of age, was placed on one of the horses. As the bell rang to start, the boy was seen to sway from side to side, and then fall to the ground. He was picked up unconscious, and conveyed to his home. A doctor was at once summoned and pronounced life to be extinct. the lad's neck was broken. - A verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned at the Inquest and the Jury gave their fees to the parents.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Saturday 13 April 1907
EAST ALLINGTON - MR WILLIAM RICHARD LUSCOMBE, of Coombe Farm, East Allington, who was found dead in a loft, was 72 years of age. The evidence at the Inquest showed that deceased had Committed Suicide by drinking Carbolic Acid.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Tuesday 16 April 1907
BARNSTAPLE - The Barnstaple Borough Coroner, Mr I. A. R. Bencraft, yesterday held an inquest on the body of WILLIAM STONE, who was found dead in the stable of the Red Cow Inn, Castle-street, on Sunday evening. Evidence showed that the deceased had been drinking heavily and that he suffered from epileptic fits. The Jury returned a verdict of "Death from Natural Causes."

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Tuesday 23 April 1907
EXETER - An Exeter Tragedy. An Octogenarian's Death. A Door Dispute. Witnesses Censured. - Yesterday an Inquest was held at the Exeter Police Court by Mr W. L. Brown, City Coroner, on the body of ELIZA MARKS, who had been residing at No. 6 Holloway-street, Exeter. - Mr L. D. Thomas (Exeter) watched the proceedings n behalf of the family of deceased. - SIDNEY MARKS, jeweller, of 38 Tottenham Court-road, London, identified the body as that of his mother. Deceased, who was 81 years of age, was the wife of JAMES MARKS, who was living at Plymouth, but witness did not know the address. - Ethel Trend, aged 12, living at 6 Holloway-street, said deceased went downstairs on Saturday morning, and then came up again. Miss Marsh, who lived on the floor above, came down and shut a glass door at the top of the first flight of stairs. MRS MARKS asked witness who shut the door, and witness told her. Deceased then went down for some water and left open the glass door. Miss Marsh came down and again shut the door and told witness not to inform deceased who closed it. Deceased then came up and witness heard deceased and Miss Marsh having words. Then there was scuffling and witness saw that Miss Marsh had hold of deceased and appeared to be shaking her. Witness tried to pass them to fetch a Mr Dart to part them, but could not do so. She went into a room, shut the door and then heard a noise against it like a push. She heard Miss Marsh shout to someone, "Look, she has torn my blouse to ribbons." Witness came out and saw what she thought was a dress lying in Mrs Marsh's doorway. Later, however, she saw it was deceased. - Sarah Passmore, living on the floor above deceased, said that Miss Marsh came upstairs and said, "Look, MRS MARKS nearly choked me. She got me hold by the throat and broke the lace on my dressing jacket." Witness went down and found MRS MARKS lying on the floor of her room, with her head against the door. She obtained help, and poured some spirit down deceased's throat. Deceased was breathing then. - The Coroner: Did you hear any scuffling? - Witness: No, sir. - Did you not tell my officer that you heard scuffling? - No, sir, I didn't, because I didn't hear anything of it. - Has there been any dispute going on between MRS MARKS and Miss Marsh about the glass door? - There has always been unpleasantness about the door ever since it was put up. - Mary Anne Brookes said she heard deceased and Miss Marsh having words. She found MISS MARKS lying against the door. Deceased breathed twice only. She believed Miss Marsh was standing on the stairs when she went up. - John Dart, shopkeeper, said that when he saw deceased her feet were about an inch inside the doorway. Miss Marsh came down and said she had been attacked and witness replied, "Whether you have been attacked or no, this has come to a very sad end." - Emma Kate Marsh, who was cautioned by the Coroner, elected to give evidence. She said that she went downstairs and closed the glass door after MRS MARKS. She heard deceased say to the little girl, "Did you close that door, my dear, and the girl replied, "No, Miss Marsh did because of the draught that blows upstairs. After that MISS MARKS went down again. Witness followed and shut the door. Witness said, "MRS MARKS, we must have the door shut. I shall have to see further into this." MRS MARKS then sprang at her and gripped her by the throat with one hand, and caught hold of her dressing jacket with the other. Witness called to Miss Passmore, and she came into the stairs. Witness said, "MRS MARKS is gripping me by the throat: will you come down?" MRS MARKS said, "You old hag of Coombe-street." While Miss Passmore was in the stairs witness got away from deceased. - The Coroner: How did you get away? Did you push her? - Witness: No, I never laid a hand on her. - Did Miss Passmore say, "Let her go, she is an old woman?" She told me not to say anything more to her. - What made you tell the officer that she said, "Let her go, she is an old woman?" Miss Passmore told me to come up and not say anything more to her as she was an old woman. - Where was Miss Passmore? - She was in the stairs. - What became of deceased when she let go your throat? - She walked inside her room. - Miss Passmore must have heard the scuffle? - There was no scuffle. - but if a person is holding another person's throat and she is trying to get away there must be some scuffling. I only got away from her. - Laura Elizabeth Smith said she heard a pair of bellows thrown down the stairs on Bank Holiday. MRS MARKS said Miss Marsh had thrown them down, but Miss Marsh denied doing so. - Dr Corbett said that he had made a post-mortem examination and found that deceased suffered from a fatty heart. Death was due to weakness, caused, probably, by excitement. There were no marks of violence on deceased. - The Coroner said it was a very sad case. The questions the Jury had to decide were the cause of death and whether anyone was responsible for it. Deceased was 81, and it seemed a pity Miss Marsh did not take the advice given and let her alone. - The Jury returned a verdict that "Death was due to a weak hart and that the immediate cause was the excitement of the row with Miss Marsh." They wished to censure her for her conduct and also Miss Passmore for the way in which she had given her evidence. - The Coroner called Miss Marsh before him and said she had acted in a way that merited very severe censure. He hoped it would be a warning to her. It was a very sad thing that deceased should have been hurried to her death in this way. As regarded Miss Passmore, neither he nor the Jury believed her evidence. It was perfectly clear that she had come to the Court for the purpose of screening Miss Marsh as much as possible.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Wednesday 24 April 1907
TAVISTOCK - A Boy Drowned In The Tavy. Bird Nesting. - Mr R. R. Rodd, County Coroner, held an Inquest yesterday at Tavistock, on the body of WILFRID JAMES ROWE, the boy who was drowned in the River Tavy on Sunday afternoon. Mr G. Coles was Foreman of the Jury. - JAMES BENJAMIN ROWE, a porter in the employ of the Great Western Railway Company, stated that the deceased, his son, was nine years old. He had his dinner on Sunday and then left to attend Sunday School. - Edwin Henderson, a little boy, stated that he was with the deceased at the Wesleyan Sunday School, on Sunday. They came out about 3.45 and proceeded home by way of the Meadows. Deceased left witness and another boy on the grass and went to the river side. Witness saw him on the branch of a tree about two feet above the water and projecting towards the centre of the stream. He was looking for a bird's nest. The branch broke and the deceased fell into the river. The water was going very fast and strong and soon carried him away. The witness and another boy stated that some young men saw the boy floating down the river and called to him to catch hold of the bushes. It was also alleged that the young men instead of following the body down the river walked in the opposite direction, which some of the Jurymen though it was reprehensible conduct. - P.C. Fishwick stated that after the body had left the bank of the river the flood was so strong that no one could have saved the boy. - Frederick Perkins deposed to finding the body in the river at noon on Monday at Shillamill. - The Coroner sent for Charles Perkins, one of the young men in question, who stated that he was walking in the Meadows with William Lee and when near West Bridge, heard shouting. They turned round and saw a boy in the middle of the river. They rushed to West Bridge but saw no more of the boy. The river was so swift that it was impossible to get at the deceased. Had there been a chance they would have made an attempt to save him. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death," and expressed sympathy with the father, who is a widower.

EXETER - A verdict of "Death from Natural Causes" was returned at the Inquest held at the Exeter Police Court yesterday on the body of THOMAS SYMONDS, aged 54, who resided at Friernhay-street, Exeter, and who was, until about three years ago, a Constable in the Exeter Police Force. The deceased went for a walk with his wife on Sunday evening and while proceeding up Pennsylvania complained of feeling unwell. He was taken to Mr Child, Surgeon, and was being driven home in a cab when he expired. - It was stated that death was due to a fatty heart.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Thursday 25 April 1907
EXETER - The Exeter Motor Fatality. Inquest And Verdict. - Yesterday afternoon the Exeter coroner, Mr W. L. Brown, conducted an Inquiry into the circumstances of the death of ARTHUR WILLIAM MEARS, the child of ARTHUR JAMES MEARS, labourer, of 3 Wright's-court, St Thomas, Exeter, who was knocked down and fatally injured by a motor-car, belonging to Mr J. Langdon Thomas, of "Langdon," Exeter, in Cowick-street, Exeter, on Monday afternoon. - MRS MEARS said that deceased, who was 3 ½ years old, had tea just before five o'clock on Monday afternoon, and then went out to play. About ten minutes later a girl told her that WILLIE had been knocked down by a motor-car in Cowick-street. Witness ran out and found him dead. - Charles Hogden, labourer, of Commercial-road, said he was working for the City Council at the entrance to the Artisans' Dwellings in Cowick-street on Monday afternoon, when he heard a motor hooter sounded. He looked up and saw deceased dash across the road immediately in front of the car, which was approaching Exeter. The boy had jumped off the kerb and there was no chance to shout before the near front lamp of the car struck him on the head. Witness thought the car was going about six miles an hour. The wheels of the car did not touch the deceased, as he fell between the wheels. The car was pulled up in its own length, and witness picked up the child and took him to his home. - Witness, in reply to a Juryman, said there was an open shaft on each side of the road, where he and his mate were working, and the motor horn was sounded to warn his mate, who was in the middle of the road. - Witness, in reply to Chief-Inspector Dymond, said the child was struck on the left side of the head. - Harry Anstey, mason's labourer, of 80 Cowick-street, thought the car was travelling at from 10 to 12 miles an hour. He did not hear any hooter sounded. The car was about 50 yards away when the child left the path, but then rushed right across the road. - William Vowler, cycle mechanic, said that the car passed him with both brakes on and the wheels skidding. The car was going about four or five miles an hour. - Inspector Dymond: Do you say that if the car was only going at four miles an hour the concussion with the boy's head would break the glass of the lamp, as happened in this case? - Witness: I could not say, but that was the rate I thought it was going. The driver had the brakes on. - You consider he had the car under control? - Yes. - Mrs Langdon Thomas, of "Langdon," said that she was in the car and being driven towards Exeter when she saw a man in the middle of the road. The driver sounded the horn and almost pulled up. The man got out of the way and the driver had hardly begun to get up speed again when she saw a tiny boy dart across the road. He was almost in front of the car. Her driver applied the brakes with such force that the car skidded. Witness gave a loud scream, thinking to attract the child's attention, but deceased ran straight across, apparently with the idea of joining a group of children on the path. - John Pennin Harmer, the driver of the car, said he was going at eight miles an hour when he saw the man in front of the car. He slowed up, but did not notice the child until it was immediately in front of the car. He put on all his brake power locking the wheels, which skidded along the road. The car was fifteen feet in length and pulled up in about a length and a half. The glass of the lamp was thin. - Mr Mark Farrant, Surgeon, said the child died soon after he arrived. There was a depressed fracture of all the bones on the right side of the head, and one piece was driven right in. Other fractures extended all over the skull. Death was due to injury to the brain. - Mr J. Langdon Thomas asked if he could make a statement as to the good character of the driver. - The Coroner said that was rather unfortunate, as he had two convictions against the driver before him which he should not have mentioned to the Jury if Mr Thomas had not brought the matter up. The driver was convicted at Highgate for driving to the danger of the public and also for not stopping when requested. - The Jury unanimously decided that the child's death was a pure accident and did not attach any blame to the driver whatever. They thought that he was most careful in everything that he did to prevent the accident. - The Coroner: Then he is a lucky man, that is all I can say. Still, that is your verdict. - The Jury also expressed sympathy with the parents of the deceased. - The Coroner: I quite agree with you there. - Mr J. Langdon Thomas also expressed his deep sympathy with the parents, and added that anything he could do to alleviate their suffering and distress he would be most happy to do. The chauffeur during the time he had been in his service had been most careful and of exemplary conduct. He could not be a more careful driver. - The Coroner: I don't quarrel with the Jury's verdict. The only thing I at all take exception to is the very strong expression that there is no blame at all There is such a thing as negligence, and sometimes - but I won't say any more. As to whether he did everything that he might have, that is another matter.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Friday 26 April 1907
BIDEFORD - An Inquest was held by Mr Brown, District Coroner, on the body of THOMAS GLOVER, 76, a cattle drover, living in Old Town. The evidence showed that the deceased was taken suddenly ill at the Old Ring of Bells Inn on Wednesday evening, and that the landlord, Mr F. Cutland sent for deceased's son, who came with a pony and trap to take him home. Just as deceased got into the trap, however, he expired. Dr Grose, who arrived about the same time, pronounced life extinct. The Jury returned a verdict of "Death from Natural Causes."

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Saturday 27 April 1907
BOVEY TRACEY - Sad Death At Bovey Tracey. The Inquest. - Mr Sidney Hacker conducted an Inquest at Forder Farm, Bovey Tracey, yesterday, on the body of JOHN REED HELYER, aged 72 years, a cattleman. James Voysey, jun., in the employ of Mr Stamp, said that on Wednesday deceased was in the loft above the cow-house helping him with a load of loose straw. Deceased was inside the loft pulling back the straw with a hayfork, and he pitched it to deceased from the waggon through the door. Soon after commencing to unload he turned round, and then missed deceased, and he then heard him falling through an opening in the loft and also heard a scuffle in the cow-house as if one of the cows was breaking loose. He at once moved his waggon and opened the cowhouse door, when he saw one of the cows had broken loose and he saw deceased lying on his face and hands. Deceased must have fallen on the bullock, which was chained up under the opening. He then went to lift deceased up, and found the hayfork, which the deceased had been using had run into his neck on the left side. Dr Murray R. Stewart said the prong of the fork must have penetrated the base of the skull, which caused bleeding inwardly. The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death through falling from a loft on to a hay-fork." No blame was attached to anyone.

TIVERTON - Sudden Death At Tiverton After A Funeral. - An Inquest was held at the Tiverton Infirmary last evening touching the death of WILLIAM HAYDON, aged 70, who dropped dead in the bar of the Queen's Head Hotel on Thursday afternoon. MR T. BIDGOOD HAYDON, farmer, of Castle Barton, said deceased attended the funeral of a relative, MRS LILY FRANCES HAYDON of Prescott House, on the previous day. - Mr Sidney Peters, landlord of the Queen's Head Hotel, said the deceased entered the house about four o'clock and called for a pint of cider. While talking to customers in the bar he fell dead. Deceased was perfectly sober. - Dr Welsford, who had made a post mortem examination, said the deceased's heart was very fat. He was of opinion that HAYDON died from syncope as a result of a fatty heart. - A verdict was returned in accordance with the medical evidence.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Tuesday 30 April 1907
ASHBURTON - At the Market Hall, Ashburton, yesterday afternoon, Mr S. Hacker, District Coroner, held an Inquest on the body of WILLIAM ANSTIS, a navvy, a native of Plymouth, who, until recently, had been at work on the Holne Moor waterworks and who died suddenly on Sunday. Thomas McDonnall identified the body as that of a fellow workman and Mrs Palmer, with whom deceased lodged, also gave evidence. After hearing the evidence of Dr Legassick, who was called to see ANSTIS shortly before death, the Jury returned a verdict of "Death from Natural Causes."

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Wednesday 1 May 1907
EXETER - Mr W. Linford Brown, the Exeter Coroner, held an Inquest at 85 Portland-street, Exeter, yesterday, on the body of JAMES BASTYAN, a journeyman baker, aged 50 years, who expired suddenly on Sunday. Deceased's wife identified the body and said deceased had an attack of heart failure on the previous Friday, but went to work on Saturday. Dr Bradford said he treated deceased in February last. He was suffering from slow beating of the heart, which was also very fatty. Death was due to heart disease. The Jury returned a verdict of "Death from Natural Causes."

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Thursday 2 May 1907
TORQUAY - The Torquay Cycling Fatality. - A verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned at the Inquest yesterday on MR F. G. BINDON, son of a butcher at Chelston, Torquay, who died on Tuesday morning as the result of injuries sustained while cycling on Monday night. The evidence disclosed that deceased, aged 29, was not an experienced cyclist. He was seen riding in Old Mill-lane at about 11 p.m. He once appeared to mis-pedal, for the machine swerved. He, however, seemingly, recovered his stroke. Some foot passengers subsequently heard a crash and deceased was found lying face downwards, with the bicycle between his legs. Deceased was unconscious and found to be suffering from concussion of the brain, a fractured skull, and a cut two inches long over his left eye-brow. A piece of skin and some blood were found on a kerb-stone and the inference was that deceased lost control of the machine, fell forward and struck the kerbing. The bicycle had two brakes and was found to be in perfect order.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Tuesday 7 May 1907
MUSBURY - Musbury Man Killed. Inquest And Funeral. - MR SAMUEL MOULDING, one of the oldest inhabitants of Musbury, has met his death under tragic circumstances. The deceased was a waggoner in the employ of Mr John Pavey of lower Brookland Farm, near Musbury, and while engaged with another man named Hoare in conveying a waggon of hay to Combpyne Station, fell off the shafts. The wheels passed over his body, and death was almost instantaneous. The body was afterwards conveyed home. The deceased leaves a widow and nine children. - The Inquest was conducted by Mr C. E. Cox, Coroner for East Devon. - Bartholomew Hoare, the man who was in company with the deceased, said he spoke to him of the danger of riding on the shafts of the waggon. Witness was at the horses' heads and near Charlton Cross heard "a bit of a jump." On stopping the horses he saw MOULDING lying in the road. The deceased was perfectly sober when the accident occurred. - Dr H. J. Cooper, of Lyme Regis, who examined the deceased, said a great deal of blood flowed from his nose, mouth and right ear, which generally followed a fracture of the base of the skull. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death," and expressed their sympathy with the widow and family, to whom they gave their fees. - The funeral of the deceased took place at Musbury Churchyard and was largely attended. The mourners included the brethren of Court "Unity" A.O.F. (Axminster) of which deceased was a member. The Rev. T. Edwards officiated at the church and graveside.

TIVERTON - The Tiverton Railway Fatality. How The Accident Happened. - Mr Lewis Mackenzie conducted an Inquest at the Tiverton Infirmary yesterday on the body of SIDNEY TUCKER, aged 20 years, who met his death on the Exe Valley Railway, near Tiverton Station on Saturday. - Mr R. Bathgate was appointed Foreman of the Jury. - The Great Western Railway Company was represented by Chief-Inspector Shattock, of Exeter; Mr L. Harvey, Stationmaster at Tiverton; and Mr Llewellen, from the Locomotive Department, Exeter. - Sidney Weeks, of Exeter, said he was driver of the Exe Valley train, which left Exeter on Saturday at 12.56 p.m. The train reached Tiverton punctually and left at its ordinary time. When the engine reached the north signal-box, just before the Blundell's-road railway bridge, it was the fireman's duty to take a cardboard ticket from the signalman. Witness looked over his shoulder and watched TUCKER take the ticket and then turned round to look after his engine. No sooner had he done so than TUCKER shouted "Whoa," and witness brought the train to a standstill. The guard drew his attention to TUCKER, who was lying on his chest between the second and third coaches. His head and shoulders were outside the rail towards the Station-road, and the legs and other part of the body inside the rail. Deceased had worked with witness about a month. - By the Coroner: The train was travelling between four and five miles an hour when TUCKER had to take the ticket. He had known firemen miss accepting the tickets before. Under such circumstances trains were brought to a standstill. - David Dadd, signalman, said TUCKER took the ticket from his hand. He must then have let it fall, because he heard him say "Whoa" to the driver. Turning round he saw the ticket on the ground behind him, and TUCKER rolling round and clutching at the footboard of the carriage. The train was still going on. As soon as deceased came to the end of the footboard he fell in between the coach and the next one and a wheel went over him. - Mr Leisching, Surgeon, said death must have been instantaneous. Deceased's chest was crushed. There was a scalp wound at the back of the head. Blood issued from the nose and there was a wound on deceased's hand. It struck him that the hand with which TUCKER was holding on to the engine while he took the ticket must have slipped. The hand was very black and greasy. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death," and expressed sympathy with deceased's relatives. - The body will be removed to Torrington for interment.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Thursday 9 May 1907
EXETER - Sudden Death At Exeter. - Mr W. Linford Brown, the Exeter Coroner, held an Inquest at the Police Station, Exeter, yesterday, on the body of LUCY ELIZABETH PENGELLY, aged 54, wife of HENRY PENGELLY, farmer, of Mount Wise Farm, Beresford, Manitoba. - LUCY HELEN PENGELLY, a daughter of the deceased, identified the body as that of her mother, who lived at 13 Toronto-road, Exeter. She said that during the night her mother appeared to have a fit and died before a doctor arrived. She had complained of shortness of breath and had bronchitis a few weeks ago. - Dr Bradford said the cause of death was extreme fatty degeneration of the heart. The lungs were congested and death was due to heart failure. - A verdict of "Death from Natural Causes" was returned.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Saturday 11 May 1907
TAVISTOCK - Fall From A Staging. Calstock Man's Death. - Yesterday at the Tavistock Cottage Hospital, Mr R. R. Rodd, County Coroner, held an Inquest on the body of THOMAS HENRY HOCKING, labourer, aged 39, who died in the Hospital on Wednesday. - CHARLES HOCKING, deceased's brother, said he had seen the staging from which the deceased fell, and was satisfied that it was perfectly secure. - Joseph Southey, labourer, stated that he and deceased were wheeling coal in barrows over a staging from a schooner to Calstock Quay. Midway on the staging the deceased slipped and fell twenty feet on to the mud by the side of the river Tamar. - Dr Seccombe deposed that the deceased had a double fracture of the left leg, which, after a medical consultation, was amputated. The wound was a bad one and mud got into it, which caused blood poisoning, resulting in death.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Monday 13 May 1907
STAVERTON - Staverton Railway Tragedy. Inquest And Verdict. - The Inquest on the body of JOHN RABJOHNS, who was found dead on the Great Western Railway branch line between Totnes and Staverton on Friday afternoon, was held at Staverton on Saturday afternoon by Mr S. Hacker, Coroner. - MARY CRANNAFORD, a widow and sister of the deceased, with whom he resided, gave evidence of identification, and stated that he was 66 years of age. The deceased had not done any work for the past 12 months, and had been suffering from heart disease. Just before dinner on Friday he went out, but said nothing, although he had previously asked what time the trains went up and down. As he did not return, she had misgivings and communicated with Mr French, who went to search for him. He had never threatened himself, although he had been very despondent. - Arthur Baskwill, aged 13, deposed that he saw the deceased walking on the railway line, but he subsequently went into a field adjoining. That was a quarter of a mile from where the body was found. - John Peters stated that he went to look for the deceased, and found him in the middle of the "road" about three-quarters of a mile from the level crossing. - P.C. Champion stated that he went to the scene and had the body removed to Staverton. There were no letters on the deceased to throw any light on the occurrence. The only train which passed the spot between the last time deceased was seen and the time he was found was the 2.5 at Staverton from Totnes. - John Williams, engine driver, said he was the driver of the 1.57 train from Totnes to Ashburton. About a mile and a quarter from Staverton Station he noticed something in the "road" which he thought was brown paper or a sheep and this he reported to the Stationmaster at Staverton. It was about 100 yards in front when he noticed it, as he had then turned a curve. He did not do anything to try and avoid it, although had he thought it was a human body he should have stopped. He was going at 30 miles an hour and could not pull up the train in 100 yards. - The Coroner: If you see something it is your duty to try and pull up. It might be a man. That would have been a prudent and proper course. - A. J. Balmond, fireman, said the driver called his attention to the object on the line, but almost as soon as he looked they went over it. - The Coroner asked if there were any definite instructions about stopping when anything was seen on the line? - Inspector Llewellyn of the Locomotive Department, Newton Abbot, replied that there were no definite instructions about stopping, but the driver would do so if there was likely to be any danger to the train or any person. He did not think that the class of train on that line could be pulled up in less than 200 yards. - The Coroner, in summing up, said he thought that it was only prudent that when they saw something on the line which they could not make out, and on which they had doubts, they should pull up; but if they could clearly see what the object was, then it was another matter. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Suicide during Temporary Insanity" and added that they could not see that there was any fault in connection with the Company's servants. - The Coroner said that nothing was alleged against them.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Tuesday 14 May 1907
GREAT TORRINGTON - The Drowning Fatality At Torrington. Body Found: Inquest. - Diligent searches have been made ever since the 27th of last month for the body of the little boy DYMOND, who fell into the river Torridge, just below Taddeport Bridge, on that date. - On Sunday, while walking along the bank of the river near Bideford, and close by the iron railway bridge, a man named Charles Paddon, of Bideford, observed something floating in the river. On landing it he found it to be the body of the missing lad. He immediately gave information to the Bideford Police and the body was conveyed to the unfortunate lad's home at Taddeport. - The Coroner, Mr G. W. F. Brown, Barnstaple, held an Inquest yesterday, at Torrington, touching the death of WALTER DYMOND. - JAMES DYMOND, father of the deceased, said his son was four years and four months old. He last saw him alive on the morning of the 27th April at 6 o'clock. He was informed later that the boy had fallen into the river and every effort had been made to recover the body. - A tiny lad, answering to the name of Johnny White, of Taddeport, said that he and WALTER DYMOND with others, were letting sticks float down the river. WALTER DYMOND, in throwing in a stick, slipped in and the water washed him away. There was nobody near. He ran home and told his mother. No one pushed him in the water. - In answer to a Juryman, witness said he handed deceased a stick to catch hold of. - Charles Paddon of Bideford, gave evidence as to finding the body. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidentally Drowned" and gave their fees to the bereaved parents.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Wednesday 15 May 1907
KILMINGTON - Kilmington Sensation. Former Exeter tradesman's Suicide. - The villagers of Kilmington, near Axminster, were shocked when it became known that MR JOHN BAKER, of Springfield House, had been found dead hanging by a rope from a beam in the stable adjoining his residence. The deceased suffered from an affection which caused fits of despondency. The distressing discovery was made by his daughter. A pair of steps were close to the body, and it is supposed that the deceased committed the rash act by jumping from the steps. The deceased, who was 64 years of age, was well known in the district. He previously carried on business in Exeter, and leaves a son and daughter, the former being MR F. W. BAKER, of the George Hotel, Axminster. - The Inquest was conducted by Mr C. E. Cox, Coroner for East Devon. - MISS LILIAN BAKER, daughter of the deceased, said her father retired from business about seven years ago. He constantly had fits of depression, but never threatened to take his life. She knew that her father visited Axminster a few days before the tragedy, but he did not say anything to her about the purchase of a rope. She found her father hanging from a beam in a standing position. - Mr Sidney Selby, Whitehall House, Kilmington, said in company with a man named Selway, he cut down the body. Witness had heard the deceased complain of ill-health. - Francis Charles Travis, saddler, Axminster identified the rope with which deceased committed the act as one purchased from him. - FRANCIS WILLIE BAKER, son of the deceased, said his father was under the delusion that men were waiting for him for the non-payment of rates and harped on that for weeks. - Mr A. Snell, a Juror, who is assistant-overseer of the Parish, informed the Coroner that the daughter of the deceased had always paid the rates when demanded. - Dr W. Langran, of Axminster, said the deceased suffered from locomotor ataxy, a disease of the spinal cord, which had a tendency to extend upwards and affect the brain. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Suicide while Temporarily Insane" and expressed their sympathy with the relatives.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Thursday 16 May 1907
EXETER - The Exeter Drowning Case. An Open Verdict. - Yesterday Mr W. Linford Brown, the Exeter City Coroner, held an Inquest at the Police Station, Exeter, on the body of EDWIN PYM, aged 52 years, who was found drowned in the Exeter Canal on May 8th. - Mrs Emma Wills of 10 Courtenay-road, Alphington-road, said deceased lodged with her for a few days. He told witness he was going to London to get a situation. His box was to be addressed to Norwood, and he said it would be called for; if not, it was to be forwarded to Norwood. Witness thought deceased was going to the Station when he went away with her husband on April 24th. - Kate Tucker, 8 Okehampton-street, said she knew deceased as "WALTER." On May 22nd he brought his washing to witness. He told her he had left his situation, but was not going to try for another job, as he was feeling a bit rough A few days after he asked witness to send his things to MRS PYM, 19 Carnack-street, West Norwood. - Joseph Hannaford, Leat-terrace, a boy, deposed to finding a coat and waistcoat and hat on the Canal Bank. - Charles Sharland, 2 Tucker's-court, Ewings-lane, stated that he found the body of the deceased in a standing position in the water. The head was about two inches above the water. - P.C. Edwards gave corroborative evidence. - Dr Pereira said the body presented the usual appearance of death from drowning. It had, no doubt, been in the water for over a week. In answer to Chief-Inspector Dymond, witness said there was an old scar on the right hip. - Chief-Inspector Dymond said that they had been in communication with the Metropolitan Police. They found that deceased, who was 52 years of age, had deserted his wife three years ago. - A Juror asked whether it was not usual to drag the river when the Police found a coat and hat on the banks. - Inspector Dymond said that the Police usually looked up their books, and if anyone was missing the river might be dragged. In this instance they had no knowledge of the deceased's disappearance. - A verdict of "Found Drowned" was returned, the Coroner remarking that it was the safest verdict under the circumstances.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Monday 20 May 1907
TEIGNMOUTH - Mr Sidney Hacker, Coroner, conducted an Inquest at Teignmouth, on Saturday, on the body of MRS SOPHIA BIDWELL, widow, aged 79, of 5 Hollands-road. The evidence was to the effect that the deceased fell while getting out of bed early on Tuesday morning, fractured her thigh and broke her right arm. She died on Friday. A verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned, and a vote of condolence passed with the family, who, the Foreman (Mr M. Fraser) remarked, was one of Teignmouth's oldest.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Friday 24 May 1907
PAIGNTON - Mr S. Hacker, Coroner, held an Inquest touching the death of KATHLEEN IDA VICKERY, the twelve year old daughter of parents living at St Mary's-terrace, St Michael's, who fell dead in the girls' school. Dr Frampton said the child suffered from valvular disease of the heart, which was the cause of death. The Jury returned a verdict accordingly.

STOKENHAM - The story of a strange cycling accident, in which the victim was thrown over the parapet of a bridge, was unfolded at an Inquest conducted by Mr Sidney Hacker, at Chillington. From the evidence given it appeared that EDWARD DURE, a journeyman baker, 56 years of age, in the employ of Mr J. W. Bowman, of the Quay, Dodbrooke, set off to cycle to Chillington, on the evening of May 8th. About a mile and a half out of the town the road which deceased was pursuing turns sharply to the right, on to a bridge spanning an arm of the Kingsbridge estuary. From some cause or other the unfortunate cyclist took too wide a curve and his bicycle crashed into the wall at the corner of the bridge. The cyclist was hurled over the wall and fell nearly 20 feet to the stony shore, fracturing his left thigh. The injured limb was set temporarily and the deceased was, at his request, conveyed to Chillington, where he had resided for some time. He appeared to be recovering, under the excellent care he received, but he became worse on Sunday and died on Monday.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Monday 27 May 1907
CHUDLEIGH - Found Drowned At Chudleigh. Inquest And Verdict. - Mr S. Hacker, District coroner, held an inquiry into the cause of death of HENRY WEBBER, 66, labourer, of Chudleigh, whose body was found in the Kate Brook under circumstances already reported. - JANE WEBBER gave evidence of identification and stated that deceased (her husband) left home for work as usual on Thursday morning. He was apparently in good health, but lately had been subject to fits of giddiness. - Mr J. G. Mabey gave evidence of having seen WEBBER proceeding to his work as usual on Thursday morning. He was apparently the last person to see him alive. - Joseph Nixon stated that he found the body face downwards and towards up stream, lying in about 2 ft. of water. - The Jury, after some little deliberation, returned a verdict of "Found Drowned." - A few months ago the deceased's son-in-law was found drowned in the river Teign under somewhat similar circumstances.

SILVERTON - Killed On The Railway. Warning To Trespassers. - The District Coroner, Mr H. W. Gould, conducted an inquest at Silverton Station (G.W.R) on Saturday on the body of PHILIP FORD, a labourer, of Bradninch, who was killed on the railway near Silverton Station on Thursday evening. - Chief-Inspector Shattock (of Exeter), Mr Flewellyn (of the Locomotive Department, Newton Abbot), and Mr Blackler (of the Engineering Department, Exeter) represented the Great Western Railway Company. Police-Superintendent Chammings, of Cullompton, was also present. - Mr James Mardon was chosen Foreman of the Jury. - SIDNEY FORD, son, said his father was 62 years of age. He had been working for Mr Haydon, a farmer in the Silverton neighbourhood and he knew he had used the line on one or two occasions in returning from his work. His father was deaf. - George Snell, mason, of Bradninch, said that on Thursday he was working at the farm where deceased was employed, and they left for home together. They got on to the line at a level crossing above Silverton Station, the deceased telling him that it was a short cut home. FORD said he had been that way many times. Deceased opened the gate for him. He (witness) passed through and walked on, leaving him to close the gate. That was the last he saw of him alive. As FORD did not catch up to him after proceeding a short distance, and he could see nothing of him, he went back and found him lying on the outside of the up line. He was dead. - David Thomas, of Newton Abbot, driver of the engine attached to the 5.30 p.m. express from Exeter t Bristol, said that when passing Silverton Station he saw a man on the line. He blew the whistle several times, but he did not appear to hear it. Deceased was between the rails near the level crossing gates. - William Neal, fireman, also gave evidence. He said his mate drew his attention to a man on the rails and blew the whistle. He saw the engine knock him down. Deceased was then just outside the rails. The cylinder struck him. - Percival Shipcott, porter at Hele Station, said the body was about forty yards above the level crossing. - Dr Clayton Jones, of Silverton, said there was a severe lacerated wound on the back of the head, the right elbow was broken in several places, and there were contusions in the back. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death."

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Tuesday 28 May 1907
SOUTH MOLTON - Inquest At Southmolton. - Yesterday Mr G. W. F. Brown, County Coroner, held an Inquest at the Boardroom of Southmolton Workhouse on the body of HENRY WELLER, the industrial trainer of the Workhouse, aged about 50 years, who was found drowned by a lad named Herniman in Hacche Lime Pits on Sunday. Deceased had been missing since the 13th inst. - Mr J. R. Kingdon was elected Foreman of the Jury. Mr A. E. Shapland, a Guardian and Mr T. A. A. Powell, clerk to the Clerk to the Guardians, were also present. - Mr H. G. Pullin, Master of the Workhouse, said deceased was a very quiet man. He had never seen him the worse for liquor. He had found no fault in him that day, but he had to speak to him some time since upon one or two trivial matters. Deceased was a man who originally came there on tramp. In reply to the Foreman, the Master said he asked deceased to stop in that night to help him but he replied that he wished to go out to get some cuttings. - Jessie Hill, of the Tinto Hotel, said deceased had one drink of beer on the evening of the 13th inst. He seemed as usual. - Robert Herniman, a lad, gave evidence as to finding the body in the pit and informing the Police. - P.S. Newberry gave evidence as to recovering the body. Deceased's watch had stopped at 9.30. A purse with 6s. 4d. in money was found on the body. - Dr Wigham said he was of opinion that deceased had been dead about a fortnight. Death was due to drowning. Deceased was a very quiet man. - The Jury, after a short retirement, returned a verdict of "Suicide during a fit of Insanity." - Mr Shapland expressed his regret, as a member of the Board, at the occurrence. During the time deceased had been in the employ of the Guardians he had always conducted himself in a proper manner.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Wednesday 29 May 1907
DARTMOUTH - Yesterday an Inquest was held at Dartmouth Guildhall concerning the death of BENJAMIN DURANT, which occurred suddenly on Monday. Dr J. H. Harris considered the heart had been strained by over exertion. A verdict was returned in accordance with the medical evidence.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Monday 3 June 1907
CULLOMPTON - Cullompton Waggon Fatality. Inquest And Verdict. - A verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned at the Inquest held at Cullompton, on Saturday, by the District Coroner, Mr H. W. Gould, on the body of ISAAC INGERSON, waggoner, of Cullompton, who was run over by a waggon and killed. - FREDERICK INGERSON, labourer, said deceased was his father and he was 43 years of age. - John Pearse, carter of Cullompton, said he was driving between Whorridge Farm and the town when he saw deceased driving two horses attached to a waggon. He was sitting on the shafts and as he approached he noticed he rose, as he thought, to cross to the other side. The next he saw was INGERSON lying on the ground, having been run over by the waggon. Witness stopped the horses and then went to the deceased. He said "I am dead," and did not speak again. - John Frost, miller, of Cullompton, said he drove deceased home. When he saw him on the ground he was, to all appearances, dead. The waggon was loaded with hay. - Dr Alleyne said he examined the body. On the left side there was a mark caused by a wheel. The ribs were injured and the stomach ruptured. - The Coroner and Jury expressed sympathy with deceased's widow and family. The Jury also gave their fees to the widow.

TEIGNMOUTH - Bishopsteignton Man's Sad Fate. - An Inquest was held at the Town Hall, Teignmouth, on Saturday afternoon, on the body of WILLIAM SCAGELL, which was found floating in the estuary of the River Teign the same evening. - LEWIS SCAGELL, gardener, of Bishopsteignton, said deceased, his brother, was 61 years of age. He had been married, but only lived with his wife a short time. Deceased, who was a blacksmith, had been working recently for Messrs. Hawking and Best, of Teignmouth, as a labourer. While at the Paignton waterworks at Holne Moore he lost the sight of one eye and the other was so affected that he could not see by night. His brother was in receipt of 3s. a week from the parish and the Guardians had sent him to the Exeter Eye Infirmary, but they could do nothing for him. Deceased was in Mr Boon's Commercial Inn, Bishopsteignton, on Wednesday evening, when witness was there. He did not appear to have much money and witness just passed the time of the day with him. He never heard deceased say anything about doing away with himself and he had nothing to bring him to Teignmouth. His brother had been raking cockles on the river beach once or twice, but was then accompanied by someone else. He lost the sight of one eye six years ago. - Jane Coombes, of Triangle, Bishopsteignton, said deceased had lodged with her since the death of his mother, witness promising him a home as long as she had one. He could scarcely see at all. On Friday he had his breakfast about 11 o'clock, as usual, and then left her house to go to the blacksmith's shop. His eye had been paining him and she bathed it before he left the house. As he did not return home on Friday night she told the Police. Deceased was very happy and comfortable and she did everything for him for the 3s. a week, which was all he had, for no one else gave him anything. - John Perryman, boatman, gave evidence of the finding of the body between the lighthouse and the site of the Old Battery at o'clock on Saturday morning. It was in the "wash" about 3ft from the shore. - Mr A. E. Hayward, Surgeon, said there were no marks of violence on the body and he should say it had been in the water about 12 hours. In his opinion death was due to drowning. - Mr T. R. Clemas, Relieving Officer for the Newton Abbot Guardians, said deceased was allowed the 3s. a week on the understanding that Mrs Coombes would keep him in preference to his going into the Workhouse. A verdict of "Found Drowned" was returned.

AXMINSTER - Killed On The Line. Suicide At Axminster. - At the Police Station, Axminster, Dr Tweed, Deputy Coroner for East Devon, held an Inquest touching the death of HENRY JAMES LONG, 19 years of age, employed by Mr Davis, of Lower Abbey Dairy, Axminster, who was killed on the London and South Western Railway main line, near the crossing gates at Abbey Farm on the 30th ult., under circumstances already reported. - MRS LONG, living at Chard-road, stated that the deceased was her son. He was 19 years old last October When she last saw him at Whitsuntide he was then in his usual health and not depressed. He was in the habit of watching trains. - Frank Dare, a dairyman, residing at Abbey Farm, said the deceased had been in his employ since the 11th March. Witness last saw deceased alive on Thursday, at about 9.30 a.m. He was then at work. He gave deceased a day's holiday at Whitsun, but he did not return, however, until the Tuesday. He was then the worse for liquor and witness gave him a month's notice to leave. - Thomas Bagwell, a ganger, employed n the London and South Western Railway, stated that on the 30th May the fireman of the 10.32 down train from Axminster shouted to him to go back in the direction of Axminster. He did so and found the body of deceased lying with the top of his head cut off, the right hand partly hanging, one of the feet mangled and the coat and waistcoat much torn. - John Rixon, living at Devizes-road, Salisbury and in the employ of the London and South Western Railway, stated that he was the driver of the 10.32 down train from Axminster on that day. He saw no one on the line, but heard the engine strike something about a mile below Axminster Station. On arrival at Seaton Junction he examined his engine and found marks of blood on the foot-plate and at once gave information to the Stationmaster. - Henry Pitman Freeman also gave evidence. - P.S. Gammon, stationed at Axminster, said that on Thursday, at about 10.30, Mr Dare came to the Police Station and said he had found a letter in deceased's handwriting on a straw rick on his farm. It was torn to pieces. On being put together it was seen that mention was made therein to deceased contemplating blowing his brains out. Witness accompanied Mr Dare to Lower Abbey Farm and noticed Ganger Bagwell walking very fast. He called to witness, as there had been a stranger killed on the line. He found deceased lying on the side of the railway, near the gateway of the level crossing. He searched the pocket of the waistcoat and found a cartridge. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Suicide while of Unsound Mind." [Exeter & Plymouth Gazette, Wednesday 5 June 1907 - A Suicide's Letter. We have been asked to publish the full text of the letter read at the Inquest on the body of HENRY JAMES LONG, a young labourer, of Axminster, who was killed on the railway under Circumstances which led the Jury to return a verdict of "Suicide while of Unsound Mind." The letter, which was found in a straw rick, and in several pieces, read as follows:- "Lower Abbey, Axminster. - Dear Mother, - Will you please take care of my bicycle and lamp, which I left home on Whit-Monday. Well, mother, I have got a month's notice, because the farmer is giving my master a quarter's notice. I have found him out in the cake-house with a gun three times threatening to blow his brains out. Now, dear mother, he has not paid me my last month's wages. Well, there is something wrong somewhere. He wants me to stay, but I don't like the way he is going on. He is off his head about the servant girl I told you about. Well, mother, I have got two or three places to go to when I leave here. I am not going to stop, I can stop if I like but I don't like the way he is going on. He has always got the gun with him. His case is coming off the 4th of July, so that I shall be home on Saturday week and tell you all about it. With love from HENRY." - Mr Dare, who formerly employed the deceased, denied that there was any truth in the statement about him (the witness) and the gun. He went shooting very little and deceased had only seen him once with a gun.]

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Saturday 8 June 1907
OAKFORD - The District Coroner, Mr H. W. Gould, conducted an Inquest at Oakford yesterday on the body of SIDNEY CHARLES HOWE, the three-year-old son of CHARLES HOWE, miller's waggoner, who, as stated in yesterday's Gazette, was drowned in a mill leat the previous day. Deceased was playing near the leat with a broom and fell in. Mr Frederick Gibbons, of Oakford Mills, recovered the body from the water. The Rev. T. C. Tanner, curate of Oakford, was chosen Foreman of the Jury. The evidence went to show that the child was playing at the back of his parents' house, past which runs the mill leat. The child had frequently seen his mother take the broom to the leat and wash it after using it and it was conjectured that while imitating his mother in this the force of the steam on the broom dragged him into the water. The Jury returned a verdict to the effect that deceased was Accidentally Drowned, and gave their fees to the bereaved parents. The funeral took place on Monday.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Monday 10 June 1907
SIDBURY - Sidbury Traveller's Death. An Overdose Of Medicine. - The Deputy Coroner of East Devon, Mr Tweed, held an Inquest at Sidbury on Saturday morning regarding the death of CHARLES FREDERICK STEVENS of Castle View Cottage, Sidbury, who died from taking an overdose of paraldehyde. - MRS FRANCES STEVENS, deceased's widow, said her husband was a draper's traveller, and was 44 years of age. He suffered from aneurism of the heart and had been in the habit of taking medicine for that. Last Thursday she went into Sidmouth at 3.45 and left her husband in his usual health. Returning about 8.45 she found him upstairs unconscious. Deceased had no money troubles, but the nature of the complaint sometimes caused him to be depressed. - Henry Pemberthy, chemist, of Sidmouth, said he had been in the habit of making up a prescription for deceased. The bottle would contain six doses and the last bottle was sent to him between three and four o'clock on Thursday. - Dr Bingley Pullin said deceased must have taken the whole of the six doses of medicine between four o'clock and nine o'clock when MRS STEVENS found him dying. The fact that he had taken such a quantity of paraldehyde would account for his sudden death. - The Coroner said it was evident that death was due to an overdose of the medicine, but there was nothing to show that deceased knew such a quantity would prove fatal. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Death from Misadventure."

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Tuesday 11 June 1907
EXMOUTH - Sudden Death At Exmouth. The Inquest. - Dr Tweed, Deputy Coroner for the District, conducted an Inquiry at Exmouth yesterday, relative to the death of MR EDWIN LANCEY, aged 74, a gentleman of independent means who has been staying at Exmouth. Evidence was given to the effect that while sitting with his wife in the Plantation, near the tennis ground, the deceased was taken suddenly ill and expired before medical aid could be obtained. Dr O. Eaton, who was brought to the spot by the Rev. H. J. Hodson, found, upon his arrival, that life was extinct. The doctor attributed death to syncope, resulting from fatty degeneration of the heart. A verdict was returned in accordance with the medical evidence.

STOKENHAM - Fisherman's Sad End. - Yesterday an Inquest was held at Bickerton, close to Start Point, by Mr G. F. Kellock, Deputy Coroner, into the circumstances attending the death of ROBERT LOGAN, a fisherman, about 40 years of age, who was found drowned in a shallow pool of water in a disused quarry on Saturday. - From the evidence given it appeared that the deceased had been unwell for some days, having had an influenza cold, which had prevented him going to sea with his father in the pursuit of his calling. On Saturday he left the house, telling his aunt he was going for a walk and in the evening was found drowned in about 18 inches of water. A piece of paper found on deceased bore pencilled words directing that his money should be shared equally by the family. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Suicide while of Unsound Mind," and expressed sympathy with the family. Deceased was a single man.

TORQUAY - The County Coroner, Mr S. Hacker, held an Inquiry at the Upton Parish Room, Torquay, yesterday, on the body of ELIZABETH PENFITT, 58, rag sorter, of Pimlico, who died suddenly on Sunday evening. The evidence of Dr Rudge, of the Torbay Hospital, showed that deceased was suffering from a long-standing valvular disease of the heart and the Jury returned a verdict of "Natural Causes."

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Wednesday 12 June 1907
EXETER - A verdict of "Death from Natural Causes" was returned at an Inquest held at the Exeter Police Court, yesterday, by Mr W. L. Brown, touching the death of the three-months-old child of ALFRED JAMES WYATT, tailor, of Magdalen-street. The mother stated that the deceased appeared a trifle cross for two or three days and when her husband woke on Sunday morning he found it dead. Dr Clapp said that as the result of a post-mortem examination he found the organs perfectly healthy, although the child weighed three pounds less than the average weight for that age. He attributed death to convulsions.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Thursday 13 June 1907
TORQUAY - At Upton Parish Room, Torquay, yesterday, the Deputy County Coroner, Mr G. F. Kellock, held an Inquest on the body of BETSY GUEST, aged 80, widow of JOHN GUEST, who resided at 4 Inglewood-terrace, and died on Monday as the result of a fall over the stairs. The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death."

EXETER - The City Coroner, Mr W. Linford Brown, conducted an Inquest at the Exeter Police Station yesterday relative to the death of the infant daughter of WILLIAM JAMES KEITH, 5 Beedles-street, Bridge-street, who died on Monday morning. Dr H. Andrew said when he was called to see the deceased it was dead. He had made a post mortem examination and found the child was still-born. The Jury returned a verdict accordingly.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Friday 14 June 1907
EXMOUTH - An Inquest was held at Exmouth yesterday by Mr C. E. Cox touching the death of MR WILLIAM SAVERY, farmer, aged 61, who died suddenly on Tuesday. Dr Thornton stated that death was due to heart failure, caused by arterial degeneration. The Jury returned a verdict in accordance with the medical testimony.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Monday 17 June 1907
PAIGNTON - An Inquest was held at Paignton on Saturday evening by Mr G. Kellock, concerning the death of a four-year-old boy named THOMAS LIDDELL, who fell down outside the Gerston Hotel on Friday afternoon and expired within a few minutes. Dr Adams said death was due to status lymphaticus, an enlargement of the glands and spleen, and a verdict was returned accordingly.

TORQUAY - At Torquay on Saturday Mr G. F. Kellock opened the Inquest on ANTONIA JANNETTA, aged six, the victim of the motor car fatality which occurred on Friday and which was reported in Saturday's Gazette. After hearing some evidence the inquiry was adjourned.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Tuesday 18 June 1907
EXETER HEAVITREE - Exeter Traveller's Suicide. - Yesterday afternoon, Mr W. H. Gould, County Coroner, held an Inquest relative to the death of MR JOHN LANGDON, aged 38, a commercial traveller, of 12 Park-road, Polsloe Park, Heavitree, who died suddenly on Sunday. - MRS LANGDON said her husband came home on Saturday night, the worse for liquor. He had nothing to drink nor eat and went straight to bed. About 10 o'clock the next morning she took him a cup of tea, but he did not drink it. Soon after she heard him coughing in the lavatory. She carried him up some hot milk, part of which he consumed. About ten minutes later she heard him again coughing in the bedroom, when she took him some brandy, which he drank. Subsequently, she again took him some milk to his bedroom, when she found him apparently unconscious. She immediately sent for Dr J. Bradford, but, on his arrival, her husband was dead. She did not see any bottle containing liniment on either occasion she went to the room. She was under the impression deceased had been suffering from the effects of drink. She had kept belladonna in the house, but was not aware deceased had purchased any on Saturday. He had, when in drink, threatened to take his life, but she attached no importance to it. He was not in any trouble. - Dr John Bradford, of Exeter,, said he was called to the deceased's house about 12.15 on Sunday morning. When he arrived he found MR LANGDON was dead. The air of the room smelt rather strong, as if some strong poison had been used. He made a search and found a bottle under the bed, which had once contained belladonna. He had conducted a post mortem examination and found that death was caused by belladonna poisoning. - P.S. Mortimore said he had ascertained that deceased bought an ounce of belladonna liniment on Saturday night, at the shop of Mr Pearce, chemist, South-street. Deceased saying that his wife was suffering from neuralgia was a frequent purchaser of belladonna. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Suicide during Temporary Unsound Mind, brought on by incessant drinking." - Dr Bradford complained of the want of a public mortuary; it was not right that post mortem examinations should have to be conducted at a private house. It was stated that steps were being taken by the district Council to provide a mortuary.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Wednesday 19 June 1907
NEWTON ABBOT - A Daughter's Discovery. Sad Case Near Newton Abbot. - Mr S. Hacker last evening conducted an Inquest at Greenhill, near Newton Abbot, touching the death of AMBROSE BOVETT, who was found hanging in a stable loft the previous day. - ROSA ELLEN TAYLOR, a step-daughter, stated that the deceased was 67 years of age, a farm labourer and worked for Mr T. Newcombe of Greenhill Farm. Her mother died in January and most of the time since the deceased had been in the Hospital with a poisoned hand and rheumatism. He had been depressed by the loss of his wife and the breaking up of his house, but had never threatened to take his life. He got up at a quarter to 6 on Monday morning, and, without sitting down to breakfast, which was prepared for him, went out and did not return. Witness and her sister searched for him in the plantation and fields, but could find no trace of him. Just after 10 o'clock she noticed that the stable door was tied on the inside. Regarding this as suspicious, she opened the door, and, ascending the ladder into the loft, found the deceased hanging from a beam, with a bundle of straw beneath him. She went and got a knife and cut him down. Witness said nothing to her sister until she had done this. - The Corner thought this unusual. - Witness: My sister is not very strong and I did not want to alarm her. There was not a man anywhere near that she could call. The body was cold Deceased had had no quarrels with anyone. - Elizabeth Ann Mole, in whose house deceased had been sleeping, said he was all right when he went to bed on Sunday. - SARAH ANN TOZER, a step-daughter, said deceased made no complaint on Monday. - Dr Scrase stated that the loss of deceased's wife and the illness, which incapacitated him and made him feel that he was past work, made deceased very melancholy, but he never showed any suicidal tendency. - The Coroner said deceased was very much respected in the parish and until his wife's death was a hale and hearty man. - The Jury returned a verdict that deceased Committed Suicide during Temporary Insanity, and passed a vote of condolence with the relatives.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Thursday 20 June 1907
BRISTOL, GLOUCESTERSHIRE - Formerly Resident In Exeter. - The Bristol City Coroner, Mr H. G. Doggett, held an Inquest yesterday afternoon upon the body of BLANCHE GREEN, aged about 22. - Lily Young, living at 3 Bedford-street, said the deceased had lived with her since coming from Exeter to Bristol. She had been out of work for some time and witness had been supporting her. About three months ago witness noticed that her health was growing bad. About three weeks ago she took to her bed, but she would not have a doctor sent for, and they did not know that she was so very bad until six weeks ago, when her toes dropped off. On Monday they moved into another house and they carried the deceased into the fresh house on the previous night. She died on the Monday at 2.30, having seemed quite right at 12 o'clock. Witness went into the bedroom at half-past 2 and saw that she was dying. She gave her some brandy and then GREEN fell back dead. - Albert Young, husband of the last witness, corroborated what his wife had said. On the Coroner remarking that he wondered why he had not insisted upon the girl going to the Workhouse, witness said he let his wife have her own way in the house and deceased had said she would do away with herself if they put her outside, as she had no friends. - The Coroner said deceased seemed to have frightened them by threatening to do away with herself. But they ought not to have given way to this fright. They ought to have called in the Police if necessary. It would have saved the girl much suffering had she been in the Workhouse. - Dr Flood, of Stapleton-road, said he was first made acquainted with the case on Monday evening, when he found deceased in bed dead. The body was very emaciated and all the toes were missing. The brain was diseased and the lungs and kidneys were also diseased. The emaciation was accounted for by the tubercular disease of the lungs. The cause of death was diabetic gangrene, following tubercular disease. - A verdict in accordance with the doctor's evidence was returned.

TORQUAY - The Motor Car Fatality At Torquay. - The adjourned inquiry into the circumstances attending the death of ANTONIA GINNETTA, 6 years of age, the daughter of an Italian ice cream vendor, was held at the Upton Parish Room last evening by Mr G. F. Kellock, Deputy Coroner. - The child was knocked down at Torre by a motor car belonging to Mr H. J. Griswolde-Williams, and died shortly afterwards at the Hospital. - Evidence was given showing that the child ran out from behind a van and was knocked down by the car before the chauffeur had an opportunity of seeing her. The car was travelling very slowly. - Mr Griswolde-Williams said the car had just slowed up for a funeral. - Dr Lacey said death was due to a fracture of the skull, but he did not think this was caused by the car, but by the impact with the road. The child's head might have struck one of the electrical skids. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death," and exonerated the driver of the car from all blame. They also expressed their sympathy with the parents. - Mr Hutchings, on behalf of Mr Griswolde-Williams, said he would bear all the expense connected with the sad occurrence and also do something more, but he did not think that a fitting place to put it more clearly.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Friday 21 June 1907
EXETER - Exeter Builder's Suicide. Inquest And Verdict. - Yesterday afternoon the City Coroner, Mr W. L. Brown, held an Inquest on the body of MR RICHARD LETHABY, a retired builder, of Allandale, Pennsylvania-road, Exeter, who was found lying on the kitchen floor of his house the previous evening with his throat cut. - The evidence showed that the deceased saw his wife off by train on Wednesday evening, and, on returning home, suggested to his daughter that she should go for a walk, and he would meet her mother on her return. He did not do so, however, and on MRS LETHABY entering the house at 7.30 she found the deceased lying on the kitchen floor with his throat cut. She called in Mr Charles Piper, who was passing, and Mr R. M. Challice, her son-in-law, who lives near at hand. MR LETHABY was unconscious, but not dead. Dr Pereira and Dr Dyball were sent for and tied up several of the blood vessels. The deceased, however, gradually sank and died in about half an hour from shock and haemorrhage. - MRS LETHABY stated that her husband underwent an operation six or seven years ago and had suffered greatly from pains in the body. He was very depressed at times, and said the pain was killing him. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Suicide while Temporarily Insane" and expressed their sympathy with the relatives. - Mr R. M. Challice said that it had been stated that business worries was the cause of the act, but he most emphatically denied that statement on behalf of the family. There were no business worries.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Saturday 22 June 1907
HARBERTON - A Road Contractor's Death. Inquest At Harbertonford. - Last evening, at the Schoolroom, Harbertonford, Mr S. Hacker, Coroner, conducted an Inquiry relative to the death of SAMUEL HARRIS, road contractor, of the village, who died on Thursday as the result of an injury sustained through falling out of his cart last Wednesday week. - MRS EMILY HARRIS, the widow, stated that deceased was 36 years of age. He left home last Wednesday week to go to work at Morley Parks, and the same evening he was brought home and stated that he had fallen out of the trap in trying to disentangle the whip, the pony starting off suddenly as he was about to sit down. He would not have the doctor that evening, but the next day she called in Dr Smith. Her husband died on Thursday morning. She could not say that the deceased was suffering from the result of drink when he was brought home, nor could she say that he was a heavy drinker. - Richard Ellis, farmer, of Halwell, deposed that he met the deceased at Halwell in the morning of last Wednesday week, he having stopped there owing to the rain. About 11 o'clock witness was driving to Blackawton Show and deceased asked to go with witness, which he did. - The Coroner: Was he the worse for drink when he started? - Witness: No, he might have had a glass. Deceased did not go to the show with witness, but went to the village with some friends. They started home just after 5 o'clock. At Halwell the deceased put his horse into the cart. He was not incapable, and he considered he was in a fit state to drive home, otherwise he should have gone with him. He next saw deceased on the following Sunday, when he told him what had occurred. - Superintendent Jeffery: Did the deceased apply for a drink at Halwell and was refused? - Witness: I do not know. I heard the landlady say that someone should not have any more. - David Horswell stated that he found the deceased in the middle of the road and the horse was walking on some distance ahead. He stopped the horse and also, with assistance, got the deceased into the cart and drove him home. - Dr Smith (Totnes) stated that the deceased died as the result of a very serious injury to the spinal cord. - The Coroner, summing up, observed that the tailboard of the cart would probably not have been so "rickety" but for the drink that the deceased took. The evidence of Mr Ellis which they had to take was that he was not incapable, but a certain amount of drink would not help to steady him, although he might not be incapable. - A verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned by the Jury.

KINGSWEAR - An Inquest was held yesterday at the Royal Dart Hotel, Kingswear, by Mr Sidney Hacker, County Coroner, concerning the death of a lad named BERKLEY MEDWAY, 8 years of age. It was stated that on Wednesday evening deceased was in a field with his grandfather, GEORGE MEDWAY, with whom he lived, when he was kicked by a pony. He was carried home and died two hours afterwards. Dr Kendall said deceased had been kicked in the chest and a piece of bone had penetrated the lung, causing suffocation. The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death."

EXMOUTH - The Exmouth Fatality. Inquest And Verdict. - Yesterday, Mr C. E. Cox, Coroner, held an Inquest at the Exmouth Cottage Hospital, into the circumstances attending the death of JOHN FISHER, a native of Tiverton, who was killed by being run over in the Exeter-road, Exmouth, on Wednesday. Mr G. Babbage (Exeter) represented Mr James, traction engine owner. - Evidence of identification was given by JESSE FISHER, a labourer of Tiverton, and brother of the deceased. He said he had not seen deceased for about three years. He believed his age to be 66. Deceased had a wife and family living in Wales. - James Henry Thorn, carrier between Exmouth and Exeter, said that on Wednesday last deceased accompanied him in his van to Exeter. As they were returning home in the evening deceased got off the van and took off the "drag" shoe in Exeter-road. He then said "All right," and was about to jump up on the van when the fore horse swerved across the road, and the next thing witness noticed was that the near wheels of the waggon were passing over something. He did not see deceased fall, but on jumping down he found that both wheels had passed over him. Witness held him up and another man named Hitchcock, who came along on a cycle, went to fetch Dr Beesley. Deceased was unconscious and only lived for about a quarter of an hour. When witness jumped off the waggon the horses bolted. - In answer to the Coroner, witness said he did not know what made the horse swerve, unless it was the rattle of a traction engine which was coming down the hill about 100 yards behind. Witness did all in his power to keep the horses still while deceased endeavoured to get his seat. Deceased had only had four pints of cider all that day. - William Hitchcock, a fitter, in the employ of Mr James, deposed to seeing the last witness holding deceased up. As he was riding his bicycle, Throne asked him to fetch Dr Beesley, which he did. Witness did not hear the traction engine when he was passing the waggon, as it made little noise coming down the hill. - William Channing, the driver of the traction engine, said he saw nothing of the accident until he arrived at the spot where Thorne was holding up deceased. - Mr C. Joslin, schoolmaster at the Exeter-road School, said that, in consequence of hearing groaning, he went outside his house and there saw deceased, who was unconscious. - Dr Beesley stated that he arrived about ten minutes after the accident. Deceased was then past all aid. Witness endeavoured to give him some brandy, but he could not swallow it. The deceased died about five minutes later. Witness examined the deceased and found an abrasion on the right knee. The right side of deceased's chest was crushed in and the ribs broken. These injuries might have been caused by the wheels of a heavy waggon passing over the body. The cause of death was shock due to the injuries received. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death," and attributed blame to no one.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Monday 24 June 1907
HALWELL - A South Devon Farmer's Suicide. Sad Case At Halwell. - Some remarkable evidence was given on Saturday evening at an Inquest held by Mr S. Hacker, County Coroner, at Stanborough Farm, Halwell, touching the death of the owner, MR JOHN FREDERICK ADAMS, who until recently represented Halwell on the Totnes Board of Guardians and Rural Council. - The evidence showed that deceased, who was 51 years of age, appeared in his usual health up to Friday. He went out during the afternoon and early on Saturday morning his dead body was found in an orchard. A gun was lying near and it was evident that he had deliberately taken his life. - Although his family history was bad, the widow told the Coroner and Jury that he had never suffered from melancholia or depression and there was nothing to suggest suicidal tendency. He was well-to-do and had no troubles. His mother took her life, as did alto deceased's two younger brothers. Other members of the family had been in the Asylum. - The Jury returned a verdict that deceased Committed Suicide while Temporarily Insane, and gave a vote of condolence to the bereaved family.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Wednesday 26 June 1907
EXMOUTH - Sad Death At Exmouth. - Yesterday at the Temperance Hall, Exmouth, Mr C. E. Cox, Coroner, held an Inquest on the body of THOMAS GEORGE JUTSON, an employee of the Exmouth Urban District Council. - The widow deposed that her husband went out on Sunday afternoon at 4.15 and at 8.30 she was told that he was found dead. He suffered occasionally from fainting fits, which sometimes made him unconscious. He was 42 years of age. She did not know he had gone to the allotments. - Frank Carter deposed that when he was walking through the allotments at Mudbank he found deceased in a pool of water nine inches deep and about four feet wide. The body was face downwards and was covered with water. Deceased's hands were under him. He called a man named Millman, who assisted him to get the body out of the water. They sent for Dr Beesley and tried to revive the deceased. - Dr Beesley stated that the body showed all the appearances of drowning. He had made a post mortem examination and came to the conclusion that death was due to drowning. He could not say how deceased got into the water. He was inclined to the supposition that, if he had a fit, he was unconscious when he fell into it. There was deeper water near had he intended to drown himself. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Found Drowned," and commended Carter and Millman for their promptitude in trying to restore animation.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Tuesday 2 July 1907
TORQUAY - Torquay Ostler's Death. - A verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned at Torquay yesterday, when Mr S. Hacker held an Inquest on the body of WILLIAM HENRY TUCKER, an ostler. Deceased's wife found him outside her door on Wednesday evening delirious, with a broken leg and cuts on his face. He was taken to the Torbay Hospital where he died on Saturday. The House Surgeon, Dr F. H. Rudge, attributed death to shock following the injuries received.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Friday 5 July 1907
CHRISTOW - Doccombe Labourer's End. Inquest And Verdict. - The circumstances surrounding the tragic death of ROBERT COLLINS, a farm labourer, aged 17, who committed suicide at Christow, were investigated at the Railway Station, Mr H. W. Gould being the Coroner. - Chief-Inspector Shattock, of Exeter, Inspector Flewellen, Locomotive and Carriage Department, Newton Abbot, and Mr Blackler, Engineering Department, Exeter, appeared on behalf of the Great Western Railway. - MRS COLLINS, the mother, who lives at Doccombe, stated that the deceased left her house at five o'clock on Sunday, saying he was going to his master's house to tea. Occasionally he was depressed, being quiet and refusing to speak, but so far as she knew he had no troubles of any kind. There was insanity in the family on the father's side, while one of her sons some time ago committed suicide by hanging himself. - Alfred Ernest French, a farmer, living at Doccombe, said that the deceased worked for him. He last saw him alive just after five o'clock on Sunday evening. Apparently, he was in his usual state of health then. He left the house between nine and ten o'clock and was not seen again. - George Kingdon, a ganger, living at Ide, said that on Monday morning at eight o'clock he was at the crossing and saw the deceased there for about ten minutes. When the 7.40 train from Exeter was nearing the crossing he saw COLLINS deliberately jump right in front of the engine and fall on the metals. When witness got to him COLLINS was quite dead. - Dr Fenwick, of Dunsford, deposed to examining the body. There was an incised wound on the neck about three inches long, and the neck was fractured. This most probably caused instantaneous death. The left leg and thigh were also fractured. - "Suicide while Temporarily Insane" was the verdict returned by the Jury.

WOODLEIGH - An Inquest was held by Mr S. Hacker at Hendham, Woodleigh, on the body of the man named JOHN JEWELL, who was found hanging from a beam in a cow-house. From the evidence of the widow it appeared that the man, who was 34 years of age and leaves seven children under eleven years of age, had had notice to leave his employer , that he went out in the morning without any breakfast and on a search being made he was found as stated about 11 a.m. He had previously attempted suicide. A verdict of "Suicide whilst of Unsound Mind" was returned.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Monday 8 July 1907
TIVERTON - Child Drowned At Tiverton. Inquest And Verdict. - The Borough Coroner, Mr A. Fisher, conducted an Inquest at the Tiverton Infirmary, on Saturday evening, touching the death of HILDA DREW, aged five years, daughter of MR and MRS W. DREW of Westexe South, who was drowned in the River Exe on the previous afternoon. From the evidence adduced, it appears that the little girl obtained access to the brink of the river through the double doors adjoining Mr Holcombe's (a local builder) premises. Deceased was accompanied by another little girl, named Gillard, who stated (through her mother, Mrs Gillard) that HILDA put her foot into the river "to see how deep it was." (It is about 4 feet deep at the spot where the deceased fell into the river.) - The Jury, of whom Mr Tom Woodward was Foreman, returned a verdict of "Found Drowned," and asked the Coroner to suggest to the Exe Bridge Trustees (the owners of the premises) that a gap near the river be repaired. The Coroner expressed sympathy with MR DREW, father of the deceased.

OTTERY ST MARY - A verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned at the Inquest held on the body of JAMES CHANNON, aged 81, a mason, of Yonder-street, Ottery St Mary, who sustained fatal injuries to the head from a fall from a ladder while cleaning out some shuting.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Tuesday 9 July 1907
EXETER - Yesterday an Inquest was held at the Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital by the City Coroner, Mr W. L. Brown, on the body of EMMA JANE BEST, aged 72, who lived at 29 Belmont-road, Exeter. The evidence adduced was to the effect that deceased was seen to fall while walking in Bedford-circus on Saturday morning and was conveyed to the Hospital, where she died soon after admission. Dr Hawkins, House Surgeon at the Hospital, was of opinion that death was from cardiac failure, due to fatty degeneration of the heart and a verdict of "Death from Natural Causes" was returned.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Wednesday 10 July 1907
TIVERTON - A Case Of Blood Poisoning. Inquest At Tiverton. - An Inquest was held at the Tiverton Infirmary last evening by the Coroner, Mr A. Fisher, on the body of WILLIAM HENRY BOND, labourer, of Templeton. - From the evidence it appeared that the deceased, while mixing bone mixture with ashes on lower Way Farm, Withleigh, sustained an abrasion on the fore finger of the left hand. He did not think anything of it until some days afterwards. The pain became so intense that he was medically treated by Dr Meade, of Witheridge, who ordered his removal to the Tiverton Infirmary. In the meanwhile blood poisoning had set in, from the effects of which deceased died on Monday evening. - Dr Meade, asked by the Coroner whether dissolved bone was deadly poison to a wound, replied in the affirmative. - The Jury, of whom Mr F. Burgess was Foreman, returned a verdict of "Death from Blood Poisoning." Deceased leaves a widow and seven children, the eldest of whom is only twelve.

EXETER - Exeter Man's Sudden Death. - Yesterday an Inquest was held at Exeter by Mr W. L. Brown, City Coroner, on the body of WALTER HERBERT ROBERTS, aged 29, a stone carver, of 74 Victoria-street, Exeter, who died suddenly the previous evening. - JAMES ROBERTS, of Paris-street, father of the deceased, said his son had been in delicate health since birth and was subject to fainting fits. - Miss Mary Jane Martin of 74 Victoria-street, where deceased and his wife had lodged since Easter, stated that he went out the previous day at about noon, and she noticed that he did not look well. Shortly before 6 o'clock a little boy came to the house and said that MR ROBERTS had been taken ill. While talking at the door deceased came up and seemed very bad and she sent for Dr Duncan, but death took place before the latter's arrival. - Dr Duncan deposed to having made a post-mortem examination, as a result of which he found that the liver weighed 80 ozs., whereas the average weight was 50 ozs. There was no heart disease, but the walls of that organ were thickened, showing that it had been subjected to undue strain. He was of opinion that death was caused from syncope, due to general enfeebled state of health. - A verdict in accordance with the medical testimony was returned.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Thursday 11 July 1907
KENN - Kennford Haulier's Suicide. The Inquest. - Mr H. W. Gould, the Coroner for the District, conducted an Inquiry at the school, Kenn, yesterday, relative to the death of JAMES BAKER, aged 72 years, a retired haulier, of Kennford. - GEORGE BAKER, haulier, of Kennford, identified the body as that of his father. He last saw him alive at 6.15 a.m. the previous day, but noticed nothing unusual in his demeanour. When witness returned, about 5 p.m., with his horses, he found the deceased hanging by the neck from a beam in the stable. With assistance he cut down the body and then found that life was extinct. Witness had never heard deceased threaten to commit suicide. Deceased lived with witness and his sister and happy relations existed between them. With the exception of rheumatism, deceased had apparently enjoyed good health. - ELLEN BAKER, daughter of the deceased, said nothing had ever occurred to lead her to suppose that deceased contemplated suicide. Deceased left the house about eight o'clock on Tuesday morning, after having a cup of tea and biscuits. She had often known him to go away all day. She had not been near the stable during the day. - Evidence was also given by Eliza Holland, the wife of Walter Robert Holland, porter, of Kennford, William Squires, pensioner of Kennford, and P.S. S. O. Hill, of the same parish. - Mr Mark Farrant, surgeon, of Exeter, said that when he saw the body at 6.45 .m. on the Tuesday, it appeared that deceased had been dead some time. His appearance was consistent with death from strangulation. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Suicide while of Unsound Mind, by Hanging."

EXMOUTH - The Sudden Death At Exmouth. - An Inquest was held at 3 Imperial-terrace, Exmouth, yesterday, by Mr C. E. Cox, Coroner, on the body of MRS EMMA COOMBS, widow, who died suddenly the previous day. JESSIE and JANE COOMBS, daughters of the deceased, stated that shortly after partaking of her dinner the deceased complained of violent pains in the head and went to the sofa and lay down, expiring before medical aid arrived. Dr Hodgson said he had attended MRS COOMBS for pains in the head in October and he was called on this occasion. As he was out, Dr Martyn was sent to the house. He saw deceased shortly afterwards. He had made a post-mortem examination and found that death was due to the pressure of a clot of blood upon the brain, following the breaking of a blood vessel at the base of the skull. A verdict of "Death from Natural Causes" was returned by the Jury, of whom Mr Blackmore was Foreman.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Friday 12 July 1907
SWIMBRIDGE - Sad Inquest Story. Servant Girl's Stillborn Child. - An Inquest was held yesterday afternoon, conducted by Mr G. W. F. Brown, County Coroner, at Traveller's Rest, Swimbridge, near Barnstaple, touching the death of the male infant child of MARY STEPHENS, aged 21, a single woman. - MRS JANE STEVENS, grandmother to the deceased child, was formally cautioned by the Coroner before giving her evidence. She said her daughter was 21 years old and lived with her at Traveller's Rest. She came home in February, after being for some months in service at Barnstaple and at Ilfracombe. On Monday morning last her daughter gave birth to a male child. No one was present at the birth. She (the witness) was out in the garden. Her daughter called to her and she went to her bedroom and saw the child on the bed beside her daughter. Her daughter took to her bed on Friday last. Previous to that she had questioned her time after time as to her condition, but she had always replied that she was all right. When she saw her daughter after she had given birth to the child she complained of being assaulted about November at Venn by an unknown man, of whom she gave a description. Her daughter attributed her condition to this occurrence and had made no complaint until then. She (the witness) never heard the child cry or saw it breathe. As there was nobody in the house, she could not send for a midwife or a doctor. The following day (Tuesday) she went with her son, WILLIAM, to the Barnstaple cemetery with the child to try to get it buried. The caretaker informed her that she would have first to get a doctor's certificate. She immediately went to Dr Harper's surgery but could not obtain the certificate. - ROBERT STEPHENS, schoolmaster, and grandfather to the deceased child, said his daughter had always told him she was all right. In reply to the Coroner as to whether he believed his daughter's story about being assaulted was true, the witness said he was in such a state of mind that he hardly knew what to do. He undertook that his son, who accompanied his mother to Barnstaple, should appear at the adjourned inquest, he having, in the meantime, gone to Cardiff to seek work. - P.C. Watts, stationed at Swimbridge, said the girl had never complained to him of being assaulted. - The proceedings were adjourned for about half an hour in order to enable Dr Gibbs to see the girl, who is ill in bed. He subsequently informed the coroner that the girl would not be in a condition to give evidence for about three weeks. - The Coroner said it was absolutely necessary to have the evidence of the girl and also the evidence of her brother, WILLIAM. He accordingly adjourned the Inquest until the 30th inst.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Monday 15 July 1907
DARTMOUTH - On Saturday at Dartmouth Guildhall, Mr P. R. Hockin, Deputy Coroner, held an Inquest on the death of KARL VALPRI, a Swede, fireman of the Danish steamer, I.C. Jacobsen. Evidence was given by Christian Petersen (the Master), Paul Aggertrolm (the second mate), and Karl Yensen (a seaman). A verdict of "Suicide while Temporarily Insane" was returned.

TOTNES - Killed On The Railway. A South Devon Fatality. - On Saturday morning, near Marley Tunnel, on the Great Western Railway, WILLIAM HENRY FORD a young Rattery labourer, lost his life. He was working on the line and apparently did not stand clear of the up train in going to the side to avoid the down train. He was struck by the engine and sustained shocking injuries, to which he succumbed in a few minutes. - The Inquest on the body was conducted by Mr S. Hacker, Coroner, at the Guildhall, Totnes, on Saturday afternoon. The Great Western Railway Company were represented by Chief Inspector Scantlebury (Plymouth), Inspector Flewellen (Locomotive Department, Newton Abbot) and Mr W. C. Sim (Engineering Department). - The Coroner, in opening the Inquiry, stated that there was a tremendous roll of men killed every year who were gangers and packers. The figures were something appalling of men who were killed on the line and it was a thing to be carefully inquired into to ascertain whether people did their duty in taking care of the safety of men. - ARTHUR JOHN FORD, labourer, of Rattery, stated that his son was 21 years of age. He was a railway labourer, and on Saturday he went to work at 5.30 a.m. - Henry Dennis of Rattery, stated that he was a packer on the line, and was at work with three other men on Saturday morning. They were weeding on the down line and witness was put in charge of the men by the ganger, J. Mitchelmore. Witness had been a packer for 17 years, and considered himself fit to take charge of a gang. They were working near Marley Tunnel, on the Totnes side. They saw the down train approaching at 10.30 a.m. at about 200 yards and they could see the same distance in the other direction. He then told the men to stand clear of both lines. They could not see the signals for the down train, as they were around a curve, but they heard it coming. Two of the men went to the down road side, but the deceased, who heard witness shout, went in the opposite direction. They knew that the up train was due. He did not see the deceased again, as the down train shut off their view. He thought that the deceased had time to cross the "road" as no up train was visible when he commenced to cross. After the up train passed he did not see the deceased, so he went to see where he was and found him lying in the bank about nine feet from the rails. Deceased had a bad cut on his neck and was struck on the right side. He was not dead, but was unconscious. An engine was coming along and they removed him to Totnes, where they got an ambulance and took him to Dr Edmond. Witness was responsible for giving warning and he was sure all the men heard what he said. - The Coroner: He must have stopped instead of crossing? - Witness: The only thing I can think is that he thought he was clear and was not. - Deceased's father said he was only on three weeks. - Mr Sim: But he was on three months before that. - Inspector Scantlebury stated that he was informed before he left Plymouth that the guard of the down train noticed the deceased standing outside and thought that he would not clear the up train. - The Coroner said that they could not take that, as the guard was not present. - John Moore, packer, said that Dennis gave the warning, "Stand clear both roads," and witness repeated it. - Lewis Pomeroy corroborated. - Inspector Flewellen stated that he examined the engine and there was a slight mark on the buffer flank. Deceased must have turned around to be struck on the right side. - Dr Chapman said when he saw FORD he was dead. All his injuries were on the right side and included fractures of the right arm and leg, broken ribs and injuries to the head. Deceased was probably watching the down train and was struck on the point of the right shoulder by the other train. - P.S. Maaers produced the deceased's watch , which was stopped at 9.38 a.m. - The Coroner, in summing up, observed that nobody actually saw what took place. It was suggested that the deceased was looking at the down train and they must suppose that was what he did, and committed an error of judgment. He was glad that the regulations seemed to have been kept and that the man at the head of the gang seemed to have done his duty. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death" there being no blame attached to anyone. A rider was added that the foreman of all gangs should use a horn to give warning of approaching trains.

UFFCULME - Fatal Accident At Uffculme Sand Quarry. - A Jury and several witnesses were occupied at the George Hotel, Uffculme, for over three hours (before Coroner Cox) to investigate the cause of death of WILLIE STONE, aged 23 years, as reported in Friday's issue of the "Gazette." - Mr John Welland was appointed Foreman. The solicitors present on behalf of the deceased's family and employers (Messrs. Nicks Bros.) were Mr H. Northmore and Mr Burrow (Burrow and Miller). A sister of deceased, LUCY ANNIE STONE, stated that deceased was in his usual health when he left home for work. Frederick Norton, a lad, who witnessed the accident, said that on the evening in question, STONE was at work digging with his pickaxe. About ten minutes past five he heard a great noise and saw that the sand had buried him. He tried to rescue him. As he could not, he screamed for help. Mr Nethercott, Mr Lake and others came to the rescue. A Juryman said it was the usual practice to undermine to get a slip. William Pyemore, foreman for Messrs Nicks Bros., stated that there was no necessity for the deceased to undermine. He had previously warned him not to undermine. Mr Pope. clerk of works for Messrs. Woodman and Sons, Exeter) and working at the Council schools, stated that their firm gave strict orders to their men not to undermine. Dr Eames stated that he considered deceased's back was broken in consequence of the large fall. The Coroner complimented Constable Babb on the manner in which he had brought forward his witnesses. The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death" with a rider that greater supervision should be made by those in authority.

TOTNES - South Devon Farmer's Death. Inquest At Totnes. - Mr S. Hacker held an Inquest at the Guildhall, Totnes, on Saturday afternoon, concerning the death of MR WILLIAM PALK, of Wash Farm, Staverton, 75 years of age, who died suddenly at Totnes on Friday. - Evidence was given by NICHOLAS GEORGE PALK, son, who stated that deceased had had a cough for some time and had a fit of coughing just as he left home for Totnes Market. He did not complain of being unwell until reaching Totnes market gates, when he said he was afraid he should fall out of the trap. Witness drove him to the doctor. - The Foreman (Mr R. Reed) said he spoke to the deceased outside the market and he then complained that he had a lump in his throat. - Dr H. S. Johnson said that when he saw the deceased about 2 p.m. he was dead. He had known him for upwards of 30 years, and about 12 months ago he came to him at Totnes and he then found that he had a weak heart. In his opinion death was due to syncope. - The Jury returned a verdict accordingly.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Tuesday 16 July 1907
EXETER - Exeter Woman's Sudden Death. Inquest And Verdict. - A septuagenarian, named EMMA AVERY, who lived at 54 Preston-street, Exeter, died suddenly on Saturday night, and Mr W. Linford Brown, City Coroner, conducted an Inquest on the body at the Police Station yesterday afternoon, when evidence of identification was given by FREDERICK WILLIAM AVERY, of Mermaid Yard, son of the deceased, who said he had been fatherless about 30 years. His mother suffered from varicose veins in one of her legs and three weeks ago one of the blood vessels burst. He was summoned to the house on Saturday night, when he found the kitchen like a slaughter-house, a large quantity of blood having flowed from one of his mother's legs. The old woman was, apparently, dead. - A next-door neighbour, named Mrs Dunn, said the deceased called to her on Saturday evening, "Oh my, did you ever see anything like this?" at the same time showing witness her leg, which was bleeding very much. Mrs Dunn called a lodger named John Harding, but the old woman died before Dr Clapp (who was quickly on the scene) arrived. - Dr Clapp having given it as his opinion that death was the result of haemorrhage, due to an ulcer leading into a varicose vein, the Jury returned a verdict accordingly.

EXMOUTH - Child Burned To Death. Inquest At Exmouth. - At the Exmouth Cottage Hospital yesterday morning an inquest was conducted by Mr Cox on the body of a four-year-old child, named ALICE MARY GREEN (daughter of a domestic servant), who was being cared for by Mrs Ward, of 17 Bicton-place, Exmouth. The child was burned to death on Saturday while playing with matches. - Mrs Ward stated that at about half-past 9 o'clock on Saturday morning the deceased, with other children, was upstairs in bed. Witness heard her cry and then her daughter came downstairs with the child, whose clothing, which consisted of a flannelette vest and nightdress, was on fire. Witness cut the child's hair off so as to save the face from being burnt. The doctor was sent for and the little one was later sent to the Cottage Hospital, where she died just before 6 o'clock the same evening. A little boy named Stanley had since told witness that one of the children climbed on to a tin-box and reached for some matches, which she struck and the flame caught the clothing of the deceased, and set it on fire. The matches were of the ordinary safety pattern. - The Foreman expressed the opinion that the accident might have been avoided had flannel been used instead of flannelette. - Miss Ward said she was on the landing below when she heard the child ALICE scream out. Rushing into the room, witness saw the child in flames and she did her best to extinguish them by wrapping some clothing round her. - Mr H. P. Copp, (Inspector under the Infants' Life Protection Act) said he last visited the house in June, when what he saw gave him the opinion that the child was being well looked after. - Dr Thomas, who arrived at the house very shortly after being summoned, deposed to finding the child very badly burned. He ordered its removal to the Hospital, where he saw it during the morning. There was no hope from the outset of the child's recovery. Death was due to shock, following on the burns. - "Death from Accidental Causes" was the verdict returned by the Jury. - The Coroner remarked that the case showed the absolute necessity for very careful supervision of young children, and he agreed with the Foreman of the Jury that flannelette was very dangerous for young children to wear.

LYDFORD - Killed In A Quarry. A Merivale Fatality. - Mr R. R. Rodd held an Inquest at Merivale Bridge, near Princetown, on GEORGE KNOWLING, aged 24. Dr C. C. Brodrick said deceased received extensive burns all down the back. Death was due to shock caused by the burns. There were no fractures or serious cuts or bruises. - Mr George McLeod, manager of Duke's Quarries, said for more than seven years deceased had acted as crane driver. On Friday morning deceased was in charge of No. 4 crane, employed in lifting a block of granite weighing about four tons. The crane had a lifting power of 10 tons. It was supported by two wooden stays, each fitted into a wooden sill and fastened by an iron pin. The sill was of pitchpine. Each sill was covered by blocks of granite weighing about six tons. The stone the deceased was shifting was raised about five feet and slewed round to the position from which it fell. When ready for lowering one stay came clean away from the end of the sill, and so caused the crane to capsize. The deceased, who was on the platform of the crane, was pinned under the boiler and it took about 20 minutes to release him. The poor fellow did not speak while they were getting him out, but moved his legs slightly. He had since examined the sill, and found it in a rotten condition. The granite which weighed the sill down would have little effect in protecting it from the weather. The sill had not been renewed during his managership of sixteen months. The deceased had never called his attention to any defect in the crane, but the day before the accident both witness and he noticed that the crane was "jogging." The pin in the sill seemed loose and he attributed that to the natural movement due to the wear of the wood. - The Coroner: Did that not suggest to you that something was wrong? - No, nor did I consider it unsafe. The deceased did not object to continue working the crane. A bed of concrete or the bed rock would be safer than a wooden sill. The time spoken of was the only occasion on which his attention had been called to the defective sill end. The crane was seen by the Government Inspector last summer. The stay was renewed in March last and the sill was then apparently in good condition. - Mr C. L. Duke explained that when the iron pin was put through the wooden sill a large iron plate (or washer) about a foot square should have been placed between the head of the pin and the wood to prevent the pin being pulled through the wood. If that had been done the pin could not have drawn through the wood as was now the case. - The Inquest was adjourned until tomorrow to allow Mr Martin. H.M. Inspector of Quarries, to be present.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Friday 19 July 1907
TOTNES - A labourer named ALFRED RICHARD MADDICK, of New Passage, died suddenly while working in Mr Crook's hay field at Bridgetown. Deceased, 44 years of age, leaves a widow and six children. Mr S. Hacker, County Coroner, held an Inquest concerning the death at Totnes Guildhall. Mr James Skinner was Foreman of the Jury. ALBERT MADDICK, son of the deceased, identified the body and said that he was working with him until the dinner hour. He was called from another field about 6.30 p.m. to see his father, who was then unconscious and died in a few minutes. The deceased had enjoyed good health. William Pomeroy, labourer, who was working with the deceased, said he did not complain of being ill. In the middle of pitching a load of hay about 4 p.m. deceased stopped, and, saying "This is the last load I shall load," he went and laid down and did not answer when spoken to. Dr Chapman said that when he saw the deceased, at 6.45 p.m., he was dead. He had made a post-mortem examination and found internally all the signs of heat stroke, and death was due to heat apoplexy. The Jury returned a verdict that death was due to heat apoplexy. Dr Chapman alluded to the importance of the head and upper part of the neck being shaded during extremely hot days, saying the very part that required shading most - the nape of the neck - was unprotected by an ordinary cap.

WEST BUCKLAND - Burnt To Death At West Buckland. Inquest And Verdict. - The Inquest on the body of EVELYN ANNIE STANBURY, aged 3 years, who was burnt to death at Leary, West Buckland, was held by the County Coroner, Mr G. W. F. Brown, yesterday. The child's mother found the child in its bed with its night clothes completely burnt off. Thomas Miller, of Filleigh, came in almost immediately and applied suitable remedies. Dr Smyth, of Southmolton, was summoned, but, in spite of all efforts, the child died within an hour. A verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned and the Coroner referred to the danger of using flannelette as an article of clothing.

MODBURY - Mr R. R. Rodd, County Coroner, held an Inquest at Modbury on Tuesday, on the body of MR WILLIAM WYATT, butcher, who died suddenly in the early hours of the same morning. The deceased was haymaking the day previous. The medical evidence pointed to weakness of the heart and a verdict of "Natural Causes" was returned.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Tuesday 23 July 1907
WOODBURY - An East Devon Mystery. - An Inquest has been held at Hawkerland on the body of WILLIAM BOLT, labourer, who was picked up unconscious in the road near Halfway House, Aylesbeare last Sunday week, and died on Thursday. A post-mortem examination showed that five ribs were broken and that the head was broken in from ear to ear, causing compression of the brain. The Jury returned an open verdict. The Coroner expressed sympathy with the widow and family and the Jury gave them their fees. The Coroner commended P.C. Skelly on the way he rendered first aid to the deceased.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Thursday 25 July 1907
EXETER - An Exeter Accident. Paralysed By A Fall. An Extraordinary Case. - An Inquest was held at the Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital, yesterday, by the City Coroner, Mr W. L. Brown, on the body of JOHN HENRY PARSONS, of Friars-terrace, Exeter, who died at the Hospital after suffering from injuries to his spine for about 14 months. Mr J. I. Pengelly represented the family. - SAMUEL PARSONS, of 3 Higher Summerlands, identified the body as that of his brother, aged 31, a mason's labourer. - CAROLINE LOUISA PARSONS stated that her brother was a widower. He met with the accident on May 30th 1906. When deceased was admitted to the Hospital she understood it was a hopeless case. - John Hancock, of Friars-terrace, described how the accident occurred. Deceased and himself were working together. During the midday meal interval they had a short time to spare before returning to work. Witness was leaning against some railings and after a few minutes PARSON made an attempt to sit down where a tenon had broken off, and deceased fell into a pathway beneath, a depth of eight or nine feet. That was near the doorway of Mr Soper's premises. After the accident deceased complained of pains in his back. When admitted to the Hospital PARSONS said he did not think he was hurt very much. The railings had been in a bad state of repair for some time. - Philip Greenslade said the broken railing was quite rotten at the end. Witness, replying to Mr Pengelly, said the railings had been in a very bad state for 20 years. They had been continually patched up. - Mr T. Moulding, City Surveyor, said the railings in question belonged to the City Council. About 12 months last February it was decided to replace the wooden railings with iron ones and the work was commenced about 10 days after the accident. He had complaints for six years previously as to the condition of the railings. He examined the railings where the accident occurred and found them in a bad condition. If the top rail had not been broken the accident would not have happened. He received a report the Monday previous to the accident that the rail was broken at the top, and he had it temporarily repaired. When he heard of the accident a man was actually on his way to carry out the work, witness having given instructions in the morning for the job to be done in the afternoon. - Witness, replying to the Foreman, said he did not think the rail was in a dangerous condition. - One of the Jurymen thought the Surveyor should have given his attention to the matter before. - Witness said every precaution possible was taken. - Mr Pengelly: Did you not make the recommendation that the railings should be replaced because they were beyond substantial repair? - Witness: They required continual replacing. - Mr Moulding, replying to further questions, said some of the posts supporting the railings were in a bad condition. He considered deceased fell about 10 ft. Members of the Streets Committee of the City Council made inspections from time to time and more than one of them had stated that the railings required attention. When a complaint was made attention was immediately given to the matter. - Mr J. Harmer, House Surgeon at the Hospital, said that when deceased was admitted there was a cut on the scalp. He was unable to move his legs and had very little power in the arms. On June 12th an attempt was made by Mr Roper and himself, by an operation, to see if anything could be done for deceased. Mr Roper said it was almost hopeless to improve the deceased's condition, but the patient expressed a wish that an operation should be performed. The cause of death was cardiac failure owing to fracture and dislocation of the spine. - Witness, replying to a Juryman, said at the operation the spinal cord was exposed in order to ascertain if there was any pressure on it. - Witness answered several questions put to him by Mr Pengelly. He said the spine was fractured over the fourth or fifth vertebrae of the neck, which might have resulted from being pitched over the railing. He had never known a patient live so long after such an injury. Deceased was helpless practically below the head, but was able to move his neck and arms slightly. He did not consider death was hastened by the operation, as deceased quite recovered from it. - The Coroner, in addressing the Jury, said that, under the criminal law, no man could be convicted of murder or manslaughter when an injured person lived more than a year and a day after the occurrence. Assuming that in the present case there had been someone guilty of negligence of a character which amounted to manslaughter, and that death had occurred within a year and a day, they would have had to inquire into it. That time had expired, however. With regard to a Civil claim - in connection with which he did not wish to express any opinion - they had nothing to do. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death," and expressed the opinion that had the Council placed the iron railings along the road previously the accident would have been averted.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Friday 26 July 1907
EXMOUTH - Exmouth Sensation. Inquest On MR BICKFORD - An Inquest was held at Exmouth yesterday by Mr C. E. Cox, Coroner, on the body of MR JOHN THOMAS BICKFORD, retired chemist, who lived at 24 Victoria-road, and who died under tragic circumstances on Tuesday. - Mr G. Hardy Harris represented the relatives of the deceased. - MR JOHN BICKFORD, chemist, Exmouth, son of the deceased, gave evidence of identification, stating that his father was 61 years of age, having retired from business about three years. - In reply to the Coroner, witness said he had not noticed anything unusual with his father, who was free from any trouble. Deceased was of a cheerful disposition and never said anything which would lead witness to suppose that he would put an end to his life. His father used chloroform for different purposes and witness supplied him with a little about four months ago. Witness added that his mother came to the shop on Tuesday afternoon, and said, "Your father has taken chloroform; come down at once." He went to the house and found his father lying on the kitchen floor, apparently unconscious. Witness administered an emetic, and Dr Hodgson was summoned, everything possible being done to save MR BICKFORD'S life, but without avail. - MRS JANE COLLINS BICKFORD, wife of the deceased, said her husband came home just before 2 o'clock on Tuesday, and she set his dinner before him. She then went into another room and on returning to the kitchen found that her husband had left the table and gone into another room. She followed and found him drinking from a bottle. She snatched the bottle from him, whereupon her husband remarked, "Don't be frightened, JANE." He then proceeded into the back kitchen, and drank a couple of glasses of water. He then returned to his dinner and she hurried to call her son. MRS BICKFORD declared in pathetic terms that her husband showed no signs of depression. - William Henry Maunder, fish merchant, Exmouth, proved seeing MR BICKFORD at about 1.30 on Tuesday, when he appeared as usual. Having known the deceased for a long time, he thought him one of the last to take his own life. - Albert Edward Banfield, landlord of the Beach Hotel, Exmouth, said he saw the deceased the same morning when he looked particularly well, and was in good spirits. - Dr Hodgson described the efforts which were made to save MR BICKFORD'S life and gave it as his opinion that death was caused by chloroform. - The Coroner expressed his sympathy with the widow and family in their sad bereavement. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Suicide during Temporary Insanity," and expressed sympathy with the relatives of the deceased.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Monday 29 July 1907
EXETER HEAVITREE - Sudden Death At Exeter. - MR JOHN SEARLE, aged 76, a retired butler, of Heavitree, formerly in the employ of the late Mrs West, at Streatham Hall, Exeter, was trying to catch a tram on Saturday at Livery Dole, when he suddenly fell and expired. Mr H. W. Gould, Coroner for the District, conducted an Inquest on the deceased at the Working-Men's Hall. Mr Andrews, Surgeon, attributed death to haemorrhage of the brain. The Jury returned a verdict accordingly, and expressed sympathy with the family of deceased.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Friday 2 August 1907
BARNSTAPLE - The Borough Coroner, Mr T. A. R. Bencraft, held an Inquest at the North Devon Infirmary on the body of JAMES TREBLE, a tailor, of about 52 years of age. MARY ANN TREBLE, the widow, said that deceased was assisting her to clean the windows of the municipal schools and was standing for this purpose on a high pair of steps. She heard a fall and, on turning round, saw her husband on the ground, apparently dead. Dr Rendle, the House Surgeon of the Infirmary, said deceased was admitted suffering from concussion of the brain and death was due to a clot of blood resting on the brain. A verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned.

EXETER - The City Coroner conducted Inquiries at Exeter yesterday into the causes of the deaths of GRACE TRIGGER, aged 71 of 5 Coombe-street, Exeter and ELLEN HARRIETT CAWSE, aged 53 of 14 King William-terrace, Exeter, both of whom died suddenly on Wednesday. Verdicts of "Death from Natural Causes" were returned.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Wednesday 7 August 1907
EXETER - The Exeter Mystery. Inquest On BENNETT. Remarkable Evidence. - An Inquest was conducted at Double Locks, Exeter, yesterday, by Mr W. H. Gould, District Coroner, on the body of FRANK BENNETT, aged seven, of 13 Commercial-road, Exeter, who was found drowned in the Exeter Canal near Salmon Pool Bridge, on Monday. - A. S. BENNETT, of 13 Commercial-road, identified the body as that of his son. He was last seen alive by his mother on Thursday. Deceased was told to go to the Bonhay, but he went with some other boys to the Canal Banks. - Mrs Channing, 5 Oakfield-street, Heavitree, stated that she was sitting on the Canal Banks on Monday, at about 5 o'clock, near the Salmon Pool Bridge, when she noticed some bubbles in the water and then saw the face of deceased. Witness called to some people who were passing in a boat, but they only laughed, and said the object was a dead dog. She then gave information to the occupants of another boat, who recovered the body. - E. Bishop, 10 Shelton-place, Heavitree, proved recovering the body. - Arthur Pemberthy, age 11, of 9 Commercial-road, stated that he had known deceased for three or four years. He last saw BENNETT alive on Thursday, at about 4 o'clock, near Salmon Pool Bridge. He was then sitting on the banks. There were three others besides himself at the time he last saw deceased. Witness asked BENNETT to come along, else he would not have any gooseberries, but he declined to do so and appeared to be rather sulky. Witness and the others walked a short distance and left deceased sitting on the grass of the bank. A little later they went back to where they had last seen BENNETT, but they could not find him. - Sidney Jackson, age 11, of 71 Commercial-road and George Sharland corroborated. - Frederick Laskey, age 10, of 43 Commercial-road, said the last time he saw deceased alive was with Sydney Jackson and Arthur Pemberthy at Double Locks on Thursday. Witness had been in company with deceased and the others, but had left them earlier in the afternoon. - Ada Mudge, cousin of deceased, said she was positive she saw deceased alive on Thursday night, at about 8 o'clock on the Quay. - Mr E. A. Brash, Surgeon, Exeter, stated that he had examined the body. He had found no marks of violence upon it, and attributed death to drowning. - The Coroner said this was one of the most mysterious cases he had ever dealt with. He did not think that deceased's cousin could have seen him on the Quay at 8 o'clock in the evening. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Found Drowned," and expressed sympathy with the relatives.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Thursday 8 August 1907
EXETER - Mr W. L. Brown held an Inquest at the Exeter Police Court yesterday relative to the death of the infant daughter of JAMES STANBURY, insurance agent of 22 Poltimore-square, Exeter. The father stated that the child was prematurely born. Mr H. B. Harrison said that on making a post mortem examination he found there was a slight effusion of blood between the top of the skull and the brain. The child was fully developed and all its organs were perfectly healthy. In his opinion, death was due to suffocation. The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death."

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Friday 9 August 1907
TORQUAY - Mr S. Hacker, District Coroner, held an Inquest on the body of WILLIAM CHARLES VANSTONE, 37, bricklayer, of Shepherd's Bush, London, who fell over the basement stairs at No. 7 Lower Wellesley-road, Ellacombe, and died from injuries sustained. It was stated that a similar fatality occurred quite recently at an adjoining house and the Coroner described the stairs as a trap. The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death."

BOVEY TRACEY - Mr Sidney Hacker, Coroner for Devon, conducted an Inquest on the body of JAMES BARKELL, aged 62 years, a cab driver, in the employ of Mr John Beer, landlord of the Railway Hotel. The evidence showed that deceased fell down in the stable-yard and on being picked up was found to have a wound in the temple from which blood was flowing. He was placed in a carriage and taken to his home, medical assistance being immediately summoned. Death, however, took place shortly afterwards and Dr H. Murray Agnew attributed it to an apoplectic fit and a verdict was returned accordingly.

EXETER - Taunton Lady's Suicide. Extraordinary Case At Exeter. - A verdict of "Suicide during Temporary Insanity" was returned at an Inquiry conducted last evening by the Exeter City Coroner, Mr W. Linford Brown, respecting the death yesterday, under singular circumstances of MISS SARAH JANE COPP, of Taunton. The deceased, who was 56 years of age, had been staying with her niece, Mrs Wilson, at 20 Prospect Park, Exeter for nearly a month. She had lately shown signs of depression in consequence of money losses resulting from the depreciation of stock. Yesterday morning at 7 o'clock, Mr Wilson discovered deceased lying on the table in the scullery with her head on a gas stove. All the taps were turned on and deceased's head was covered with a blanket apparently to hasten death by preventing the escape of gas. Dr Duncan, who was summoned, quickly arrived, and found that death had taken place some time previously. The doctor attributed death to coal-gas poisoning. - The following letter, in deceased's handwriting, was found on the table near the body:- "My mind is giving way, I am quite certain. I cannot stand this cruel world. Take care of dear Mary, Alfred Copp and Reg. Do be kind to her. Tell all and may God forgive me for this. I am quite ----- . Remember Polly Wilson. God forgive."

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Tuesday 13 August 1907
NORTH MOLTON - The Northmolton Tragedy. Inquest Yesterday. - An Inquest was held in the Church Room, Northmolton, yesterday, by Mr G. W. F. Brown, on the body of FRANCIS PARKIN, aged 57, farmer, living at Barns Close, Northmolton, who was found shot on Friday morning. - ELIZABETH PARKIN, the widow, identified the body and stated that the deceased had complained lately of pains in his head and stomach, for which he had been under medical care. She awoke on Friday morning and missed the deceased. She called to her daughter who went downstairs and shortly afterwards reported that deceased had shot himself. She sent for P.C. Wills. - FRANCIS WILLIAM PARKIN, son, said he heard his father go to bed on Thursday but he did not hear him descend on Friday morning. The gun and the cartridge used belonged to witness. He (witness) had had no unpleasantness with his father. - VICTORIA JANET PARKIN, aged 10, deposed to finding her father lying in an outhouse with some blood around him and a gun by his side. - Dr Cardozo, of Northmolton, said that when he arrived at 7.30 a.m. deceased was dead, and had been so, apparently, for several hours. There was a gun wound in his face, which, in his opinion, was the cause of death, and self-inflicted. - A verdict of "Suicide while Temporarily Insane" was returned.

NEWTON ABBOT - At an Inquest held at Newton Abbot yesterday on MR GEORGE MITCHELL, traction engine proprietor, who dropped dead in Market-street, the medical evidence shewed that deceased, 70 years of age, had suffered from fatty degeneration of the heart and bronchitis for many years and a verdict of "Death from Natural Causes" was returned

EXETER - Yesterday afternoon, at the Exeter Police Station, Mr W. Linford Brown, City Coroner, conducted an Inquest on the body of HENRY RICE, aged four months, of 5 West-street, Exeter, who died on Saturday evening. MRS RICE, mother, said she put deceased to bed on Saturday about 9.30 and at 11.30 she found him dead. Mr Pereira, Surgeon, said he was called to see the child about 1 o'clock on Sunday morning. He attributed death to convulsions, due to rickets. The Jury returned a verdict of "Death from Natural Causes."

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Wednesday 14 August 1907
ILFRACOMBE - Inquest At Ilfracombe. How Did The Accident Happen? - Mr G. W. F. Brown, Barnstaple County Coroner, held an Inquest yesterday at the Tyrrell Cottage Hospital, Ilfracombe, touching the death of RICHARD LORD, a painter, aged 57, who was found in an unconscious state under a footbridge in Larkstone-road, on Saturday morning, and who died at the Hospital the previous day. - Mr J. Jones was Foreman of the Jury. - W. J. LORD, schoolmaster, of Barnstaple, identified the body as that of his uncle. - Mrs Bubear, of Foxbere-road, stated that deceased had lodged at her house over 12 months. The last time she saw him alive was on Thursday evening about half-past nine. He had never brought any drink to her house and she had never seen him the worse for drink. She missed deceased on Saturday morning, about 6.30, when she sent him a cup of tea. - Mrs Cooper, who said she knew deceased, saw him on Friday night about 8.30, when he brought a ladder to paint her house. Witness noticed that deceased was not well and on her asking him what was the matter he replied that he was tired. He left about 9 p.m., and said he would return before 10 o'clock the next morning. - William Trathen stated he saw the deceased in Quay Fields about 20 minutes past nine on Friday evening and wished him "Good night." - Harry Gregory said he saw a man going down Quay Fields staggering, but he did not know it was deceased. - Samuel Jones said he was coming down Larkstone-road on Saturday morning about 5.30 when a young man told him there was a man in the road. On going to the spot he saw deceased, and, as there was blood about, he fetched the Police. - P.C. Christopher stated that deceased was lying on his right side in the centre of the road. There was blood about four steps up, but there was no sign of a struggle, neither were his clothes disarranged. His battered hat lay near the body. LORD was quite unconscious and breathing heavily. There had been rain during the night and the body was wet and cold. His opinion was that the deceased fell down the steps, recovered himself and walked into the road and fell again. - Dr G. D. Kettlewell said he attended the deceased at the Hospital and had since conducted a post-mortem examination. At the base of the skull there was a fracture, but there was only slight external injuries. He thought the deceased fell down the steps and not over the bridge. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death," and added a rider to the effect that the bridge was a danger that should be removed.

SIDMOUTH - Inquest At Sidmouth. - Yesterday an Inquest was held by Mr Cox, Coroner, at the Victoria Cottage Hospital, Sidmouth, on the body of JAMES ERNEST WHARTON, of Sheffield, aged 25 years, in good health on Thursday morning, bathing in the sea near Sidmouth. Clara Alice Stone, of Sidmouth, said deceased was in his usual health on Thursday morning, and left home to bathe, as usual. Mr George Stone said he had not the slightest reason to believe that deceased had any intentions to take his life. The Rev. Albert Bonus, a visitor, said that at about 6 o'clock on Monday evening he was at the west end of the Esplanade, when he heard a shout. He then saw the body of deceased near the shore. He, with the aid of three others, brought the body ashore and took it to the Cottage Hospital. Dr de Denne concluded that death was due to drowning. There were no bruises or anything to indicate foul play. Further evidence was given to the effect that the shore was absolutely safe for bathing at the spot where deceased was supposed to have entered the water. A verdict of "Accidental Death from Drowning" was returned.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Saturday 17 August 1907
BICKLEIGH (NEAR TIVERTON) - The Bickleigh Fatality. Inquest And Verdict. - An Inquest was held last evening at the New Inn, Bickleigh, near Tiverton, by the Tiverton Borough Coroner, Mr A. Fisher, on the body of HENRY LEY, haycutter, of Bickleigh, who died as the result of injuries sustained by being thrown from a horse on Monday evening. - Mr J. Cavill was chosen Foreman of the Jury. - MRS LEY, the widow, said on the day in question her husband went to Tiverton to get a horse shod. He returned about eight o'clock and subsequently left home to take the horse to a field. Shortly afterwards she saw two cyclists pass, one of whom informed her that a man was lying in the road. Witness walked a short distance along the highway and discovered her husband in an unconscious condition. He died on the Wednesday. - From other evidence given, it would appear that deceased was refused drink at one public house in Tiverton, but the opinion was expressed that he was quite capable of taking care of his horse. - Dr Cullin, of Tiverton, said death was caused by a blow on the back of the head. The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death."

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Tuesday 20 August 1907
BIDEFORD - Fatal Fall Over Cliffs At Bideford. - Ford Rock is situate a short distance from Bideford, on the banks of the river Torridge, which is much resorted to during the summer months by lads who want to enjoy a dip in the river. A number of children visited the place on the afternoon of July 19th, a lad named ARTHUR DUNN, aged nine, son of a painter residing in Victoria Grove, Bideford, being among them. While getting to the beach from the New-road, which it adjoins, the lad slipped over the short cliff and fell down to the beach. He was picked up by his friends and walked back to the Bideford Hospital, a distance of about a quarter of a mile, where he was detained. He was attended by Dr Pearson, who found him suffering from a depressed fracture of the skull. - In consultation with all the medical officers of the Institution, it was decided to perform an operation as the only chance of saving the poor lad's life, but after this inflammation set in, the injury to the brain being so extensive and the deceased died on Saturday. An Inquest was held yesterday at the Institution by Mr Coroner Brown on the body, when evidence was given by the lad's father, CHARLES DUNN, and his younger brother, who was with him at the time of the accident. He said that his brother slipped over the rock and was not pushed by anyone. Dr Pearson and Dr Toye also gave evidence, the latter having made a post-mortem examination, which confirmed the former medical evidence and a verdict of Accidental Death was returned. It was decided that the attention of the Town Council of Bideford should be called to the dangerous condition of the fence near which the lad fell over.

EXETER - An Abnormal Heart. Exeter Volunteer's Sad Death. - Yesterday Mr W. R. Cocks, Deputy Coroner, held an Inquest at Exeter on the body of FREDERICK CHARLES CANN, aged 18, who lived at Union-terrace, Cheeke-street, Exeter and who died suddenly on Saturday afternoon. - The father, who is a writer and grainer, said his son retired to bed on Friday as usual and appeared quite well. Except for an illness of a day or two some 12 months ago - after returning from the Volunteer Camp - he had enjoyed good health. This year also he went to camp at Moreton, but appeared quite well on his return. - Dr Duncan of Exeter, said there were evidences of disease of the heart and lungs. The heart weighed about forty ounces whereas the average weight was ten or twelve ounces. The lungs appeared to have been subjected to great strain in breathing. He regarded it as strange that, in view of the condition of the heart, the deceased should have been able to carry out his duties in the Volunteers. Death was due to long-standing disease of the heart and lungs. - Mr Cocks remarked that deceased had been a bugler in the 1st R.V., and asked the witness if he considered that the strain of blowing would be injurious. - Dr Duncan: Most certainly. I cannot understand how he was able to do it. - Mr Cocks: Do you think the state could have been easily discovered on examination? - Dr Duncan: To a certain extent, I think so. - Mr Karslake, with whose daughter the deceased had kept company, said that on Saturday afternoon the young man came and talked to her. While doing so he suddenly fell forward in a chair and became purple in the face. A doctor was sent for, but on his arrival death had taken place. - A verdict in accordance with the medical testimony was returned.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Wednesday 21 August 1907
TORQUAY - Yesterday, at Torquay, an Inquest was held on the body of HENRY WHEATON, a painter, living at Ellacombe. Deceased was employed by Mr W. Cole Watson and on Saturday, while chatting with his employer, he fell down in a swoon and died a few minutes later. Deceased lost a daughter recently and he felt her death acutely. The man suffered from heart disease. A verdict of "Death from Natural Causes" was returned.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Thursday 22 August 1907
BRIXHAM - Cyclist Loses Control. Brixham Woman Killed. - Yesterday at the Brixham Town Hall, Mr Sidney Hacker, Coroner, conducted an Inquest on the body of MARY DECENT GIFFARD, aged 59 years, who was knocked down by a bicycle and killed at the entrance to King-street on Monday. - The evidence was to the effect that the cyclist, Charles James, lost control of his machine while riding down King-street Hill and knocked the deceased down. She never regained consciousness. The opinion of Dr Mayer was that the woman died from fracture of the base of the skull. - "Accidental Death" was the verdict brought in by the Jury.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Friday 23 August 1907
LYDFORD - Inquest At Dartmoor Prison. Mr H. C. Brown, Deputy Coroner, held an Inquest at Dartmoor Prison yesterday on the body of WALTER BROWN, a convict aged 39 years. - Dr Dyer said deceased was admitted to the Hospital suffering from kidney trouble, and this was the cause of death. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Death from Natural Causes."

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Saturday 24 August 1907
BRIDESTOWE - Fatal Accident At Sourton. The Inquest. - A fatal accident has happened at Sourton to MR J. WALDREN, who, with his wife and family, resided with his aunt, Mrs R. Woodrow, at Moor View, Veale Down, Bridestowe. It appears that about 4 o'clock in the afternoon he was returning through Sourton village driving a two-wheel pony trap and had in front of him two colts which he had fetched from Preely Moor. - Some distance out from the village the ponies, it is thought, turned back, and that he also turned as the pony and trap passed the house of Mrs W. H. Worden at a good rate and empty. She ran out and saw MR WALDREN lying in the middle of the road helpless and on going up to him found he was dead. Mr J. Brook came along, and, with Mrs Worden's assistance deceased was removed to the side of the road. P.C. Rookes was informed of the accident and took charge of the body, which was afterwards removed to deceased's home in a conveyance by Mr R. F. Ash. - Deceased leaves a wife and four young children, the oldest being ten years of age. - The Inquest was held at Bridestowe yesterday by Mr Brown, Deputy Coroner. Mr R. Ellis was chosen Foreman of the Jury. - Mrs A. J. Woodrow, Moor View, identified the body as that of her nephew, who, with his wife and family, lived with her. He was 38 years of age. On Thursday morning, at 11.30 he put the pony in the trap and went out to have his pony shoed. - Mrs Searl, staying at Sourton, stated that about 3 o'clock she saw deceased in a pony trap driving slowly down the road toward Southerley. Later, she saw the pony and trap with no driver, galloping past the other way. She opened the door and saw deceased lying on his left side bleeding from his head. He was quite still and did not speak. She ran to get help. - P.C. Rookes, stationed at Bridestowe, said that on the 22nd August, about 4 p.m. he received information that an accident had occurred. He found the deceased by the side of the road quite dead. He got a conveyance and removed him to his home. - Elsie Worden, 10 years of age, said she saw deceased between 3 and 4 o'clock pass her father's house, driving a pony trap. He got out of the trap and told her and her sisters to keep his ponies back. They did so. Then he cracked his whip and witness ran away. - Herbert Down, Okehampton, deposed that at about 3 o'clock on Thursday afternoon, at Sourton village, he saw deceased driving in a pony trap towards his home. He held his pony while he fetched two other ponies on the green. He got into the trap and rove on, with the ponies in front. Deceased, when he spoke to him, was in good spirits and quite sober. He noticed the pony and trap all in order. - Dr F. G. Robertson, Okehampton, stated he examined the body and thought deceased had been dead about one hour. He found the base of the skull on the right side had a depressed fracture. the scalp was unbroken, but the wound was sufficient to cause death. He found a bruise on the left cheek bone and the left knee was slightly injured. - The Jury unanimously agreed that deceased met with his death by falling out of a pony trap and returned a verdict of "Accidental :Death." The fees were given to the widow.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Monday 26 August 1907
HONITON - Inquest At Honiton. - At Honiton on Saturday last, Mr C. E. Cox, the Coroner for East Devon, held an Inquest touching the death of HARRY AUSTIN, aged 25, who resided with his mother at the West End. Deceased was paralysed and was always of weakly constitution. From the evidence it appeared that he had been ailing during the week, but nothing serious was apparently the matter. On Friday he became worse and died before medical assistance could be obtained. Dr D. Steele Perkins, who had made a post mortem examination, said that he found deceased's heart very much diseased and from the condition of that organ the young man was liable to die suddenly at any time. The Jury returned a verdict in accordance with the medical testimony.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Tuesday 27 August 1907
BRIDFORD - Labourer's Tragic Death. Inquest At Bridford. - An Inquest has been held at Bridford by Mr H. W. Gould, District Coroner, on the body of a Bridford farm labourer named JOSEPH CLEMO YEOMAN, aged 23. - Henry Wills, labourer, of Bridford, said that at about half-past 2 o'clock on Friday afternoon, as he was working in Pound-lane, Bridford, he saw YEOMAN pass him, riding a horse. He was sitting sideways with his arms folded. Two bicycles came along and on the second approaching the animal swerved and YEOMAN seemed to fall on his feet. Witness saw no more because of the bend of the road. - William James Passmore, baker of Bridford, who rode the second cycle, said he noticed deceased fall on his feet. Then he seemed to collapse. The horse bolted. Witness followed it, but the animal did not stop until it had gone about a quarter of a mile. The deceased had been dragged along the road by the horse, the halter rope being twisted round his wrist. When witness reached him YEOMAN was unconscious and he was subsequently taken home, dead. - Mr Charles Fenwick, Surgeon, of Dunsford, said that when he examined the body he found 14 contused wounds on the face and head, which had penetrated to the bone in several places. The chest was injured and there was a fracture of the fifth rib. The left fore-arm was also injured. These injuries were sufficient to cause death. - A verdict of "Death from Accidental Causes" was returned by the Jury.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Friday 30 August 1907
EXETER - The Kenton Tragedy. Inquest On AVERY. - Yesterday afternoon an Inquest was held at the Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital, Exeter, on WILLIAM AVERY, aged 60, who was found with his throat cut near Mill Bridge, Kenton, on Saturday evening and who died on Tuesday night. - CHARLES AVERY, residing at Dawlish, identified the body as that of his father, who was a labourer. He last saw him alive on Monday morning, August 19th, when he complained of feeling unwell and said he should consult a doctor. - Annie Sanders, Kenton, said deceased lodged with her for about three months. He had not been in his usual health of late. On Saturday, about 9 a.m., she saw deceased going out and on being questioned he said, "I am going to the Union; I don't feel very well." She asked deceased to have something to eat, but he declined and said he would be back in half an hour. Deceased had plenty of work to do. He was in the habit of carrying a razor. - Norman Mortimer proved finding AVERY, while P.C. Dart, Kenton, deposed that, with a Mr Baker, he helped to dress the wounds prior to conveying him to the Hospital. - The House Surgeon of the Hospital attributed death to double pneumonia, due to exposure and shock. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Suicide while of Unsound Mind."

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Saturday 31 August 1907
NORTH BOVEY - North Bovey Tragedy. Boy's Terrible Death. - Yesterday afternoon Mr S. Hacker, District Coroner, held an Inquest at Beetor Farm, North Bovey, concerning the death of WILLIAM ASH, aged 10, son of JOHN ASH, brewery engine driver, of Brixham. - The deceased was staying with his uncle, HENRY WESTCOTT, of New Brompton, at Beetor Farm, which is occupied by Jas. Mortimer, another relative. On Wednesday, Westcott, the deceased and a son of Mr Mortimer went rabbit shooting and after a time Westcott said, "We shan't see anything more, we had better unload the guns." As he was in the act of unloading, the hammer slipped, the cartridge exploded and the charge entered the body of deceased, who was standing in front of the muzzle. Terrible injuries were inflicted and Dr Sutherland, of Moreton, who was called in, said death must have been instantaneous. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death," and expressed sympathy with the relatives.

EXETER - Sequel To Haldon Races. An Exeter Groom's Sad Death. Was The Horse Stung By A Wasp? - An Inquest was conducted at the Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital, Exeter, yesterday, by the City Coroner, Mr W. Linford Brown, on the body of ARTHUR TIFF BATCHELOR, aged 29 years, groom, of 37 Union-street, St. Thomas, Exeter, who died in the Institution from injuries sustained in a trap accident on Wednesday as he was returning home from Haldon Races. - MRS EMILY BATCHELOR, widow, said she last saw her husband alive on Saturday, when she left Exeter to go away on a visit to friends. He was quite well then. She had a letter from him on Wednesday morning telling her he was going to Haldon Races. - Arthur John Langmead of 1 Codrington-street, said that on Wednesday evening he was driving down Haldon Hill, when a friend of his, who was in the trap, drew his attention to a runaway. He looked round and saw a trap overturn. He immediately went back to the spot and found a man named Roberts lying underneath the trap, entangled in the reins. Roberts said there was a mate with him. Having released Roberts from his position, he, with others, proceeded a little way up the hill and found BATCHELOR lying in a water trough. He was unconscious. Witness conveyed both men to the Hospital in his trap. - Fred Roberts, of Albert-place, Wonford, who was brought from his home in a cab, said he went to Haldon Races on business. At the close of the races on Wednesday he left the course to drive home in a dogcart. The horse was rather fresh as it left the course. When BATCHELOR got up into the cart the animal commenced to plunge. It continued to do so until it got to the brow of the hill, when he (Roberts) lost control. He could not stop the horse and asked BATCHELOR to help him. He did so, but they failed to bring the animal to a standstill. He could not say whether BATCHELOR was thrown out or jumped out, but he was gone in an instant. He believed the trap overturned in consequence of striking another vehicle. The only reason he could suggest for the horse running away was that it got excited. He had driven the horse for several months and always found it quiet. - Mr J. J. Norman, grocer, of Mount Radford, said the horse which ran away belonged to him and Roberts was in his employ. The horse was formerly a trooper's horse in the mounted infantry and he had had it about seven months. Previous to Wednesday he had never known it anything but quiet. He had driven it himself and it took no notice of motor cars. His daughters had also used it. He could not understand the horse running away, unless it was stung by a wasp. He had been informed that one horse was stung at the races. Roberts was a very steady man. He had been in his employ between six and seven years. - Mr Harmer, House Surgeon, said he had made a post mortem examination of the body. The base of the skull was fractured, and there was also a rupture of one of the large vessels on the base of the brain. All the other organs were perfect. He attributed death to cerebral haemorrhage. Replying to the Coroner, the House Surgeon remarked that he should say deceased had not been drinking. When admitted to the Institution there was no smell of alcohol. - The Coroner said the evidence did not show anyone to blame. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death" and thanked Mr Langmead for the action he took.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Monday 2 September 1907
TOPSHAM - Fatal Accident Near Topsham. A Lad Killed. - A fatal accident occurred at Newcourt Cotts, Topsham, on Saturday morning, when a boy, the son of MR SEARLE, haulier, of Honiton Clyst, fell from a waggon loaded with lime stones, on which he was riding, and the wheels passed over his body. The lad's father, who was in charge of the waggon, conveyed the poor boy to the house of Mr Williams, cattle dealer, and Dr Frood, of Topsham, was sent for, but the boy succumbed to his injuries half an hour afterwards. - An Inquest was held later in the day at the house of Mrs Williams by Mr Gould, Coroner for the District, and Mr H. Gould, of Topsham, was chosen Foreman of the Jury. - FREDERICK JOHN SEARLE, haulier, of Honiton Clyst, identified the body as that of his son, who accompanied him to Topsham in the morning for a load of lime stone. The boy was riding on the top of the stones, sitting on a bag of chaff. Just at the bottom of Whitehill witness went behind to take off the shoe drag, when he noticed that his son was underneath the wheels. He shouted to the horses to stop, which they did, but not before the two wheels had passed over the body. His son lived for 30 minutes afterwards, but he could not ascertain how the accident occurred. The bag of chaff fell with the boy. the boy had often ridden on the waggon before. - A boy named Sellick, of Blueball, who was riding on the shafts of the waggon, also gave evidence, but he did not see the deceased fall off as he was looking back at the drag. He thought the waggon jerked over a stone. - The father, recalled, said there was no stone in the road. - Dr Frood, who was called after the accident, was not at the Inquest, but had been warned to attend, and the Coroner asked the Jury if he should adjourn the Inquest or would they wait until the doctor arrived. The Jury were quite satisfied with the evidence and returned a verdict of "Accidental Death," expressing their sympathy with the relatives, in which the Coroner concurred.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Tuesday 3 September 1907
SIDMOUTH - At Sidmouth yesterday the Inquest on ANNIE BARDEN, 69, widow, who was found hanging in her house, was held, and the Jury returned a verdict of "Suicide during Temporary Insanity."

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Wednesday 4 September 1907
TEIGNMOUTH - The Death Of A Boatman At Teignmouth. Inquest. - Mr Sidney Hacker conducted an Inquiry at the Teignmouth Town Hall yesterday into the circumstances attending the death of JOHN LANG, who expired suddenly while in charge of a boat off Teignmouth on Monday afternoon. Deceased's wife said her husband was 63 years of age, and appeared all right when he left home on Monday after dinner. Mr J. Hosegood, Relieving Officer of Cullompton, (who was in the boat with his wife and daughter) and Mr Gibbings, also of Cullompton, gave evidence to the effect that deceased had just gone off from the shore and set the sail of the boat, when he fell back and expired. Dr F. C. H. Piggott said deceased was a "living marvel," having suffered from aneurism of the aorta for years. Witness had told his relations that death would be instantaneous at any time. A verdict of "Death from Natural Causes" was returned, the Jury passing a vote of condolence with the family.

HOLSWORTHY - Inquest At Holsworthy. The Coroner And Title-Tattle. - Mr J. D. Prickman, District Coroner, held an Inquest at Holsworthy yesterday morning on the body of JOHN ELLACOTT, a pensioner, who met his death by falling downstairs on Saturday evening. - Mrs Sillifant, with whom deceased had lodged for the last six years, said he had served 21 years in the Royal Engineers and had had pension for about 16 years. He left work at 5 o'clock on Saturday, but she did not see him until 9.15, when he came home and had some supper, settled his financial matters, unlaced his boots and went upstairs. The witness thought that deceased, when he reached the top of the stairs, must have missed his hold of the railings, and, in endeavouring to regain them, fallen backwards down the stairs. He was not drunk. - Mr Richard Crocker, plumber, said he was at Little Holsworthy on Saturday evening at 9.30 when he heard screams for help and afterwards assisted the deceased out of the stairs. He did not speak, but was breathing heavily. - Dr Linnington Ash, who saw the deceased just after the accident, said he was then dead. Witness concluded that deceased had fallen down the stairs on to the back of his head. Death was due to the dislocation of the two upper bones of the spinal column at its most vital part. There was no evidence whatever of his being drunk. - Two or three of the Jurymen endeavoured to ask questions concerning a rumour which had been circulated, but the Coroner would not allow them. He said the Jurymen must not listen to rumours. Tittle-tattle was one of the greatest curses of the country. If all the evidence was not before them it was the fault of the Police, but he thought they had a very good body of Police, and that all the evidence was before them. - A verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned.

ILFRACOMBE - The Ilfracombe Tragedy. Coroner's Advice. - Yesterday, Mr G. W. F. Brown held an Inquest at the Tyrell Cottage Hospital, Ilfracombe, on the body of OLIVE ELSIE NORMAN, aged three years and eight months, the daughter of WILLIAM NORMAN, of Marlborough-road, who died as the result of extensive burns. The child's mother stated that when she went to work at 6 o'clock she left three children and the deceased (who was wearing a flannel nightdress) in her bedroom. A candle and matches were left near the bed. James Whitefield, who lodges with the NORMANS, said he saw the deceased on the stairs with her nightdress on fire. He pulled it off and threw it away. Under the nightdress the child was wearing a tight-fitting best. Dr G. D. Kettlewell said the child, when admitted to the Hospital, was suffering from extensive burns. The chest and abdomen had been partially protected by the vest. - The Coroner said he had frequently given warnings about the danger of using flannelette, which was a highly inflammable material, when flannel, which was much safer, could be used. He expressed appreciation of the witness Whitefield's prompt action. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death" and concurred with the Coroner's eulogy of Whitefield.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Thursday 5 September 1907
MORTEHOE - The Woolacombe Fatality. Strong Complaints At The Inquest. - Mr G. W. F. Brown, Coroner for North Devon, held an Inquest at the Morte-hoe Workmen's Club yesterday on the body of FREDERICK HORACE WILLIAM STERNE, of Great College-street, Camden Town, who was drowned whilst bathing at Woolacombe last Thursday week. The deceased, who was employed in the Traffic Superintendent's office of the Great Northern Railway at King's Cross, was one of a Polytechnic touring party, spending a holiday at Ilfracombe. - Mr George Gammon was Foreman of the Jury. - MR SIDNEY ARTHUR STERNE, who identified the body, said deceased, who was his brother, was 24 years of age. Deceased went to Ilfracombe in August for his holiday. He was a very good swimmer, having spent several holidays near the coast, where he could have plenty of bathing. - The manager of the tour, Mr Fred Orchard, stated that he arrived on Woolacombe Sands while two ladies, who were bathing with the deceased and a party, were being rescued. In the excitement of rescuing the ladies no one realised that the deceased was in difficulties. It was only when deceased did not return that he was missed. One of the ladies said the deceased stated he was going to swim a mile. The tide was low. One of the party bathing from the machines asked the man in charge if it was safe to bathe and he informed them that it was. This seemed to witness to be very shocking if there was any danger. On behalf of the Association he protested strongly against the lack of means of saving life The beach was admittedly dangerous. But there was absolutely no means of saving life. There was a life buoy, which had not been untied for some years, and which took a considerable time to untie. He saw no life lines or ropes. It was suggested that bathing ought not to be allowed unless there was a boat handy in case of accident. One of the ladies went to the man in charge of the machines and pointed out to him that there were three or four persons in danger. He replied that he was often having false alarms and that he had his machines to look after. This seemed to witness to be very terrible. It was not the proprietor who was in charge of the machines. The party cut down the life buoy but it was too late to be of use, for they lost sight of the deceased. Miss Horrell, who was bathing with the deceased, heard his cry for help. - The Foreman said that if the deceased had been a good swimmer and had not got the cramp he could have kept above water. - The witness, answering the Foreman, said he did not see the deceased make any signals. - Richard Branch, who was in charge of the machines, said he remembered the day, but could not remember the deceased coming to him to hire a machine. There was a party of twelve and deceased, probably, was among them. There were six ladies and six gentlemen, and he supplied the latter with costumes. They asked him (the witness) if there was any current. He replied, "no". Some gentlemen, who had been bathing in the morning, informed him there was no current. He, however, told them not to go too far off, and they replied that they were good swimmers. There were about 50 or 60 people in the water at the time and the tide was an hour and a half after low water. Attached to the machine was a life buoy and line, with a long pole and it was made use of to rescue the ladies. The apparatus had been taken back to the machines, about 150 yards away, when it was discovered that the deceased was missing. He (the witness) never said he could not look after the gentlemen. There were several persons running about, and when they were going to take down the line he told them to hold on. One was pulling one way and another, another, so that the line got entangled. - The witness, in reply to the Coroner, who asked if it was any use throwing out the lifebuoy, said a strong swimmer would have been required to put it out in the surf that was on that day. - John Richards, proprietor of the bathing machines, said he placed his machines above high water mark and paid Miss Chichester £3 a year for trespass. There were no regulations as to the bathing conditions. - A Juror mentioned that the foreshore was rented by the Board of Trade. - The witness thought the deceased must have got the cramp. - George Smalldon, caretaker, said he discovered the body on Tuesday (the previous day) between Coombe Gate and Grunta Pool, the tide having left it there. The body was removed to the Rocket House, at Morte-hoe. - Mr Spencer Pickery said he was in his house at the beginning of the occurrence, when his attention was drawn to the fact that something was wrong on the beach by the cries. He watched with a very powerful telescope, and saw a man a considerable way out from the others, about 150 yards he should think, from the sands. - He was out just at the end of the rocks, at the mouth of a drain. About 30 or 40 yards from the shore he saw two ladies - one was floating and the other seemed to be supporting her. He could not say whether they were in difficulties or not. He saw another man carried out of the water and collapse. With a flask of whisky and blankets he rushed down to the place, but saw nothing more of the man, who was further out, and who was clear of the small surf, but not of the great breakers. He had no doubt that the deceased got exhausted by trying to get in against the under-current. Several visitors had approached him to make a representation on the fact that nothing whatever is done to guard against serious loss of life, of which that was not the first instance. It was perfectly simple to warn people of the danger existing, and if they were warned not to go near the rocks most of these accidents would not have occurred. Those who made money out of the bathing, or the owners of the foreshore, or the lord of the manor, should take some steps to have a properly-trained bathing man there, and also take other precautions, such as a rocket apparatus, to send out a floating line. It was quite impossible to launch a boat thee. There were absolutely no mans of resuscitating persons when half-drowned and on this occasion no doctor could be obtained for a good half or three-quarters of an hour. - With the Coroner's permission, Mr Orchard asked the witness if he thought it was wrong to allow anyone to go out on that day. - The Witness: I think it was, without a very strong warning. - Dr Young said the body was very decomposed and bruised nearly all over and one of the knees was dislocated. The body was that of a robust, well-nourished man. Death was due to drowning. - The brother of the deceased said Mr Cowen, who also went bathing at the same time, quickly left the water, as the current was strong. He was a stronger swimmer than his brother. He considered it very conclusive that his brother was not drowned through cramp, because everyone who went in the water was soon in difficulties. His brother did not suffer from cramp. He emphatically denied that his brother said: "See me swim a mile." - The Coroner, summing up, said no one seemed to have seen the deceased in difficulties, nor had evidence been given that day that he called for help. Evidence had been given that he was a strong swimmer, thoroughly accustomed to the sea. In the smooth water beyond the breakers they would have thought he would have been able to float. Something must have overtaken him, either becoming exhausted and carried away by the under-current, or seized with cramp or heart failure, and drowned almost immediately. - Several complaints as to the lack of means of life-saving apparatus on the shore had been made. He had endeavoured to elicit from Mr Richards who it was who was the proprietor of the shore and really the person responsible for such apparatus. It appeared that really no one claimed the ownership of the shore, except the Board of Trade. No one exercised any control over the bathing arrangements. - After deliberation, the Coroner said the Jury had arrived at what, in his opinion, was the only right verdict, and that was that the deceased met his death by Drowning, purely Accidentally, and that no blame was attached to anyone. They expressed regret to the deceased's relatives and desired him to suggest that the Board of Trade should hand over their powers to the Parish Council, so as to do everything for the protection of the public in future. He would write the Board with a view to their seeing if they would give the Parish Council the power to make bathing regulations in future.

EXETER - Mr W. Linford Brown, Exeter City Coroner, conducted an Inquest yesterday afternoon at Exeter, on the body of the infant child of parents named CORNELIUS, living at 4 Cotfield-street, St. Thomas. the father said the child was born on Sunday and died on Tuesday morning. Mr M. Farrant, Surgeon, said it was a case of premature birth. "Death from Natural Causes" was the verdict returned by the Jury.

TEIGNMOUTH - The Teignmouth Tragedy. Inquest On NORTHCOTT - An Inquest was held at Teignmouth yesterday on the body of FREDERICK WILLIAM NORTHCOTT, who was found dead on Tuesday evening, hanging behind the door of a stable. - JOHN NORTHCOTT, residing at 16 Brunswick-street, and a carriage proprietor, said deceased was his son, a single man, aged 45 years, and worked for witness as a driver. He lived in the same house. Deceased met with an accident about 16 years ago. On Tuesday he had his food with the family, and even up to tea time he was in a cheerful state of mind. He had nothing to worry him, but a fall from a trap some years ago affected his head. About 6.30 deceased complained that it was a bit cold, and witness did not see his son again until he was called to see him hanging. He must have got on to a pair of steps, which he had taken from the harness room, and put the cord over a beam, and made a slip-knot and noose, through which he put his head. Witness did not cut him down. Deceased had never threatened to do away with himself. - Joseph Causeley, brother-in-law, said he saw deceased alive at 5 o'clock, when he was talking in his usual way. Witness left him reading a paper. Later he had to go out with the carriage, and on returning, at 6.15 he went into the spare box to get some corn. He saw deceased hanging behind the door. It gave him a turn and he never thought of cutting deceased down. He called MR NORTHCOTT, who told him to go for a Policeman. The steps had been taken from the coach-house. The accident had made deceased depressed at times. - Agnes Turner said she saw the trap accident in the Dawlish-road 16 years ago. Deceased did not care for anything and his manner suggested that the brain was injured. At half-past six on the previous night she saw deceased and 30 minutes afterwards she was told he had hung himself. - P.C. Friendship stated that with difficulty he cut the body down. It was warm, and he at once tried artificial resuscitation. Deceased's jacket and waistcoat were laid on the corn-bin. - Dr Hayward, who saw deceased a few minutes after seven, said life was then extinct. The mark of the rope was the only one on the face or neck. Death was due to self-inflicted strangulation by means of a piece of cord. - A verdict of "Suicide during Temporary Insanity" was returned.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Friday 6 September 1907
EXMOUTH - Fatal Mistake At Exmouth. - An Inquest was held at Exmouth yesterday on SARAH BOLT, aged 73. The deceased was suffering from cancer in the stomach. Her daughter by request gave deceased on Tuesday morning what she thought was stout, but which turned out to be carbolic acid solution, supplied by the Urban Council for disinfecting purposes. The stout and carbolic acid bottles were alike. Condy's fluid was given deceased as an emetic. The deceased, however, speedily succumbed and medical evidence showed she could not have lived long in any case. The Jury found that "Death was due to Cancer, accelerated by carbolic acid solution Accidentally Administered," and resolved to recommend the Council not to permit the supply of carbolic acid solution without ordering employees to label the bottles.

PINHOE - Septuagenarian's Fatal Fall. Inquest At Pinhoe. - Mr Frank Thomas, Deputy Coroner for the District, conducted an Inquest at Pinhoe, yesterday morning, on the body of HARRIETT HODGE, aged 73, a widow, of Poltimore, who died on the 2nd instant, at the house of her daughter, EMMA HARRIETT WOODLEY, wife of CHARLES WOODLEY, of Pinhoe. - Evidence of identification was given by the daughter, who said her mother had been lying ill in her house for two months. - Ellen Bowden, a housemaid, of Poltimore Rectory, stated that on the 27th of April she was with deceased in the garden, outside the cottage of the latter, at Poltimore. The deceased plucked a flower and handed it to witness, after which she fell down. She was carried into the house and medically attended. - Mr Arthur Walker of Broadclyst, Surgeon, said he attended the deceased on 27th April, when he found her suffering from a fractured thigh. He attended her up to a month ago, when he went away and Dr Sandoe took his place. The fracture did not unite, bedsores developed and she died on the 2nd inst. from exhaustion, due to sceptic absorption. The witness added that such accidents were always dangerous in persons of advanced age. - The Jury returned a verdict in accordance with the medical evidence.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Tuesday 10 September 1907
EAST STONEHOUSE - Alleged Manslaughter At Devonport. - At Stonehouse yesterday, Hugh Moore, naval seaman, was committed for trial on a Coroner's warrant, the Jury having returned a verdict of Manslaughter against him in connection with the death of PATRICK HEALY, stoker, of H.M.S. Indus. HEALY died from the effects of blows inflicted by Moore, because deceased "chaffed" him on board.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Tuesday 17 September 1907
NEWBURY, BERKS - An Exeter Man's Death. The Inquest. - Last evening the Newbury Coroner held an Inquest on the body of MR GEORGE FREDERICK MULFORD, who had for many years carried on an extensive business at Exeter and elsewhere as a timber merchant. He was deaf and while crossing the line near the Newbury goods station was knocked down and instantly killed. His body was dreadfully mutilated. A verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned and the Jury exonerated the railway officials from blame.

TIVERTON - A Fatal Mistake. Plymouth Mail Sorter's Sad Death. Inquest At Tiverton. - An Inquest was conducted by the Borough Coroner, Mr A. Fisher, at the Tiverton Infirmary, last evening, on the body of EDGAR MILLER, aged about 40, of Plymouth, a Post-office mail sorter, who fell from an express train at Sampford siding, near Tiverton Junction, in the early hours of Thursday morning and who died in the Infirmary on Sunday evening. - Chief-Inspector Shattock, of Exeter, and Mr Harvey (Stationmaster at Tiverton) watched the proceedings on behalf of the Great Western Railway Company. Mr Heath (Postmaster at Tiverton) represented the Postal authorities. - HENRY MILLER, of Plymouth, identified the body as that of his brother, who was unmarried and who had been in the Post-office service 20 years - 10 years as a mail sorter between Plymouth and Bristol. Witness journeyed to Tiverton as soon as he heard of the accident. - Mr J. R. Pollock said he was called to the infirmary on Thursday morning about 7 o'clock and found that the deceased had just been admitted. Both his legs were broken and there were other terrible injuries. Deceased told him that he opened the door of the carriage, thinking it was the lavatory door. He was on the line sometime before he was picked up. He saw a goods train approaching and signalled to the driver to pull up, which he did. It was not then very long before he was on his way to the Infirmary. - Mr Stubbs. House Surgeon at the Infirmary, said he was in constant attendance on the deceased from the time of his admission up to the time he died on Sunday evening. There was copious haemorrhage at last. - Chief-Inspector Shattock said that on the arrival at St. David's Station of the 1.7 a.m. train from Bristol on Thursday morning one of the carriage doors was found to be open. Two men were at once dispatched along the line to see if anyone had fallen out. He had no doubt deceased would have been found much earlier had it not been so dark. - John Viner, engine driver, said that when nearing Sampford siding he saw an object in the six-foot-way, and on passing noticed it to be a man. He pulled up as soon as he could. - James Eberley, the stoker, said he found the deceased in a sitting position. MR MILLER told him that he had fallen from a train. He was covered with blood and there were two or three stones inside his collar. - Henry William McBryne, guard, said he did not remember having seen deceased on the train. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death," and added that there was no blame attachable to anyone.

SOUTH MOLTON - Mr G. W. F. Brown, the District Coroner, held an Inquest at the Town Hall, Southmolton, yesterday, on the body of GEORGE FREDERICK HERBERT, aged five months, son of JOHN HENRY HERBERT, travelling showman. The evidence showed that the child had died from severe dysentery. The Jury returned a verdict of "Death from Natural Causes."

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Wednesday 18 September 1907
BARNSTAPLE - Killed At Barnstaple. Railway Porter's Death. Crushed Between The Buffers. - A fatal accident occurred at the Station of the Great Western Railway Company, Barnstaple, yesterday morning, to a man named GEORGE WILLIAM BEATIE, whose widowed mother resides in Exeter. - BEATIE, who was engaged as a porter for the summer, was crossing from the passenger side to the goods side. When he reached the mileage siding he attempted to pass between two trucks, which were being shunted. Although they were moving very slowly at the time, BEATIE failed to clear them and was caught between the buffers. - On the rebound of the trucks he fell, groaning, to the ground. With assistance he was removed to the North Devon Infirmary just before 10 o'clock. He died about an hour later. - The Borough Coroner, Mr T. A. R. Bencraft, held an Inquest at the North Devon Infirmary yesterday afternoon. The evidence showed that deceased, whose mother lives at Belgrave-road, Exeter, was in his twentieth year. - The Stationmaster, Mr C. Withy, said that yesterday the deceased went across the lines in the execution of his duty. He passed between two lots of trucks with a space of about one foot between, and, while doing so, some empty trucks, which were being allowed to run down an incline into their place, brought the two trucks together and the deceased was caught between the second pair of buffers. - John Hall, a porter, who was engaged in shunting operations, said he could not hear the trucks strike together and he did not know the deceased was between the trucks. The deceased could have seen that the trucks were coming down the line. - The guard, named George A. Evans, said he heard a moan and saw the deceased drop from between the buffers, near him, and the buffers were then about a foot apart. He went to the deceased's assistance, but saw that it was a serious matter. It was not the proper thing for the deceased to go through the trucks. - Dr Lemarchand, who made the post-mortem examination, saw the deceased about ten minutes after he was admitted, and he died about 20 minutes later. There were very few external marks, but the abdomen was full of blood. There was a rent in the liver and kidneys and the lungs were bruised and torn. Death was due to haemorrhage. Nothing could be done to save the deceased's life. - Dr Rendle, the House Surgeon at the Infirmary, was of the opinion that nothing could have been done if a doctor had been on the spot. A verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned. - Chief Inspector Shattock watched the case for the Company. - It is stated that the deceased intended going to Exeter today to attend the funeral of his grandmother.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Friday 20 September 1907
MARWOOD - MARY LAKE, aged 84, an old resident in the village, has died from heart disease. At an inquest held yesterday by Mr G. W. F. Brown, County Coroner, a verdict of "Death from Natural Causes" was returned.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Monday 23 September 1907
CHAGFORD - Fatal Accident At Chagford. - While a traction engine, with trucks, belonging to Messrs. G. H. Reed and co., of Rushford, was taking water near Veet Mills, Drewsteignton, on Friday evening, a man named ALBERT BURROW, 34, was killed. It appears that the trucks had been used for carrying stone from the quarries near Chagford for the main road and BURROW, whose duty it was to fasten up the suction pipe, had given the signal "All right" to the driver, who set the engine in motion. Shortly afterwards, on turning round, he found the deceased man was not in his usual place behind the steering box. The engine was at once stopped and on the driver going back a few yards he found BURROW lying dead in the road, one of the wheels of the first truck having gone over his head. Dr Hunt was at once summoned to the spot, but life was extinct. The deceased was well known around Chagford, and was a member of the Volunteer Battalion. He had always borne a good character, was industrious and temperate. - Mr J. D. Prickman, District Coroner, held an Inquest at the Old Inn, on Saturday on the body of the deceased man and a verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned. - The funeral, which will be a military one, will take place this afternoon.

EXETER - Found Drowned In The Exe. Inquest At Exeter. - An Inquest was held at the Exeter Police Court on Saturday, by Mr W. Linford Brown, on the body of THOMAS GILL, aged 44, a timber merchant's foreman of 6 River View, Haven Banks. - The evidence of the widow was to the effect that on the previous Saturday deceased left the house in good spirits. He did not return, and on making inquiries she was told that deceased, after visiting the Swan Inn, went to the Okehampton Inn, where he remained until closing time. On Thursday his cap was found in the timber yard opposite the house. - Dr Pereira, Surgeon, said that, judging by the state of decomposition which the body was in, it had been in the water some time. There were no marks of violence, and death was due to drowning. - The evidence of other witnesses showed that deceased was seen rambling on the night in question, but Mr Joseph Bates, the landlord of the Okehampton Inn, said although deceased had the appearance of having been drinking, he was not drunk, and witness had no hesitation in serving him. - P.C. Hill stated that when the body was recovered from the river it was found that his watch had stopped at ten minutes past twelve. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Drowning."

EXETER HEAVITREE - Shocking Discovery At Heavitree. Child's Body In A Lavatory. Inquest Adjourned. - The Deputy Coroner for the District, Mr Thomas, held an Inquest in the Heavitree Council Rooms on Saturday evening, on the body of an infant, believed to be the child of ALICE MANFIELD, of Polsloe-road, Exeter. - The Deputy Coroner said a doctor had certified that the supposed mother was in the Hospital, and, as she was too unwell to attend for some time, he proposed taking sufficient evidence to permit of burial. He would then adjourn the Inquest sine die. - Matilda Jane Davey, housemaid, Thruselton, Polsloe-road, deposed that on the 19th inst. she saw the body of a child, about 7.30 in the morning in a lavatory attached to the house. The child was dead. She had reason to believe that the child was that of ALICE MANFIELD, a cook, in the same house. witness did not remove the body from where she found it. She first told the gardener, Stephen Bowden, and afterwards her mother. - P.S. Mortimore gave evidence to the effect that n Friday, at 7.15 he went to the house named, and there found the child as described. With the assistance of Sergeant Shutler he removed the pan, as the body was wedged tightly at the bottom of it. The child was a female and its left fore-arm was missing. Mr Miller, Surgeon, had certified that the mother was lying in the Hospital and too ill to attend the inquiry. - the Inquest was adjourned sine die.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Tuesday 24 September 1907
EXETER - Fatal Accident At Oxton. Inquest Adjourned At Exeter. - The City Coroner, Mr W. Linford Brown, conducted an Inquest at the Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital, yesterday, on the body of WILLIAM HENRY VOSPER, labourer, of 11 Preston-street, Exeter, who died at the Institution from injuries sustained in an accident while loading stone at Oxton. - Mr W. H. Tarbet of Exeter, appeared to watch the proceedings on behalf of the widow. - MRS VOSPER said her husband was 30 years of age. When she saw him in the Hospital and asked him what had happened he replied, "I cannot move, something has fallen on me." He died on Friday. - The Coroner said it would be necessary to adjourn the Inquest for the attendance of an Inspector of Mines from Bristol, as he understood the accident occurred at a quarry landing place. - The Inquiry will be resumed on Friday evening. - The facts of the accident as reported in the "Gazette" of Friday were that VOSPER was with a traction engine and waggon loading stone when the tail board of the waggon fell on his neck and fractured his spine. - Deceased was in the employ of Mr Zelley, builder, Bonhay-road, Exeter.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Wednesday 25 September 1907
HOLSWORTHY - Two Children Drowned At Holsworthy. Out Nutting. A Sad Case. - Mr Coroner Prickman held an Inquest at North Youlden yesterday on the bodies of the two children who were found drowned in a quarry on Saturday last. Mr C. Hopper was Foreman of the Jury. - The first witness called was JOHN HAMBLEY BECKLY, who stated that he was a carpenter, and resided at North Youlden, Holsworthy. On the 21st, at tea time, he was informed that two of his children had not returned, having gone out nutting. He at once made inquiry of his neighbours, but could get no news of them. He then went to a quarry, which was at the top of the field at the back of his house, but could not see them there. He noticed that a plank, which was floating on the water, was partly wet on the top and the other part was dry. The other planks were also dry. The water looked as if it had been disturbed. As he could not see anything of his children there he got on his bicycle and rode around to some fields where people were harvesting, thinking they might have gone there. He also called at several houses, but could find no trace of them. He then returned, and, going to the quarry, he undressed and got in at one end and worked up through with a long stick. About three-quarters up the quarry he felt something soft and on lifting it to the surface he saw it was the body of his daughter, SARAH ANNIE, aged eight years. He took the body home. He did not see his son found. His name was FRANCIS EDWIN, and he was 7 years old. He identified the bodies. The water in which they were found was from 7 ft. to 8 ft. deep. The boy FRANCIS fell into the same quarry a fortnight ago, but managed to scramble out and afterwards said he would never go near the quarry again. That was why he (witness) could not fancy his children were there. - Annie Beatrice Butler, a domestic servant in MR BECKLEY'S employ, deposed that on Saturday, at about 3 p.m., the two children left home, stating they were going nutting. They had no hats on. She did not see them afterwards. They were in the best of spirits when they left, and were very fond of each other. - Stanley Fry, living with his uncle at North Arscott, deposed that on Saturday he was in a field opposite (about 500 yards away), at about 4 p.m., harvesting. He saw the two children playing in the quarry field. They shouted and waved their hands. He did not notice when they went, nor did he hear any screams. - John Hancock, quarryman, and residing at Pancrassweek, stated that on Saturday, hearing that MR BECKLEY'S two children were missing, he went, with others, to the quarry. He saw MR BECKLY take his daughter out. They then got a ladder and he (witness) went down and brought out the boy's body. - Dr Gordon Gray deposed that death was caused by drowning. There was a recent bruise on the right arm of the girl and a few old bruises on the legs of both. - A verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Thursday 26 September 1907
EXETER - Railway Fatality At Exeter. The Inquest. - An Inquest was held at the Exeter Police Station yesterday by Mr W. Linford Brown on the body of THOMAS CASSELL, a telegraph labourer on the Great Western Railway, of Taunton, who met with an accident while at work near Cowley Bridge on Monday. - Evidence of identification was given by WILLIAM CASSELL, storekeeper on the Great Western Railway at Neath, son of the deceased, who stated that his father's age was 65. Deceased was not deaf. - Ernest Blackmore, a labourer, of Cheeke-street, Exeter, said that on Monday afternoon, about 3 o'clock, he was on the high path in Cowley Bridge-road and saw a man standing on the railway. Shortly afterwards he heard an engine whistle, and as the train passed along he saw the body of a man thrown out under the last coach. He immediately ran down, but deceased was dead. When he first saw CASSELL the latter was facing Cowley Bridge-road and his left shoulder was towards Cowley Bridge. - Charles Edward Hoar, a porter on the Great Western Railway, stated that he saw the driver of the down express pull up and beckon to him. On going to the spot he found the body of the deceased lying in the four-foot way. - Charles Garland of Taunton, said that on Monday last he was working with the deceased collecting old wires on the line about a quarter of a mile the Exeter side of Cowley Bridge. When the deceased was knocked down by the Torquay express witness was about 150 yards away. - Dr Fortescue Sayres deposed to making an examination of the deceased at the Mortuary. The injuries were terrible. The head was cut in two and one arm was cut off, while the other was mangled and crushed. Most of deceased's ribs were broken and there was a large open wound in the back, which might have been caused by the vacuum pipe which was in front of the engine. Both legs were cut off just above the ankles, and were only held on by pieces of skin. Death must have been instantaneous. - Thomas Robert Bargus, who lives at Harlesden, London, the driver of the train, said that just after passing the Cowley Bridge Junction the fireman informed him that one of the signals was right and almost at the same time shouted, "Whoa, there's a man just stepped in front of the engine" Witness applied the vacuum brake with full force, but, unhappily, he was unable to pull up in time. Witness blew his whistle when the fireman told him that the signal was right, and at the spot where the accident occurred there was a nasty curve. The front of the engine was covered with flesh and blood. - Witness, in answer to the Foreman of the Jury (Mr R. Bray), said he did not know of an order that the whistle should be sounded when passing a curve. - The fireman, John Cooksley, gave similar evidence. - Inspector Shattock remarked that just beyond the spot where the accident occurred the express passed a South-Western train, and it was just possible that deceased was watching that train. - Mr Bray thought that an order should be issued for drivers to sound their whistles when going round a curve, but Inspector Shattock replied that they would have to be whistling all day long. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death," and attached no blame to anyone. - CASSELL had been employed on the railway for over forty years. For twenty-one years he served under the late Mr Holway, contractor to the old Bristol and Exeter Railway Company, and father to Mr W. J. Holway, of Canal-terrace, Taunton. When the line was taken over by the Great Western Railway, CASSELL was employed by the Company direct and served for a further period of eighteen years in the telegraph and signal department. He lived at Hayman's Buildings, Greenway-road, with his wife and a daughter. His family consists of three sons and two daughters, all of whom are now grown up. Two of the sons are working in Wales, while one of the daughters is living in California. About a year ago MRS CASSELL had the misfortune to meet with an accident at Teignmouth and the shock sustained caused the loss of her eyesight. Deceased did not belong to the Railway Servants' Society, so that the widow is not entitled to benefit from their funds.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Friday 27 September 1907
TIVERTON - Mr A. Fisher, Borough Coroner, conducted an Inquest at the Tiverton Infirmary yesterday on the body of ALBERT ERNEST POWLESLAND, wheelwright, in the employ of Mr Woodley of Ashill, Uffculme, who died in the Tiverton Infirmary as a result of injuries sustained by falling from his bicycle while descending Church Hill, Uffculme, on Saturday night . The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death," and added, as a rider, that the Parish Council of Uffculme, should be asked to keep the lamps in Church Hill lighted on dark evenings.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Saturday 28 September 1907
EXETER - The Quarry Accident At Exton. - The adjourned Inquest on the body of WILLIAM HENRY VOSPER, who died as the result of an accident a few days since, was held at the Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital yesterday. Mr W. H. Tarbet (Messrs. Friend and Tarbet) appeared on behalf of the deceased's relatives. - John Back stated that the deceased was helping to load stones at the Exton Quarry. The stones were brought up to a landing-stage, from which they were loaded. They had a large truck, which would take about eight tons. They loaded about five tons with the flap down and then witness and the deceased proceeded to put the flap up. They lifted the flap, and witness got on top of the truck, while the deceased was underneath trying to get the flap into position. They were both using crowbars for the purpose. VOSPER put his bar into position and commenced lifting, but both bars slipped and the flap fell on deceased. Witness lifted the flap off deceased, who was conscious and complained of pain. - Dr Robertson, Assistant House Surgeon at the Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital, stated that on making a post-mortem examination he found that deceased's neck was dislocated. Death was due to paralysis from pressure on the spinal cord. A verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Monday 30 September 1907
WERRINGTON - Inquest At Werrington. Death Of A Farmer. - Mr J. D. Prickman, County Coroner, held an Inquest at Stonsdon Farm, Werrington, on the body of RICHARD MARTYN HUTCHINGS, a farmer, who died on Wednesday, aged 49 years. ANN HUTCHINGS, mother of deceased, said her son was a partner with her in farming. He did not enjoy good health, and of late had been low spirited. On Tuesday deceased complained of being poorly and a bottle of medicine was obtained. The deceased said he did not wish to have the doctor. On Wednesday morning he became worse and died about midday. Dr Budd, of Launceston, said deceased suffered from debility and depression. He had made a post mortem, and found distinct evidence of poisoning. The Jury found that death was caused by poisoning, but that there was no evidence to show how it was taken.

FREMINGTON - Fremington Child's Fearful Death. Falls Into A Pan Of Scalding Milk. - A few days ago a two-and-a-half years old child named FREDERICK DAVID GRANVILLE CLARKE, son of MR ARUNDELL CLARKE, of Brookfield House, Fremington, was playing with his sister in the passage of a farmhouse at Fremington, while their mother was conversing with the housekeeper on business, when he accidentally fell into a pan of scalding milk, which resulted in his death two days afterwards. - Six cans of milk were on the floor of the passage, but of the six only one contained boiling milk and into this the poor little fellow fell. MRS CLARKE had called at Chillcott Farm, occupied by Mr John Hobbs, about five minutes' walk from Brookfield House, with two of her children. She went into the kitchen to speak to the housekeeper about supplying Brookfield House with milk. The two children were in the passage. Hearing a cry, MRS CLARKE rushed out and found the boy sitting in the pan of milk. She took him out and she and the housekeeper, Emma Northcote, cut off the child's clothes. A blanket was procured, in which he was carried to Brookfield and put to bed and a medical man was summoned from Barnstaple. Dr Cooke soon arrived and dressed the burns and afterwards Dr Harper, the family doctor, took charge of the child, but he died from shock on Friday. - At the Inquest on Friday evening, by Mr G. W. F. Brown, MRS CLARKE said there was no blame attributable to anyone - it was a pure accident. When she saw the pans she quite thought they contained clotted cream only, and, indeed, she remarked to her daughter what lovely cream it was. A verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned, and sympathy expressed with MR and MRS CLARKE.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Tuesday 1 October 1907
EAST BUDLEIGH - The Late MRS BRYAN, Of Salterton. - Yesterday afternoon, at Fairlynch, Budleigh Salterton, Mr C. E. Cox, District Coroner, conducted an Inquest on the body of MRS SARAH BRYAN, aged 77, who died on Saturday. The evidence showed that on Wednesday, while in the front garden at Fairlynch, deceased ran to call her daughter, who had just left the garden, and, in doing so, fell and sustained severe internal injuries. Peritonitis supervened and proved fatal on Saturday. The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death," and expressed sympathy with the relatives. - The funeral took place shortly after the Inquest. Among those at the graveside were Messrs. Terrell (brother), T. B. Bryan (nephew), and deceased's four daughters. There were a number of floral tributes. The undertaker was Mr J. C. Palmer.

TIVERTON - Tiverton Hairdresser's Suicide. Wife's Shocking Discovery. The Coroner And A Dangerous Practice. - The Borough Coroner, Mr Arthur Fisher, conducted an Inquest at the Town Hall, Tiverton, last evening, on the body of WILLIAM COUCH, aged 26 years, hairdresser, of 5 Bridge-street, Tiverton, who died on Saturday as the result of gun shot wounds in the mouth. - Mr Early was chosen Foreman of the Jury. - MRS COUCH, the widow, said that on Saturday morning her husband told her he was not feeling well. He had complained of pains in the head for several years. He went into the shop to work but returned and said he could not do so. He then remarked that he would go upstairs and lie down. He did so. Later he came down and cut one customer's hair. He then went back and lay down again. Sometime afterwards she heard a noise, and shouted out, "Oh, WILL, what have you let drop." She went into the room where he was and found him sitting on a chair, with blood flowing from the nose. He had a revolver in his hand. Deceased had had the revolver for some years and it was kept in a cupboard. She never heard her husband threaten to take his life, but when he had the pains in his head he would walk about with his hands to his head and say, "I believe I shall go mad." She had known deceased take too much drink, but not lately. The only thing deceased troubled about was his health. There was no business worry. - George Thorne, mason's labourer, Back-lane, Tiverton, said he went to deceased's shop on Saturday afternoon. He was waiting to have a shave, when he heard what he thought were revolver shots. He went upstairs to where deceased was and found a revolver in his right hand. The wound was in the mouth. He had never heard deceased complain of ill-health. - Dr Leisching said that when he reached 5 Bridge-street, he found deceased sitting on a chair, bleeding from the nostrils. His heart was still beating and continued to do so for some five or six minutes after his arrival. The lips were blackened with powder, and dark blood was issuing from the mouth. The wound was in the mouth. He had known the deceased for years, but never medically attended him. He was usually bright and cheerful when he saw him. - Inspector Perry said he searched the room, but found no communication from deceased. The revolver was a six-chambered one. When the witness Thorne was handing the weapon to him it was accidentally discharged. The bullet struck a fire shovel and made a hole in it. It was not an uncommon thing for people in Tiverton to have revolvers in their houses. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Suicide while Temporarily Insane." - The Coroner, referring to the remarks of Inspector Perry that it was not an uncommon thing for people to keep revolvers in their houses, said they lived in a well-[?]community and said he did not think it necessary for people to keep revolvers. It was in itself a temptation and a dangerous practice, which, he hoped, as far as possible, would be discontinued.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Wednesday 2 October 1907
COLEBROOKE - Killed At Colebrook While Changing Houses. - Mr H. W. Gould, Coroner, conducted an Inquest at Butsford Farm, Colebrook, yesterday, on the body of JOHN PARKER, labourer, aged 37, of Butsford Farm, who died the day before as the result of an accident. - MARY ANN PARKER identified the body as that of her husband. On September 30th they were changing houses from Colebrook to Tedburn. Witness was in a horse cart, while deceased was in charge of a waggon. On the way, while turning a corner, witness looked back and saw deceased lying in the road. She immediately went to him and found blood streaming from his mouth. He died almost immediately. - James Carthew of Tedburn St. Mary, deposed that he was driving the horse and cart on which the last witness was riding. On the road deceased bought a lock, which he gave to his wife, remarking, "Now I will go and look after my goods." The next time witness saw him he was lying in the road. - George Long, labourer, of Dunsford, said he was driving a waggon on the day in question which contained deceased's furniture. Witness last saw him alive while he was talking to some people about ten yards from where he was killed. Witness was sitting on the near side of the waggon and deceased was found on the off side. He knew nothing of the accident until he heard someone shouting. No other vehicle had passed. Witness was driving at a walking pace. - Dr G. H. Kinch, who had examined the body, said he found three ribs broken on the right side. There were bruises on the chest and one or two lesser ones on the forehead. The blood spoken of by the first witness must have proceeded from the lungs, which must have been pierced by the ribs. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death," and expressed sympathy with the relatives.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Thursday 3 October 1907
DARTMOUTH - Yesterday the Dartmouth Coroner, Mr A. M. Davson, held an Inquest at the Guildhall concerning the death of DENNIS TREVOR WESTERN, the 18 month old son of JOHN WESTERN, farm labourer, living at Lower Morton Cottage. The mother said the child died in her arms on Monday. Dr J. H. Harris deposed that death was due to pneumonia. The Jury returned a verdict accordingly.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Tuesday 8 October 1907
NEWTON ABBOT - A Newton Abbot Sensation. Sad Disclosures At An Inquest. - Mr S. Hacker, Newton Abbot District Coroner, conducted an Inquest yesterday on the body of ROBERT HAWKINS, cutter, of 11 East-street, Newton Abbot. - The wife was called to give evidence of identification, but there was no response. - P.C. Real stated that he saw her both on Sunday evening and yesterday morning, and told her she must attend the Inquest. She made no reply of any sort. - The Coroner: Was she drunk? - P.C. Real: No, she was not drunk, but she had been drinking. - Did she understand that she was bound to come? - Yes; I told her this morning. - Was she in a condition that she could not understand? - She understood it all right. - She did not give any reason for not coming? - No sir. - You would not say she was absolutely drunk? - No, sir. Her sisters said she was in bed and they could not get her down. - Illness is not the cause of this? - There is no doubt the woman is very excited. - The Coroner: If it were illness she could have sent a doctor's certificate. Not being ill, she must take the consequences. The question is whether I shall send her to prison, but if she has anything I will fine her. Is she in the habit of getting drunk? - Ex-P.S. Hannaford: Yes, sir, she is. - The Coroner: A pretty sort of thing - drunk when her husband is lying dead, and she is summoned to an Inquest. - P.C. Real: Shall I go to the house for her? - The Coroner: I shall not have a drunken woman here. She is not ill and I will fine her 10s. - Charles Sclater, a brother-in-law, was then sent for and gave evidence of identification. Dr Scrase stated that when he was called in deceased was dead. He had made a post-mortem examination and found that deceased died from syncope, due to fatty degeneration of the heart. - Henry Callin, a labourer, said he was passing the house when MRS HAWKINS asked him to fetch sixpennyworth of brandy for her husband, who was faint. On going in he found deceased lying on the floor, apparently dead. - The Coroner: Was there anything wrong with her? - Oh, no. - She was not fuddled? - No sir. - the Jury returned a verdict of "Death from Natural Causes."

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Thursday 10 October 1907
BOVEY TRACEY - Bovey Resident's Sudden Death. - Mr S. Hacker at Bovey Tracey, yesterday, conducted an Inquest on the body of LOUISA DODD, aged 26 years, wife of MR GEORGE DODD, a cab driver, who died at her residence in Mary-street early on Tuesday morning. - The husband stated that deceased did washing and cleaned bedrooms during the day and continued ironing up to 11 p.m. He retired to bed before his wife. Just before one o'clock she woke him, complained of violent pains, and asked him to fetch some water and bathe her head. While doing so she threw back her arms and expired. He called some neighbours, and then ran for a doctor, who arrived in a very few minutes and pronounced life extinct. - Mary Steer, a neighbour, said deceased during the day appeared to be in her usual health. At times she had complained of pains in the head and side. Jane Prowse, another neighbour, corroborated. - Dr Henry Murray Agnew said he had made a post-mortem examination and found death was caused by syncope, due to fatty degeneration of the heart. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Death from Natural Causes." Great sympathy is felt for the husband who is left with three small children.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Monday 14 October 1907
EXETER - An Inquest was conducted at the Exeter Police Station on Saturday by the City Coroner, Mr W. Linford Brown, on the body of BERTIE HILL, 11 weeks old, son of ELIZABETH HILL, of 1 Parsonage-place, Stepcote-Hill, Exeter. Dr Clapp said he had made a post mortem examination and found every organ quite healthy. The appearance of the body showed that death was due to convulsions. The Jury returned a verdict of "Death from Natural Causes."

TAVISTOCK - Cycling Fatality Near Tavistock. - Mr R. R. Rodd, District Coroner, held an Inquest at the Tavistock Cottage Hospital on Saturday on WILLIAM CONIAM, aged 29, deaf and dumb, of St Ann's Chapel, Gunnislake. - EMMA CONIAM, the deceased's step-mother stated that deceased was steady and industrious when in employment, but occasionally gave way to drink. He had been in the Bodmin Lunatic Asylum. - P.C. Fishwick deposed to seeing deceased leave a public-house in the town on Wednesday - Goose Fair Day. He had an altercation with some men, and was under the influence of drink. - Edward Reddicliffe, of Milton Abbot, stated that as he was cycling along the Launceston-road, some distance ahead of William Croote, he passed a man, who was in the centre of the road. - Dr C. C. Brodrick stated that death had resulted from a fracture of the base of the skull. - William Henry Croote, of Milton Abbot, stated that about 10.45 he was descending Marlmade Hill steadily on his bicycle, as the night was very dark, when he collided with something. He was riding on the left side of the road. He was thrown off his machine and on rising he found that he had knocked down the deceased. Up to the time of the collision witness's lamp was burning brightly. Deceased was on the wrong side of the road, and that was the cause of the collision. He stood by the deceased until he was taken to the Hospital. - Edward John Southcott of Milton Abbot, said that he was cycling behind the last witness. They were going steadily because the hill was greasy. Witness, after the accident, rode into Tavistock for assistance. - P.S. Hill stated that the three cyclists were sober. - The Coroner thought it would be clear to the Jury that the sole cause of the fatality was owing to deceased walking on the wrong side of the road. He feared that the man was in a state of intoxication. No blame, in his opinion, attached to Croote. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death."

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Tuesday 15 October 1907
EXETER - Yesterday, at the Exeter Police Station the City Coroner, Mr W. Linford Brown, held an Inquest on the body of EMMA PARR, of 5 Olive-square, Fore-street, Exeter, wife of a warehouseman, who died suddenly on Saturday. She had been in delicate health for years. Dr H. Child said deceased suffered from a weak heart and the Jury returned a verdict of "Death from Natural Causes."

KINGSBRIDGE - At Kingsbridge, on Saturday morning, a mason named EDWARD RADCLIFFE GOOD, residing at Ebrington-street, Kingsbridge, was found dead. At the Inquest which was held by the Coroner, Mr Sidney Hacker, yesterday morning, Dr W. H. Webb stated that deceased's kidneys were extensively diseased and must have been so for some time, as he was suffering from chronic Bright's Disease. The cause of death was cerebral haemorrhage, due to kidney disease. A daughter of deceased said that her father, who was 53 years of age, had not been attended by a doctor since he was married 34 years ago.

EXETER HEAVITREE - Yesterday, at Heavitree, Mr H. W. Gould, District Coroner, conducted an Inquest on the body of ARTHUR TOM VINCENT, age 12 weeks, son of MR H. R. VINCENT, of 58 Manston-road, Heavitree, who died suddenly on Saturday. It appeared that the child had always enjoyed good health until Saturday evening, when it became suddenly ill and died. Mr Watkins, Surgeon, attributed death to convulsions. The Jury returned a verdict of "Death from Natural Causes" and expressed sympathy with the parents.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Thursday 17 October 1907
BOVEY TRACEY - The Bovey Railway Accident. Inquest On The Driver. The Fireman's Actions. Verdict And Rider. - Last evening, at the Dolphin Hotel, Bovey Tracey, the District Coroner, Mr S. Hacker, held an Inquiry into the cause of the death of HARRY JAMES WILKINS, an engine driver, in the employ of the Great Western Railway Company and engaged on the Moretonhampstead Branch. Particulars of the accident were reported in our issue of yesterday. - Mr T. Pinney was chosen Foreman of the Jury. - The Company was represented by Chief Inspector T. Shattock, Mr G. H. Flewellen (Locomotive Department, Newton Abbot) and District Inspector Tonkin (Newton). - After some formal evidence, John Brooking of Newton, fireman on the engine of which the deceased was the driver, said that WILKINS got off at Bovey to oil the engine, which was a new one, and to look around and see if all was right. Witness did not notice him after he got off, as he was looking out for the guard's signal. When he received this witness touched the whistle. Deceased, who had been off the footplate a couple of minutes, shouted "Right," and witness started the engine. - The Coroner: Where did the shout come from? - Witness: It seemed to me close by the engine, on the driver's side. It was dark at the time and I could not see deceased. - By the Coroner: He was sure the deceased shouted "Right," and he opened the regulator and started the engine. He thought his mate about to get up on his own side. - The Coroner: But you are not the driver. It is not your duty to start the engine. - Witness: We are supposed to obey our mate's orders. I always understood that the fireman is allowed to stop or start a train on his mate's orders. - The Coroner: Did you take his saying "Right" as an order to start the engine? - Witness: Yes. He had no idea as to how his mate got back under the third coach. - George Henry Fflewellen, Locomotive inspector at Newton Abbot, said it was a common practice with the men when the guard gave "Right" for the engine to be started by the fireman, and the driver joined the footplate as the engine passed him. - The Coroner: Is that allowed? - Witness: It is the practice. The fireman evidently expected his mate to join him immediately he started and his prompt action when he found he did not do so clearly proved that, to his mind. Witness thought the deceased had missed the footplate gangway and must have been rolled along and fallen between the coaches, or he might have tried to regain the engine over the back, so as not to stop the train, and missed his footing. - The Coroner said there was a rather serious question as to whether the conduct of the fireman had not been of such a reckless, thoughtless, and careless nature as to almost amount to a criminal act. Even if the fireman had thought the driver was about to get up on to the engine, it was a very reckless thing to start the train in the dark with a jerk, for it might make the man miss his footing. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death," adding a rider that they hoped the rule made by the Railway Company that no engine should be started until both men were on it would in future be strictly enforced. - The Jury gave their fees to the widow.

MARWOOD - Tragedy Near Barnstaple. A Farm Lad's Death. Suicide At Fourteen. - The Inquest was held last night at Muddiford, by the County Coroner, Mr G. W. F. Brown, on the body of THOMAS GOULD, 14 years of age, who was found shot on the previous day. - Evidence was given to show that deceased was a very cheerful boy and that he did his work fairly well. He had not lately been found fault with, although there had been times when he had not done what his master told him to do. - P.C. Mogridge said he had taken possession of a pocket book from the body of the deceased. On it had been written a letter to "Dear Mother," to whom he said his life was being driven to an end, and the end was coming, but no matter, slow or fast, he was going to make a clean job of it. There were also entries on other pages of the book. - Dr Manning gave evidence. - The Coroner and the Jury expressed an opinion that the deceased had been suffering from delusions. - The Jury returned a verdict that the lad had Committed Suicide while Temporarily Insane. [Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Friday 18 October 1907 - A North Devon Tragedy. Suicide At Fourteen. - A tragedy has occurred at Vineham Farm, four or five miles from Barnstaple, in the direction of Eastdown. Among the employees at the farm were THOMAS GOULD, 14 years of age and his younger sister. THOMAS had been there for about 18 months. On Tuesday evening a report of a gun was heard, as if in the store room. Mr Hoskins, the occupier of the farm, went to the door, but found it bolted. He therefore took means of communicating with P.C. Mogridge, of Shirwell. - The Constable arrived at the farm about half-past seven, forcing an entrance into the store-room, found the body of the lad GOULD lying dead behind the door, a gun by the side of the body and a gunshot wound in the lad's head. Near the gun was a toy wooden spade, with which, it is supposed, the boy must have touched the trigger of the weapon - a double-barrelled one, which was kept in the store-room, but was not loaded. - The deceased's mother was at the time staying at Filleigh with a sister of hers. - She was immediately summoned, but, while driving to Barnstaple with her brother, MR WILLIAM GEEN, the horse stumbled when passing through Landkey and she was thrown out and severely bruised. - The Inquest was held by the County Coroner, Mr G. W. F. Brown. - Evidence was given to show that deceased was a very cheerful boy, and that he did his work fairly well. He had not lately been found fault with, although there had been times when he had not done what his master told him to do. - P.C. Mogridge said he had taken possession of a pocket book from the body of the deceased. On it had been written a letter to "Dear Mother," to whom he said his life was being driven to an end, and the end was coming, but no matter, slow or fast, he was going to make a clean job of it. - The Jury returned a verdict that the lad had Committed Suicide while Temporarily Insane.]

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Friday 18 October 1907
EXETER - The Sudden Death Of An Exeter Tradesman. Inquest On MR W. ADAMS. - The Exeter Coroner, Mr W. Linford Brown, held an Inquest at the Exeter Police Court, yesterday, on the body of MR WILLIAM ADAMS, aged 55, lately residing at Honeylands Cottage, Whipton, who died suddenly on the 15th inst., while going from his dairy in Northernhay-place across London Inn Square. - MR F. S. ADAMS, grocer of Fore-street, Exeter, identified the body as that of his cousin. Deceased had always enjoyed good health. - WINIFRED ELIZABETH ADAMS, daughter, deposed that she accompanied her father when he left the dairy, about 7.15 to walk to Whipton. As they approached Mr Gould's motor garage, witness heard a noise and, on looking around, saw her father lying on the ground in an unconscious state. Mr Delpratt-Harris, Surgeon, was summoned, but life was extinct. - Mr Harris deposed that a post mortem examination disclosed advanced fatty degeneration of the heart. Death was undoubtedly due to heart failure. - Charles Taylor, in the employ of Mr Gould, stated that he helped to pick up the body. - A verdict of "Death from Natural Causes" was returned, and a vote of condolence passed with the relatives.

EXETER - The Exeter Coroner, Mr W. Linford Brown, held an Inquest at the Exeter Police Court yesterday, on the body of MISS MARY ANN MAPLEDORAM, 81, ladies' outfitter, of the Arcade, Exeter, who died on the 16th inst. from the effects of a recent accident. Ellen Parkin, 25 Sun-street, identified the body as that of her aunt. About two weeks ago deceased fell in the kitchen and broke one of her thighs. Mr A. E. Brash, Surgeon, attended her, but she died from exhaustion. A verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned, and a vote of condolence was passed with the relatives.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Saturday 19 October 1907
TOTNES - A Birth And Death In Totnes Workhouse. - At Totnes Workhouse Mr S. Hacker, County Coroner, held an Inquest on the infant child of CAROLINE BROWN, an inmate of the Workhouse. - Mrs Clements, superintendent nurse and mid-wife, said at 5.5. a.m. she was called by the attendant and saw BROWN in bed, partially lying on the child. She found the child was dead and then attended the mother. She asked her why she did not call and the reply was that she slept all night and did not know what had happened. - The Jury, after a lengthy retirement, returned a verdict that the child was Accidentally Suffocated through want of proper attention at birth. They added that they considered women in such circumstances should be placed in a ward where there is a nurse who can give the necessary attention to the child at birth.

EXETER - Ashton Man's Sudden Death. An Extraordinary Case. Inquest At Exeter. - The Exeter City Coroner, Mr W. Linford Brown, conducted an Inquiry at Exeter yesterday into the death of SIDNEY WOOD, a ganger of packers, in the employ of the Great Western Railway, on the Teign Valley line, of Lower Ashton. WOOD, who was married, and aged 35, and had been in the employ of the Company 16 years. He was of fine physique and had had little illness. He died suddenly, however, on Wednesday last. - Mr W. H. Craddock was chosen Foreman of the Jury. The Railway Company was represented by Messrs. T. Shattock (Chief Inspector of the District) and S. T. Coles (of the Engineering Department, Newton Abbot). - MARY JANE WOOD, widow, of Lower Ashton, identified the body. Deceased had generally enjoyed good health. On Wednesday morning he said he felt "out of sorts," and that he had caught a cold. He complained of a pain in the throat and difficulty in swallowing. She called in Dr C. Fenwick, of Dunsford, who happened to be in the village. The doctor examined her husband and ordered poultices and hot fomentations. At 2.50 p.m. deceased was taken worse and commenced vomiting. Telegrams were sent for doctors to Dunsford and Chudleigh. Shortly after 6 o'clock Dr Fenwick arrived and said there must be an operation and that her husband must, accordingly, go to the Devon and Exeter Hospital. Witness was opposed to this, but the doctor insisted that the operation was necessary. Deceased, the witness added, was gasping for breath as he left the house. He had previously been under operations because of an accident to the jaw. This had nothing to do with his last illness. - By the Foreman: The doctor told her that her husband was suffering from an obstruction of the windpipe and inflammation. - Joe Spiller, farm labourer, and a lodger with the family of the deceased, deposed to accompanying the latter in the train to go to the Hospital. Deceased was "uneasy in his breathing," and got worse a few minutes before reaching St Thomas's Station, when he suddenly dropped into witness's arms without a word and died. Deceased had spoken to witness several times on the journey. - Mr Mark Farrant, of St Thomas, Exeter, spoke to seeing the body at St Thomas's Station. Life was extinct. He had since made a post mortem examination. He found the organs were very much congested, and that deceased had an obstruction of the windpipe caused by swelling. - The Coroner: Do you think the course of action suggested by Dr Fenwick was the best which could have been adopted? - Mr Farrant: It was the only chance the man had. If he could have been taken to the Hospital and his windpipe opened he would have probably been alive now. - If anyone could have performed tracheotomy there (at Ashton), it would probably have saved him? - Yes. - Bu the doctor was some way from his surgery? - Yes, and might not have had the particular apparatus required. - And you think, therefore, it was the wiser course to send him where it could be properly done? - Yes. - There is nothing to show the actual cause of the swelling? - No, it might be caused by a man swallowing a wasp and sometimes you get that sort of thing in acute kidney trouble. But there was nothing of that sort. - You are quite sure the causes were natural and that it was not due to anything in any way improper? - Yes. - By the Foreman: I suppose Dr Fenwick could not have anticipated so sudden a result? - No. - The Coroner: I suppose the doctor naturally expected the swelling would yield to the poulticing; but, finding in the evening that deceased was worse, thought it best to send him to the Hospital. - Mr Farrant: I have looked up the records. It is a most extraordinary case in every way. - The Coroner: It was not diphtheria? - Mr Farrant: No, although the fact that it is prevalent at Christow might give rise to this question. Diphtheria does not take an adult man in that way. - The Coroner said that, as the deceased had appeared very ill, he could quite understand the wife's objections to his removal. But he hoped she would realise that it was with the best intentions, as if the man had held out another half hour his life would probably have been saved. Everybody seemed to have done what they could and he hoped there would be no idea that there had been any oversight or neglect. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Death from Natural Causes."

SIDMOUTH - Frightened By Lightning. Sudden Death At Sidmouth. - Yesterday Mr C. E. Cox, Coroner, held an Inquest at the Cottage Hospital, Sidmouth, on the body of ARTHUR FOSTER, aged 20, who died suddenly on Wednesday evening. - The Rev. Norbert Jones, of the convent of the Assumption, said he had known the deceased for about four years. He was an orphan, and had been an inmate of the Catholic Working Lads' Home at Southwark. He had applied to join the Navy, but did not pass owing to a weak heart. He was of a timid nature. - Mr James Skinner, Farmer, said deceased had been in his employ for about two years. He had never heard deceased complain of anything. - Henry Gigg, gamekeeper to Col. J. E. H. Balfour, said deceased had lodged with him for two years. On Wednesday evening he came home as usual to tea about seven o'clock. While in the midst of it a gentleman named Mr Morris called at his house, and asked deceased to take a note for him to a gentleman living at Sidmouth. This deceased did. It was lightning and deceased was afraid of it. He returned at 7.45 and sat down to finish his tea and fell with his head on the table. When lifted up he was quite dead. - Dr Kitson, assistant to Mr B. G. Pullin, deposed that he had made a post-mortem examination of the body and found that death was due to shock and congenital malformation and fatty degeneration of the heart. A verdict was returned in accordance with the medical evidence.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Tuesday 22 October 1907
EXMOUTH - Boy's Sad Death At Exmouth. Drowned While At Play. - Mr C. E. Cox, District Coroner, held an Inquest at the Town Hall, Exmouth, yesterday, respecting the death of ERNEST RICHARD JOHN BARRETT, the seven-year-old son of a bootmaker, living at Lower Margaret-street and whose body was found close to the jetty on Saturday evening. - The mother gave evidence of identification and stated that she last saw deceased alive at about half-past 5 in the evening. He was then standing at the door, but he subsequently went away to play with some other children. Witness had never known him go to the jetty to play, but he was accustomed to going out on the Green with other children. RICHARD NICHOLAS BARRETT, father, said that when deceased went out of the house he appeared to be very happy. Witness had never known deceased to go to the jetty. - Mary Elizabeth Jones, dairymaid at Nutwell Court, Lympstone, said she was walking from Lympstone to Exmouth about a quarter to 7 on Saturday evening in company with Mary Butlin. As they were passing the jetty, witness heard a noise which she attributed to children at play. On going back, however, she heard a child groaning and then came across the body of the deceased, which was lying on the beach a little distance from the jetty and about 12 feet from the water's edge. At first she thought that the body had been washed up by the tide. On hearing groans again she sent her friend to Manchester House for assistance, while she remained with the body. Within three minutes, Captain Davey arrived and the body was taken to Manchester House. - Captain Davey, a retired master mariner, living at 17 St Andrew's-road, said that on hearing the body of a child had been found near the jetty he at once went to the spot and was convinced that life was not extinct when he arrived. The body was lying about 15 yards from the east side of the jetty and was about 10 feet from the water-mark. He at once sent for a doctor and the child was removed to Manchester House. He there stripped the deceased and for upwards of an hour all possible means to restore animation were tried, but without success. - A neighbour, named Eliza Carter, said her boy, aged four years, was in the habit of playing with the deceased. About 7 o'clock on Saturday evening he came in, and witness bathed him. While she was doing this she heard that the deceased had been picked up drowned, whereupon she questioned her boy and asked him if he knew anything about it. - He replied that they were on the steps of the jetty trying to pull in a boat, when the tide took the boat back and the deceased fell down the steps into the water, knocking his head as he fell. The tide washed deceased against the wall several times. - Dr Hanna deposed to being called about 7 o'clock to see the deceased, but the latter was, apparently dead when he arrived. Hot water and blankets were requisitioned to endeavour to restore animation, but their efforts, which lasted upwards of an hour, were unavailing. Death was due to asphyxia from drowning. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death," and joined with the Coroner in sympathising with MR and MRS BARRETT.

EXETER HEAVITREE - The District Coroner, Mr H. W. Gould, held an Inquest at the Heavitree council Rooms, yesterday afternoon, on the body of the male child of ALBERT SANDLE, of 1 Sivell-place, Heavitree. It appeared that the child, soon after birth, was put by Nurse Bennett in bed with its mother. Twelve hours afterwards she went to see how it was and was surprised to find that the body was discoloured. A doctor was sent for, but in the meantime the child died. Dr Wolfe expressed the opinion that the deceased should not have been placed in bed with its mother. The Jury returned a verdict of "Death from Natural Causes" and added a rider that the midwife should be more careful in future.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Wednesday 23 October 1907
EXETER HEAVITREE - The Heavitree Sensation. An Infant's Death. Resumed Inquest. - At the Heavitree Council Offices, yesterday, Mr F. Thomas, the Deputy Coroner for the District, resumed the Inquest on the infant female child of ALICE MANFIELD, a cook, engaged at Thrushelton, Polsloe-road, Heavitree. - Mr W. A. Parkhouse, solicitor, Exeter, appeared on behalf of the mother. Supt. Jesse, Deputy Chief Constable, was also present. - The body was found in a lavatory at Thrushelton on September 19th by the housemaid. The Inquest opened on September 21st, was adjourned in order that the presence of the mother, who was ill, could be secured. The housemaid said she had been employed at Thrushelton about six months. ALICE MANFIELD had been there as cook five months. they slept, in separate beds, in the same bedroom. She had no knowledge of MANFIELD'S condition. On Wednesday, September 18th, they went to the Exeter Carnival, returned about ten o'clock and retired to bed about half-past ten. About a quarter of an hour later MANFIELD became ill and stated that she was in pain. Witness fetched some hot gin and water and persuaded her to drink it. Shortly afterwards witness saw that MANFIELD was out of bed and heard a noise. By way of a joke witness remarked that "she had never heard anything more like a baby crying." A few minutes later MANFIELD, on leaving the room, remarked, "'Tis a kid." Witness thought this was a joking retort on MANFIELD'S part, although the crying noise was repeated. Witness attached little importance to the remark and went off to sleep. MANFIELD returned about ten minutes later and observed, "I can't get it down." Witness replied, "The baby," and added that she had put "it"! in the lavatory in the garden. Even then witness could hardly realise what had happened; the light was put out and both went to bed. When witness got up at 6.30 the next morning, she asked MANFIELD how she was, and she said, "All right, thank you." Witness went downstairs and commenced her ordinary work. Just before seven o'clock she went to the lavatory, where she saw what appeared to be some fair hair and a baby's hand. Witness told MANFIELD what she had seen. The latter said, "The hand wasn't there last night." About 7.30 both went to the lavatory and MANFIELD tried to get up what was there. After an unsuccessful attempt to do so she asked witness to try, but witness said she could not touch it. MANFIELD then made another attempt, and, in doing so, pulled off an arm. She was unable to dislodge the body, and said she would return and try to do so when she had more time. Both then returned to the house. MANFIELD put the arm in the kitchen fire and went about her work as usual. The next morning witness went to the lavatory and saw that the body was still there. On Friday afternoon witness met her mother in Exeter and told her what had occurred and she conveyed the facts to the household. - The witness, replying to Supt. Jesse, admitted that MANFIELD, on the night of September 18th, asked her "not to tell anybody." MANFIELD wrapped the arm in brown paper before putting it in the fire. - The last witness's mother, who was present when MANFIELD was medically examined, said the latter admitted that the body found in the lavatory was that of her child, but she added that at the time she was so frightened that she did not know what she was doing. - Mr Miller, Surgeon, Exeter, deposed to attending at Thrushelton about 5.30 p.m. on the Friday in answer to a written message. He saw MANFIELD in the breakfast room downstairs, dressed, looking very ill. She told him she had been confined on the previous Wednesday. Witness went to the lavatory and saw what appeared to be the head and left arm stump of a child. He was unable to remove it. this was subsequently done by the Police, in his presence. The body was that of a fully-developed, but small, female child, and was minus the left forearm. The body was taken charge of by the Police. In the presence of the last witness he examined the girl and found she had been recently confined. The next morning she was removed to the Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital. He found, on making a post-mortem examination of the body, that there were no external bruises and no marks except such as he should expect to find. The lungs had been fully inflated and the remaining portions of the body were in a healthy condition. Judging by the lungs, the child must have been born alive and taken several breaths. He thought, but could not say definitely, that the child had had a separate existence. There were no external marks which would account for the death, which was due to exposure and want of attention at birth. - Cross-examined by Supt. Jesse: The state of the lungs went to show that the child might have lived a few minutes. He could not say whether the child was alive or dead when put in the lavatory. The condition of the lungs was not incompatible with an existence of 15 or 20 minutes, or of three or four minutes. - Cross-examined by Mr Parkhouse: There was no sign of suffocation. - By Supt. Jesse: The arm had been pulled from the body. Little exertion would be required. - The Coroner, in summing up, quoted from a text book to the effect that the fact that the lungs of a child having floated in water (as Mr Miller had stated portions of the deceased child's lungs had done) was not an infallible test that it was fully born alive. What the Jury had to decide was whether the child had a separate existence and circulation. The child might have died through its inherent weakness, without any criminal act on the mother's part. The mere fact of the mother in her own, no doubt, exhausted state, not taking precautions to preserve the life of the child, nor the fact that death was caused by insufficient attention, could not warrant the Jury in returning a verdict of manslaughter. Before they could do that they must satisfy themselves that the mother had been guilty of wilful negligence to the child after the latter had been born. - The Jury returned a verdict to the effect that there was no evidence to show that the child had had a separate existence; also that it died from inattention at birth. - After the Inquest MANFIELD was arrested by Sergeant Mortimer on a warrant charging her with the manslaughter of the child on September 18. Later in the day, at the Devon Constabulary, accused was brought before Colonel Blake. Mr J. W. Orchard appeared on behalf of the Public Prosecutor and Mr W. A. Parkhouse for the accused. - MANFIELD was remanded until tomorrow. Bail was allowed in £10 and one surety in £20.

SOUTH MOLTON - Inquests At Southmolton. Mail Cart Driver And A Postman. A Busy Place For Gossip. - The District coroner, Mr G. W. F. Brown, held Inquests at the Town Hall, Southmolton, yesterday, on the bodies of two men in the employ of the Post-office, namely, VIVIAN LOCK, aged about 26 years, the driver of the mail cart between Northmolton and Southmolton, whose body was found in a disused lime pit near South Aller, on Sunday afternoon and SAMUEL EVANS, a postman, aged about 51 years, who died suddenly at the house of his sister-in-law the previous Sunday. The Inquest on the body of the man LOCK was taken first. - The Coroner, addressing the Jury, said he understood there had been some talk and various suggestions made in regard to the case. Southmolton was described as a busy place for gossip. they must not rely on everything they heard in the street, but consider the evidence which would be put before them. - ADA LOCK, the wife of deceased, gave evidence of identification. She said she had been married three years. She last saw her husband on the previous Wednesday, about half-past 1. He was in his usual health and did not seem depressed. When she came home about half-past 6 in the evening she found he had not returned to tea, as usual. Later on she went to look for him. He had never threatened to take his life. She and deceased had never had any quarrels, except that she used to "jaw" about his drinking. The previous evening she fetched him home from the Rose and Crown and he was the worse for liquor. She found fault with him, but he did not say much to her. On Wednesday witness told deceased that if he went out drinking she should not go to work, and he replied that if she did not go he should not. He earned 13s. 6d. per week, which he gave to her, but he also had tips. She had never heard deceased threaten to destroy himself. - Thomas Parker said he saw deceased going to his employer's horse-fields on the day he was missing. He said he was going after some horses. The fields were close to the limepits. Deceased did not seem strange. - Mrs Elizabeth Slee deposed to seeing deceased on the day of his disappearance. He had had a little to drink, but did not seem particularly disturbed. - Seth Rattenbury, the proprietor of the Rose and Crown Inn, said deceased had a pint of ale at his house on the Tuesday night. MRS LOCK came to fetch him. He was sober and there was no disturbance. - Mrs Jane White stated that some time ago, when a body was taken from the lime-pits, deceased remarked in a jocular way that he would be the next to be taken out. - John Ford, deceased's employer, said a glass of beer would upset deceased, who was of a very excitable temperament and weak-headed. - William Bradford deposed to finding on the previous Sunday deceased's cap floating on the water in the lime-pit. He took the cap to the Police authorities. - P.S. Newberry said that on Sunday last the lime-pit was dragged for four hours, and eventually the body was found by a Constable. There was nothing on the body to throw any light on the affair. - Dr Wigham said death was due to drowning. There were no marks of violence on the body. - The Coroner said there was absolutely no reason to suppose that deceased's family affairs had driven him to commit the act, and rumours to that effect were dispelled. there was not sufficient evidence to show that deceased took his life, nor was there evidence to show that he was accidentally drowned. - A verdict of "Found Drowned" was returned by the Jury, who considered no blame could be attached to the wife. Following this, the same Jury sat on the Inquiry into the death of SAMUEL EVANS. - ELLEN EVANS, widow, identified the body. - Mrs Mary Johnson gave evidence as to deceased visiting her house and seeming in his usual health. After falling down he did not speak or move. - Dr Wigham said the cause of death was apoplexy. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Death from Natural Causes."

PAIGNTON - Sudden Death Of A Paignton Boatman. - Yesterday, Mr S. Hacker, Coroner, held an Inquest at the Police Court, touching the death of JOHN WHITEWAY, aged 26, a Paignton boatman, who died suddenly on Sunday evening. The deceased was the son of MR JOHN WHITEWAY of Cliff Cottage and was well-known in Paignton. JOHN WHITEWAY, coachman, the father, stated that deceased had a hearty supper on Sunday evening and retired to bed apparently in the best of health. About 11 o'clock witness and his wife heard groans and, going to deceased's room, found him dead. His son had always been strong and healthy. Dr Newling, who made a post-mortem examination, said that some of the organs were very much enlarged. The inference to be drawn was that this was owing to some affection of the heart, but the organ was not in any way diseased, though somewhat large and dilated. It was curious that these facts did not give rise to symptoms during his life. His opinion was that the heart must have been at fault, and that deceased died of syncope. Replying to the Foreman of the Jury (Mr W. Drew), the doctor said the enlarged condition of the organs might possibly be due to the constant rowing deceased engaged in. The Jury returned a verdict of "Natural Causes."

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Friday 25 October 1907
BRANSCOMBE - Fatal Accident At Branscombe. - THOMAS ABBOT, a young married man, of Branscombe, was working with his father, HENRY ABBOTT, felling trees at Yuncombe Copse, near Elverway Farm, Branscombe, when he was struck from an ashen pollard tree, about ten feet from the ground and fell on his head. The skull was fractured, and he immediately expired. - The father, who was the only one present, sought assistance at Elverway Farm and at the Three Horse Shoes. The body was taken back to the village on a cart about two o'clock. Deceased was highly respected and great sympathy is felt for the widow, parents and the numerous relatives. - The Inquest was held at the Chapel Schoolroom. The Foreman of the Jury was Mr G. Pike. The verdict returned was "Accidental Death". The fees were given to the widow.

LYNTON - The Sudden Death At Lynton. - An Inquest was held yesterday afternoon at the Foresters' Hall, Lynton, on the body of MR W. J. ROBINS, of St. Sidwell's, Exeter, who died suddenly at Lynton Station. Dr Atkinson stated that deceased had suffered from fatty degeneration of the heart, and the exertion of hurriedly climbing the hill was too much for him, resulting in heart failure. The Jury returned a verdict in accordance with the medical evidence, and handed their fees to the Lynton Nurse Fund.

COMBE MARTIN - Combe Martin Child's Sad Death. - An Inquest has been held in the Volunteer Recreation Room, Combe Martin, by the District Coroner, Mr G. W. F. Brown, on the body of GILBERT THOMAS BAKER, aged about 16 months, who was drowned on Saturday morning. - JAMES BAKER, father of the child, stated that he last saw it alive on Saturday morning at about ten o'clock, when he had occasion to carry it up from his workshop to the house, where its mother was attending to her accustomed household duties. A stream ran past the bottom of his garden. There was a door opening from the garden. He believed that the door was opened thoughtlessly and not properly fastened again, and that, although his wife was in the garden, the child must by some means have managed to get through the entrance into the pathway below and then fallen into the stream. - The child's mother stated that the boy was in the garden all right while she was hanging out clothes. He then went down to some kidney beans, and round to the fowls'-house close by. She had no idea that the gate had been left only partially closed, as she had always taken every precaution, knowing the danger that attended its being left open. - Martha Norman deposed that she was in the bowling green and saw something strange near the "dipping place" there. She called to Sydney Somerville, who was in the churchyard close by. He at once came and jumped into the stream after the child. They took it into her cottage and laid it upon a table. Dr Manning was at once sent for and he did all he could for the child. - Dr Manning stated that on his arrival life was, apparently extinct. Artificial respiration was applied, but without avail. There were a few bruises about the body and head, caused probably by having come in contact with the stones and the bridges. There was a very swift current running. - A verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned, and a unanimous expression of sympathy passed with the parents of the child in their sad bereavement.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Monday 28 October 1907
SIDMOUTH - An Inquest was held on Saturday, at the Victoria Cottage Hospital, Sidmouth, by Mr C. E. Cox, Coroner, on the body of ELIZABETH RATLEY, aged 68 years, an itinerant, who died suddenly at the Ship Inn, early on Friday morning, under circumstances reported in the "Gazette" on Saturday. Dr Ralton gave evidence to the effect that death was due to apoplexy and the Jury returned a verdict accordingly. The husband of the deceased thanked the Police for the kind manner in which they had acted in the case.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Tuesday 29 October 1907
EXMOUTH - Exmouth Lady's Death. - Yesterday at the Exmouth Cottage Hospital, Mr C. E. Cox, Coroner for the Honiton district, conducted an Inquiry into the death of MISS KATE SILVESTER SETTEN, 50, of No. 12 Waverley-road, Exmouth, who was the victim of a burning accident on Friday. - The evidence went to show that the deceased, who lives alone, was seen in the garden at midday on Friday by a neighbour, Mrs Williams, with her clothes in flames. Mrs Williams, with commendable promptitude, scrambled over a wall, went to the burning woman, and beat the flames out with her hands. With the assistance of Mrs Gilder, another neighbour, she undressed the deceased, who was taken indoors. Linseed oil bandages, prepared by Mrs Williams were applied, and a doctor was sent for. Dr Beesley of Exmouth, promptly arrived and accompanied the deceased in a cab to the Hospital. MISS SETTEN died at 12.25 a.m. on Saturday, death being caused by shock. It was stated that the deceased was wearing a Paisley dressing gown, lined with red flannel, at the time of the accident, and as a small oil-stove was found on the ground at the back of the house, it was surmised that her clothes caught fire while removing it. - The Jury, who concurred with the Coroner's expression of appreciation of the great presence of mind shown by Mrs Williams and of the assistance rendered by others, returned a verdict of "Accidental Death" and gave their fees to the Hospital funds.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Thursday 31 October 1907
EXETER - Inquest At the Exeter Hospital. - Yesterday afternoon Mr W. Linford Brown, Coroner, conducted an Inquest, at the Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital, on the body of ELIZA MORRISH, aged 18, domestic servant, who died in the Hospital on Monday. HENRY MORRISH, formerly a gardener of Alphington, identified the body as that of his daughter. Mrs Maunder said deceased had resided with her since she was two years old. Deceased was unwell about three months ago, became an out-patient of the Hospital and subsequently an in-patient. Mr Hawkins, House Surgeon at the Hospital, said deceased suffered from swelling in the left knee joint. Hot fomentations appeared to make her better. On Monday, about 11 a.m., deceased seemed almost well, but at 12.15 she was taken worse and complained of pain in her chest. Deceased was given brandy but expired. Witness had made a post-mortem examination and, in his opinion, death was due to heart failure. The Jury returned a verdict of "Death from Natural Causes."

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Friday 1 November 1907
EXETER - The St. Thomas Tragedy. The Inquest. - Mr W. Linford Brown, Coroner, conducted an Inquest yesterday, at the Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital, Exeter, on the body of HARRY CORBETT, a gardener, of 42 Willey's-avenue, Alphington-road. St Thomas, Exeter, who was discovered lying between the rails of the main down line on the Great Western Railway a few yards from the Basin signal-box early on Wednesday morning in an unconscious condition and suffering from injuries to his head. Mr J. V. Thorne was chosen Foreman of the Jury. - MR H. J. CORBETT, residing at 7 Fairfield-road, Pond's End, Elmfield, Middlesex, identified the body as that of his brother, aged 41, whom he last saw about four years ago. - EVELYN MAUD CORBETT, daughter of deceased, said her mother had been ill for some time. Last Wednesday week she was taken worse. Frequently deceased attended to his wife's wants. Witness saw her father on Tuesday holding his head as if in pain. Since last Wednesday week witness had heard her father say he would go out of his mind. He troubled much about his wife's illness. About two o'clock last Wednesday morning deceased went to his wife, kissed her and got her a cup of tea. Witness missed her father in the morning and about 8.15 a.m. spoke to the Police. She had not yet told her mother of her father's death. - W. King, signalman, living at 8 Ebrington-road, St Thomas, and employed by the Great Western Railway Company, said that about 4.30 on Wednesday morning he was walking along the line to his signal cabin when he suddenly noticed what he thought to be a piece of paper blow against some wire, but on approaching nearer found it to be a piece of a shirt. Just by the side he discovered the body of deceased lying between the rails of the main down line a few yards from the Basin signal-box. Deceased, who was only wearing an inner vest and a shirt, was lying across the points in an unconscious condition, and suffering from injuries to his head. Witness at once telephoned to the St Thomas and St. David's Railway Stations, as the result of which Dr Farrant was soon upon the scene. An engine and coach, in charge of a man named Evans, also arrived shortly afterwards and the injured man was conveyed to St David's Station. On arrival he was taken on an ambulance to the Devon and Exeter Hospital. - Assistant-Inspector S. G. Stevens, employed on the Great Western Railway, stated that he had endeavoured to trace blood marks on the engines that were likely to have passed about the time of the accident, but without success. - Dr Robertson, Surgeon at the Hospital, stated that he attended CORBETT soon after his admission to the Hospital. He found him suffering from a fractured skull and a cut lip. The unfortunate fellow lingered until Wednesday afternoon, when he expired. In witness's opinion death was due to laceration of the brain, caused by a severe blow. - P.C. Hill stated that he had made inquiries and had found that deceased had always been a straightforward man, and borne a good character. He had of late suffered from depression. Witness had discovered a letter in deceased's overcoat, which read as follows:- "My whole mind is blank, leave all to my children, and is left in the hands of Mr Martin. There is about 30s. Co-operative Society and some money in the safe loose, belonging to me. Hope Mr Martin and family will look after my children for a poor, weak-minded man like myself. My head has been wrong for some years." - The Jury returned a verdict of "Temporary Insanity," and expressed sympathy with the relatives, in which the Coroner concurred.

DARTMOUTH - At the Guildhall the Coroner, Mr A. M. Davson, held an Inquiry relative to the death of SIDNEY BRUCE, the infant son of SIDNEY BURTON, a bandsman at the Britannia Royal Naval College. Dr Young stated that he had made a post mortem examination and had found the body well nourished. He attributed death to convulsions. The Jury returned a verdict in accordance with the medical evidence.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Saturday 2 November 1907
LYNTON - Inquest At Lynton. The Late MRS CROOK. - An Inquest was held at the Town Hall, Lynton, by Mr G. F. Browne, on the body of MRS ELENORA CROOK, who died after a short illness. - MR WILLIAM CROOK, postmaster, identified the body as that of his wife, who was in her 47th year. Three years ago she underwent a serious operation for cancer, a breast being removed. He could not say that she was at times addicted to drink, whether she took laudanum to alleviate pain, or whether she took whiskey on Sunday last. Spirit was, however, kept in the house. Dr Warren was called in on Monday, when the deceased was found in a state of collapse on the floor. His brother-in-law was also summoned. Witness remained with her the whole of Monday night. She was in a semi-conscious state. On Tuesday she seemed much better, and was quite intelligent and chatted in her usual way. Dr Warren called at 9 p.m., and left about 9.30, recommending witness to go to bed. He accompanied the doctor to the surgery for a pill, which the nurse administered. Five minutes later the latter asked him to fetch the doctor, and he rushed down, but when they returned she was dead. Two nurses were with her the whole of Tuesday. - P.C. Bibbings said he saw the deceased staggering about outside the Valley of Rocks Hotel about 7.25 on Sunday evening. She fell down and he went to pick her up, saying "You are drunk." This she denied. She seemed drowsy, as if from the effects of some drug, but was quite sensible and her speech was not out of the way. - Dr Warren said he was called to attend deceased at 2 p.m. on Monday and immediately sent for two nurses. On Tuesday night, at 9.30, she seemed wonderfully well, her speech being coherent and she was laughing and joking, and had taken food during the day. He told MR CROOK he might go to bed. He saw her at 10 p.m., and she was then dead. - By the Coroner: When he attended her first, on Monday, she was in a state of collapse, with symptoms suggesting laudanum. He restored animation and she was able to walk about the room, and rested on a settee all Tuesday. There were all the symptoms of laudanum poisoning. He with Dr Atkinson, held a post-mortem, and found the heart small and very fatty, the liver was very much enlarged, but there were no traces of laudanum in the stomach, which was practically empty. Death was due to heart failure. - Dr Atkinson agreed as to the cause of death. The fatty condition of the heart might have been due to alcoholism or otherwise, but he could not say. - By Mr Seldon, who appeared for the family: He was aware deceased underwent a serious operation three years ago, the whole of the left breast being removed, as also the whole of the pectoral muscle, causing great difficulty and pain in moving the arm. Deceased was highly strung and had a great dread of the recurrence of cancer. - The Coroner, in summing up, said deceased's health seemed to have been in a peculiar state, and she was, apparently, drowsy from the effects of some drug when Dr Warren first visited her. Everything possible seemed to have been done, and on Tuesday she was very much better. But on sitting up to take a pill she collapsed and died. The Jury returned a verdict of "Death from Natural Causes" and the Jury's fees were handed to the Nurse Fund. - The Jury expressed their sympathy with MR CROOK.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Tuesday 5 November 1907
EXMOUTH - A Fatal Cut. Exmouth Resident's Death. - The East Devon Coroner, Mr C. E. Cox, held an inquest at Woodlands, Exmouth, yesterday morning, on the body of MRS ALICE MARION GALE, 53, who died on Sunday morning as the result of having cut one of her fingers a few days previously. - MR E. D. GALE, husband of the deceased, stated that his wife was cutting up a hare in the kitchen on the morning of the 28th ult., when the knife slipped and cut one of the fingers of her left hand. The wound was dressed with vaseline and bound up. The same evening she complained of a cold and the next day was attended by Dr Thomas of Exmouth. Two days later the doctor saw the injury to the finger for the first time, and, as deceased's arm was much swollen, he gave directions for the application of various antidotes. Death, however, ensued on the 2nd inst. - MISS DOROTHY GALE said that she bound her mother's finger with a clean rag and dressed it with pure vaseline. - Nurse Moore deposed that she was called in to attend MRS GALE on October 30th. While Dr Thomas, of Exmouth, gave evidence to the effect that it was not until two days after the accident occurred that he casually saw deceased's finger was bound up in a rag. He told MRS GALE that she would have to get a nurse in the house, as the arm was very much inflamed. MRS GALE laughed at the idea. Death was the result of virulent poison having entered her system. - A verdict in accordance with the medical testimony was returned, and a vote of condolence was passed with MR GALE and the family.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Friday 8 November 1907
SHALDON - Mr G. F. Kellock held an Inquest at Shaldon on the body of MRS ROSSENDAHL, wife of a commercial traveller, of Langbank, Renfrewshire, who died suddenly while on a visit to the village. The medical evidence being to the effect that death was due to heart disease, a verdict of "Death from Natural Causes" was returned.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Saturday 9 November 1907
TOTNES - The Totnes Tragedy. The Inquest. - Yesterday, at the Inquest held at Totnes Guildhall by the Deputy Coroner, Mr G. F. Kellock, on CAROLINE MARIA HUXHAM, of High-street, Mr W. H. Stoneman was chosen Foreman of the Jury. - John Brimicombe, labourer, of Dartington, said that the deceased, his mother-in-law, was 58 years of age. She was able to support herself as a laundress and had all the necessaries of life. He described the finding of the body on Thursday in six inches of water in Malt Mill Brook. She was lying face downwards with her head on her right arm. - P.S. Bolt said the nose and mouth of the deceased were just under water and practically the whole of her right hand was eaten away, presumably by rats. She had been missing since the 3rd inst., and nothing was found on her or at her house to explain the occurrence. - Dr Johnson deposed that death was due to drowning. She had been dead several days. - P.C. Cooper said he saw the deceased going in the direction in which she was found. She was wearing slippers and it was a very wet morning. - The first witness was recalled and said the only thing he could imagine that preyed on her mind was having to leave the laundry. He was unaware of any suicidal tendency in the family. - The verdict was "Suicide while in a state of Temporary Insanity."

EXETER - Infant's Death At Exeter. - Mr W. Linford Brown, City Coroner, conducted an Inquiry at Exeter yesterday concerning the death of IVY ANN MORRIS, the six-months-old child of MRS ANNIE MORRIS of No. 1 Northernhay-street, Exeter, wife of a driver in the Royal Field Artillery. MRS MORRIS stated that the baby was quite well when she went to bed on Wednesday night. Between one and two o'clock it had some milk. When witness got up about 7.40 a.m. she thought the baby was asleep, but on touching her about ten minutes later found she was dead. The child had been constipated several days. Mr E. A. Brash, of Exeter, Surgeon, who was sent for to see the child by the mother, said he found it dead. On making a post mortem examination he discovered the intestines to be very much distended by wind. All the other organs were healthy. The child was well nourished and in good condition and appeared to have been well looked after. The cause of death was convulsions, due to flatulence. The constipation was most likely the cause of the flatulence. The Jury returned a verdict of "Death from Natural Causes."

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Tuesday 12 November 1907
UPLOWMAN - Uplowman Child's Shocking Death. - Mr H. W. Gould, Coroner for the District, conducted an Inquiry at Cott Farm, Uplowman, yesterday, respecting the death of DORA CLEEVE, the eighteen-months-old daughter of WILLIAM CLEEVE roads foreman, of that parish. - The evidence showed that about 8.20 a.m. on Friday last, while at play in the back kitchen of her parents' house, the deceased fell backwards into a pan of hot water. The child was taken from the pan by her six-years-old sister, AMY, and taken into the house. - Mr John Joule, Surgeon, said the deceased sustained extensive scalds on the back of the body and limbs. The child died on Saturday from shock, the result of scalding. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death."

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Friday 15 November 1907
BERRYNARBOR - Watermouth. - Mr G. W. F. Brown, North Devon County Coroner, has held an Inquest here on the body of a little three-year-old boy named LEON CHRISTIAN PIERRE FREDON, son of the head-gardener, a Frenchman, at Watermouth Castle, whose body was found in a pond near. The under-gardener, Mr H. Webb, stated that while passing the pond on the grounds he saw the body of deceased in the water. He immediately called the father and they took the body out and sent for Dr Manning, of Combe Martin. Artificial respiration was tried for some time, but it proved of no avail. An empty can was also found, which indicated that the boy had been to the pond to dip up water and had fallen in. The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidentally Drowned" and expressed sympathy with the parents.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Tuesday 19 November 1907
STOKE GABRIEL - An Inquest has been held at Stoke Gabriel to Inquire into the death of ELIZABETH MATTHEWS, who recently fell and fractured one of her legs. Dr Chapman stated that death was due to the shock of the accident, as the deceased was in her eightieth year. The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death."

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Wednesday 20 November 1907
HALBERTON - Halberton Farmer's Sad Death. Inquest And Verdict. - The District Coroner, Mr H. W. Gould, conducted an Inquest at Moorstone Barton, Halberton, yesterday, on the body of JOHN COZEN WERE, farmer of Moorstone Barton. - JOHN CLIFFORD WERE said deceased was his father, aged 53 years. On Saturday they went hunting. When between Halberton and Ash Thomas, on returning home, he heard a scuffle in the road - he was riding on in front of his father with a nephew of Mr Cottrell, farmer, of Kentisbeare. Mr Cottrell was with deceased - and on looking round he saw deceased lying in the road. He was unconscious and Mr Cottrell told him his father fell off the horse he was riding. The animal was about 14 h.h., and was perfectly quiet. Deceased, who enjoyed good health and was not subject to giddiness, died on Monday morning without having regained consciousness. The stirrup leathers deceased used were intact and the saddle was in its proper place. - Frederick Charles Cottrell said as he was riding two or three lengths behind deceased he saw him fall off. MR WERE was quite unconscious when he went to him. - Dr Alleyne, of Cullompton, said deceased was unconscious when he first saw him and never regained consciousness. He had a small cut at the back of the head as if he had fallen against a stone. There were no other injuries. He attributed death to concussion and shock. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death."

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Friday 22 November 1907
AXMINSTER - Mr C. E. Cox held an Inquest at the Police Court yesterday, touching the death of a labourer named HENRY GRIBBLE, who died suddenly on Monday. WILLIAM GRIBBLE, brother and Louisa Collier and Emily Fowler, sisters of the deceased, stated that they did not know the exact age of their brother, but they believed it to be about 55. They were aware that deceased suffered from fits. James Stuart, landlord of the Axminster Inn, said deceased had lodged at his house for just over twelve months. During that time deceased had had several fits, but he always asked to be left alone. Susan Stuart, wife of the last witness, said that on Sunday deceased had a fit, but he came round very quickly. On Monday morning witness was fetched to see the deceased, who was in a fit. During the day witness visited him on several occasions, and when she saw him at half-past eight in the evening he was dead. Dr Langran said death was due to syncope, following an epileptic fit. Deceased's heart was much larger than the average size. A verdict of Death from Natural Causes was returned.

EXETER - Sudden Death At Exeter. - Yesterday, at the Exeter Police Station, the City Coroner, Mr W. Linford Brown, conducted an Inquest on the body of MISS HARRIETT ELIZABETH WARE, aged 54, who died suddenly at 25 Belmont-road, Exeter, where she had been residing during the past three or four months. - WILLIAM FRANK WARE identified the body as that of his step-sister. Deceased had previously resided at Bath, where she had been treated at a Hospital. - Mrs Browne, with whom deceased lodged, stated that on Tuesday, about 10.30 p.m., she was in her bedroom when she heard a noise as if someone had fallen. She went into the deceased's room and there saw her lying on her back on the floor, apparently dead. With the assistance of another lodger named Westcott, she put deceased on a bed and sent for a doctor. - Mr J. Miller, Surgeon, said he had made a post mortem examination, and found that deceased's right lung was in a state of congestion, while in the left lung she was suffering from a chronic disease. Death, in witness's opinion, was due to heart failure and kidney disease. - The Jury returned a verdict in accordance with the medical evidence.

TIVERTON - Mr A. Fisher, Coroner, has held an Inquest on the body of WILLIAM HENRY WOODBURY, 29, a drover, of Melbourne-street, Tiverton, who was found drowned in the Mill Leat. The evidence of deceased's brother, FREDERICK WOODBURY, showed that the former had been in indifferent health recently and had complained of pains in his head. He was very strange on Tuesday, after which he was not seen alive. He had never threatened to take his life. Deceased was always worse after a bout of drinking. About three years ago deceased received a blow on the head with a bucket at the time he was serving in the Militia. He had complained of pains in his head off and on ever since. The Jury, of whom Mr Eli Venn was chosen Foreman, returned a verdict of "Suicide while Temporarily Insane."

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Saturday 23 November 1907
CREDITON - An Inquest was held at Western-road, Crediton, before Mr Gould, the Coroner for the District, on the body of MR WILLIAM FEY, a retired market gardener, who met with an accident last October. Mr S. Baker was chosen Foreman of the Jury. - The first witness was Mr William Harris, a baker, of Charlotte-street. He identified the body of the deceased as that of his uncle, who had resided in one house for 50 or 60 years, and was 89 years of age last birthday. He knew nothing of the accident, but saw deceased the day following. He told witness that he slipped in the orchard. - Edward Labbett, a tanner, said he was engaged in picking apples for the deceased on the 5th October. When it was time to leave work he descended a tree to put away the ladder. The deceased turned round to go indoors, when witness heard him call out. He was then on the ground. It was rather slippery. He said he thought he had broken his leg. Deceased used to walk with a stick. - Dr W. Scott-Campbell said he was called to attend the deceased on the 5th of last month about six p.m. He found deceased's leg fractured half-way between the knee and ankle. FEY appeared to go on favourably for some time, when he appeared to lose his appetite. Exhaustion and death followed. - The Jury returned a verdict in accordance with the medical testimony.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Tuesday 26 November 1907
BROADCLYST - Killed On The Railway. Rockbeare Labourer's Sad End. - The District Coroner, Mr H. W. Gould, conducted an inquest at Southbrook Farm, Broadclyst, yesterday, on the body of GEORGE COX, farm labourer, aged 52 years, of Rockbeare, who was killed on the London and South Western Railway on Saturday. - GEORGE JOHN COX, labourer, of Rockbeare, said that about 10 o'clock on Saturday morning he left home with his father, the deceased, to go to work at Churchill, Whimple. they had to cross the railway line. Witness went on in front of his father and started work. As deceased had not turned up about fifteen minutes afterwards witness walked back to the railway and found him dead on the embankment near the spot where he (the witness) had crossed. There were brains scattered about the line. Deceased was dead. - John Davey, ganger on the L. and S.W.R., said that on Saturday he received information from the driver of a motor train that a man had been knocked down. He proceeded to the spot and found deceased on the down side at the bottom of the embankment. - John Cann, engine-driver of Salisbury, said he was driver of the 8.13 a.m. express train from Salisbury to Exeter. The train passed the spot where deceased was killed about 10.11 a.m., being 12 minutes late. He saw nothing of deceased, but found blood on the engine when he arrived at Exeter. The train when passing Broadclyst was travelling about 60 miles an hour. - Mr Arthur Walker, Surgeon, of Broadclyst, said he examined the body and found that the whole of the face had been taken right away and that the right leg and thigh were fractured and lacerated. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death."

OTTERY ST MARY - Inquest At Ottery St Mary. A Curious Heart. - Mr C. E. Cox, Coroner for East Devon, held an inquiry at the Church Institute, Ottery St. Mary, yesterday, touching the death of MR HENRY TOTTERDELL (22), under circumstances reported in yesterday's "Gazette." Mr H. G. Luxton was chosen Foreman of the Jury. - MR H. TOTTERDELL, father of deceased, gave evidence of identification, and stated that his son had seemed in normal health. He last saw him alive on Saturday at 2 p.m., when he appeared quite well. - MR ALBERT TOTTERDELL, deceased's brother, gave corroborative evidence. - It was stated by Mr C. Martin, a friend of TOTTERDELL'S that he had been taken ill on the night of Budleigh Salterton carnival, but stimulants had revived him. He had known him all his life. - Mr G. Whitcombe, mason, deposed he saw deceased on the football field on Saturday, and was standing near him when he fell. He expired immediately. Medical help was summoned and TOTTERDELL was afterwards taken to his home. - Mr Leslie Fielding stated that he had some months ago attended deceased and had then cautioned him against exciting himself and smoking. He had made a post mortem examination, which revealed the fact that a valve of deceased's heart had never been closed from birth and death resulted from failure of the heart's action. - A verdict in accordance with the medical evidence was returned.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Wednesday 27 November 1907
EXETER - Yesterday, at the Exeter Police Station, Mr W. Linford Brown, City Coroner, Inquired into the circumstances of the death of JOHN PIKE SUTTON, 6 Verney-place, Exeter, who died suddenly on Sunday night. - William Henry Burrows, 26 Pinhoe-road, gave evidence of identification and said that deceased, who was 71 years of age, was a carpenter. - The widow of deceased said that during the last two months deceased had complained of feeling unwell. On Sunday night, about 10 o'clock, deceased went to bed complaining of a difficulty in breathing. He became worse when he lay down. Witness gave him some brandy, which he had difficulty in swallowing. Her husband expired about 11 o'clock. Deceased had not had a doctor for years, he having a great objection to seeing one. - Mr J. Bradford, Surgeon, said that when he was called on Sunday night to see deceased witness found him dead. He had since made a post mortem examination and attributed death to disease of the heart. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Death from Natural Causes" and expressed sympathy with the relatives, a sentiment in which the Coroner concurred.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Tuesday 3 December 1907
LYMPSTONE - Warning To Mothers. Lympstone Child's Death. - Mr C. E. Cox, Coroner for the district, held an Inquest yesterday, touching the death of the nine-weeks-old son of ALBERT LANG, of 3 Harefield Cottages, Lympstone, who died the previous day. - The mother stated that she was nursing the child in front of the fire, when he coughed and seemed very ill. Witness called to her husband, who proceeded for the doctor. While he was away the child seemed a little better, but then had a second attack and expired before the doctor's arrival. Deceased had been a healthy child from birth and not suffered from convulsions. He was fed with a bottle, being given raw milk diluted with water. Witness also gave the child a biscuit every morning and evening. - Dr Fitzsimmons stated that death was due to suffocation. It was a serious thing to give a child so young as deceased anything solid In his opinion, deceased suffered from indigestion, caused by eating biscuits containing starch. He hoped this would be a warning to mothers. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Death from Suffocation," and expressed sympathy with the relatives.

TORQUAY - Fatal Trap Accident At Torquay. - At Upton Parish Rooms last evening, Mr Sidney Hacker, County Coroner, held an Inquiry respecting the death of JOSEPH PARISH, 78, gardener, of 12 Barewell-cottages, St Marychurch, who died at the Hospital yesterday morning as the result of being knocked down by a trap on Saturday evening. William Henry Tamlin stated that while returning from a football match with deceased, and passing through Westhill-road, which was very dark, a runaway horse, attached to a trap, belonging to Mr W. Bailey, came down suddenly upon them, and before PARISH could get out of the way he was knocked down and severely cut about the head. The trap capsized a few yards further on and the horse escaped. William Gilpin, yachtsman gave similar evidence. William Bailey, of No 1 Elstow-terrace, said he worked with his father, who was a cab proprietor. On commencing the descent of Westhill the pony began slipping on the greasy road. He alighted, and attempted to lead it, but was forced against the wall. He let go his hold and the animal went off at a gallop. He ran after it and at the bottom of the hill saw PARISH lying in the road. Lower down was the overturned trap and his father. The pony had jumped clean out of the harness and gone home. The doctor had said his father was to be told nothing of the accident for three weeks. Dr Laverick, House Surgeon at the Torbay Hospital, said death was due to concussion. At this stage the Coroner adjourned the Inquiry to December 23rd for the attendance of Mr Bailey.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Wednesday 4 December 1907
ASHBURTON - Yesterday afternoon Mr S. Hacker, District Coroner, held an Inquest at the Market Hall, Ashburton, on the body of the infant child of MR W. J. WARREN. Dr E. Wilcox said he was present at the birth. It was a perfectly healthy child and above average size. He saw it a week after its birth, when it was all right. He was called early on Monday, when he found the child dying. He had made a post mortem examination, and found the cause of death was defective assimilation. Had he been called nine or ten days previously something might have been done. After hearing the evidence of the mother, Nurse Lang and Inspector J. S. Jones, N.S.P.C.C., the Jury, of which Mr H. V. Foot was foreman, returned a verdict of "Natural Causes."

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Thursday 5 December 1907
EXMOUTH - The Exmouth Accident. - An Inquest was held at the Gas Company's Offices, Exmouth, yesterday morning, by Mr C. E. Cox, Coroner for the District, on the body of a woman named RENDLE, aged 77. Mr G. F. Perriam was chosen Foreman of the Jury. - The evidence showed that while a cart, belonging to Mr Foxwell, Lympstone, was being loaded with coke the horse got nervous at vapour rising from a barrow-load of coke as it was being driven near it. The animal turned its head and in doing so upset a weighing-machine. The noise, apparently, thoroughly frightened the horse, which galloped down the road towards the street. One wheel was held by a chain, but neither this nor the efforts of the driver, Oswald Pidsley, stopped the runaway. On entering Union-street, the animal collided with the end of the Builders' Arms and knocked down MRS RENDLE. A Mrs Pascoe and Mr Marden (superintendent of the Gasworks) who went to her assistance, found her to all appearances dead. - Dr Thomas was summoned, but pronounced life extinct. The deceased had a severe blow on the forehead, probably from the shaft of the cart and one at the back of the head. Death was attributed to shock, although the blow was sufficient to kill a person of deceased's age. - The Coroner said that it appeared to him necessary that a man should have been at the horse's head during the loading; otherwise every precaution had been taken to prevent a mishap. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death" and did not attach blame to any person.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Friday 6 December 1907
BIDEFORD - Bideford Boy's Death. Inquest And Verdict. - An Inquest was held at the Bideford Infirmary on the body of RONALD SHORT, aged 14, who met with his death under peculiar circumstances. Mr J. Prouse was Foreman of the Jury. - Abraham Clements, draper, of High-street, said the lad had been apprenticed to him for about four months. He arrived at work as usual, and about 11.30 he heard that SHORT had met with an accident. He found the lad unconscious at the bottom of the steps leading from the store to the yard. He telephoned for assistance and Dr Pearson, on arriving, ordered the lad's removal to the Hospital. There were ten stairs to the steps over which the lad fell. - Dr Pearson said he found the deceased had a wound two and a half inches long over the right eye. On making a post mortem examination he found a hole about the size of a threepenny piece in the orbit of the eye. The brain had been penetrated three inches further. Something sharp must have gone into the eye of the boy, and then into his brain. He could find nothing there, and, replying to the Jury, said it was quite possible for the boy to have pulled it out and thrown it away in a spasm. Undoubtedly, it caused his death. - Replying to the Foreman, Dr Pearson said he was with the lad for one and a half hours after the accident. Dr Gooding came into the Institution just before one o'clock, when it was agreed to have a consultation of the medical staff of the Institution at 3.30, and by 3.15 five of the doctors had arrived, but the lad just then passed away. At any rate, nothing could possibly have been done to save the lad's life. - Mr Clements said nothing could be found near the step[s which could have penetrated the lad's eye. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death" and expressed sympathy with the parents.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Tuesday 10 December 1907
BROADCLYST - Mr H. W. Gould, Coroner, held an Inquest at Burraton Cottage, Broadclyst, yesterday, relative to the death of SIDNEY WILLIS, aged 8, the eldest son of MR and MRS RICHARD WILLIS, of Higher Burraton, Broadclyst, the circumstances of whose death were reported in yesterday's "Gazette." - Evidence was given to the effect that the wood covering of a well was in a rotten condition and while the deceased was crossing it the covering broke, and he fell in. The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death," and, with the Coroner, expressed their sympathy with the relatives.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Thursday 12 December 1907
TORQUAY - Remarkable Death At Torquay. - Yesterday an Inquest was held by Mr Hacker, Coroner, at Torquay, on the body of HENRY S. SAGE, seven years of age, son of a Lower Union-lane fish dealer. The boy crushed his finger and mortification set in, necessitating the amputation of the first joint. He underwent the operation admirably and apparently recovered from the anaesthetic, then his breathing suddenly ceased and he died. - The medical evidence showed that the lad had a thymus gland. This gland is present in the newly born child, but shrinks and has usually disappeared at the age of three or four, after which its presence is extremely rare. In the deceased's case it lay over the windpipe and upper part of the heart. The fluid which it secretes at infancy is necessary to infant life, but in later years it acts as a poison to the centres of breathing and circulation of the blood. Death was due to this and the Jury returned a verdict accordingly.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Friday 13 December 1907
LYDFORD - Mr J. D. Prickman, County Coroner, held an Inquest at Rowe's Temperance Hotel, on the body of THOMAS REDDICLIFFE, a labourer, who died on the 30th ult., aged 29 years. The deceased met with an accident on the 21st August, 1906, while working at Messrs. Pethick's quarry, and had been an invalid practically ever since that time. Dr Brodrick, of Tavistock and Dr Forward, of Princetown, both gave evidence, the former having made a post mortem examination. The Jury found "That the cause of death was phthisis and debility, resulting from injury received while working at Messrs. Pethick's quarry on the 21st August 1906, and that the injury was caused by a blow received accidentally from a travelling crane.

SAMPFORD COURTENAY - Chulmleigh Labourer's Death. - Mr J. D. Prickman, County Coroner, held an Inquest at East Town Farm, Honeychurch, Sampford Courtenay, on the body of JOHN CARPENTER, whose body was found in a field near Honeychurch. Mr J. A. Tattershall was Foreman of the Jury. - MR C. S. CARPENTER, of Okehampton, said deceased was his brother. He had lived at Chulmleigh and was 65 years of age. He was married and had three children. Witness last saw him on the 22nd November, when he was at Okehampton. He had been accustomed to send him money frequently as he was in poor circumstances. - Thomas Cross, ex-P.S., of Sampford Courtenay, said he was out for a walk and on passing by East Town cottages (unoccupied) he found the deceased lying on the ground. There were no marks of a struggle, nor were there any marks on the body. He at once communicated with the Police Constable at Exbourne. He thought the body must have been there three or four days. - EMILY CARPENTER, of Chulmleigh, wife of deceased, but living apart from him, said she last saw her husband about two months ago. He only lived at Chulmleigh occasionally, he was accustomed to wander about the country a good deal. - Dr Cutcliffe, of Northtawton, said he had made a post mortem examination and considered death was due to exposure, accelerated by degenerate blood vessels. - The Jury returned a verdict accordingly.

BUCKFASTLEIGH - Mr S. Hacker held an Inquiry at the Town Hall concerning the death of WILLIAM HENRY NARRAMORE, aged sixty-five, woollen operative. The evidence showed that on Thursday he complained of being unwell and on Saturday evening he was taken ill in the Bridge Inn, directly after he entered the premises. He became unconscious and died within a few seconds. He had previously complained of pains in his chest when walking up hill. Mr E. S. Wood, Surgeon, said the deceased came to him about two weeks ago and he treated him for constipation and indigestion. He had made a post mortem examination and he found that the heart was small and flabby and on opening the right ventricle of the heart he found a clot of blood, which was the cause of death. The Jury returned a verdict of "Death from Natural Causes."

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Thursday 19 December 1907
SIDMOUTH - Mr C. E. Cox, Coroner, held an Inquest at the Victoria Cottage Hospital, Sidmouth, on the body of HENRY HAVELOCK TAYLOR, aged 11 weeks, son of MR ALFRED TAYLOR, mason. When MRS TAYLOR retired to bed on Monday evening the child was in good health. She awoke about five o'clock and found it dead. Dr Relton was summoned. Dr Relton attributed death to accidental suffocation. A verdict in accordance with the medical evidence was returned.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Friday 20 December 1907
UPLYME - MR H. SALTER, the senior member of the firm of Salter Bros., bakers, while delivering bread, was suddenly taken ill at the Bungalows, and expired immediately. Dr Spicer and the Police were sent for and the latter notified the Coroner. The Inquest was held yesterday. The deceased leaves a widow and three sons. Much sympathy is felt for the relatives.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Monday 23 December 1907
CREDITON - The Crediton Fatality. Inquest On The Deceased. - The Inquest on the body of MR THOMAS GALE, aged 36, master baker, of Crediton, who died as the result of an accident, was held by Mr H. W. Gould. Evidence of identification was given by MRS EMILY GALE, wife, who said that on Thursday night her husband left the house for the purpose of fetching some flour from hellion's Mills. He drove away in a pony and trap. - Mr J. Dicker, farmer, of Upton Hellions, deposed to finding the body of the deceased in the roadway between reedy Bridge and Lower Creedy early on Friday morning. There was a trap capsized close by and also a pony. He obtained assistance and the body was removed to Crediton. At the point where the accident occurred was a sharp curve in the road and on one side a dyke. - P.C. Hunt stated there were four sacks of flour in the road by the trap. The trap itself was badly damaged and it was apparent that one of the wheels had gone into the dyke which was about 18 inches deep. - Dr L. H. Moiser said when he examined the body at half-past nine, deceased had apparently been dead about six hours. There was a scar on the left cheek and the blow was probably sufficient to have caused concussion. In his opinion death was due to this cause. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death," and added a rider that the attention of the parish authorities should be called to the dangerous state of the road at the spot where the accident happened.

EXETER - An Inquest was held at the Guildhall, Exeter, on Saturday, by the City Coroner, Mr W. Linford Brown, on the body of FANNY LOCK, aged 53 years, who died in the Workhouse, having been removed there from 5 Church-street, St Thomas. The medical evidence was to the effect that there were bruises on the body and that the lungs were congested. Death was attributed to the woman's epileptiform condition, produced by alcoholism. The Jury returned a verdict of "Death from Natural Causes."

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Tuesday 24 December 1907
OKEHAMPTON - Okehampton Child's Death. Case Of Overcrowding. Six Persons Occupy One Bedroom. - Last evening an Inquest was held by Mr J. D. Prickman to determine the cause of death of the child of BEATRICE QUICK, 19 years of age, a single woman, living with her parents at Shobhill, Okehampton. Mr H. Rowe was Foreman of the Jury. - MARTHA QUICK, mother of BEATRICE QUICK, identified the child. The deceased was six days old. She last saw it alive on Sunday about midnight. When she went to the child yesterday morning, between five and six, it was dead, with its nightdress twisted round its head. The child was sleeping in a bed with its mother and another of her daughters, ETHEL, aged 16. In the same room were her husband and an adopted son, aged 15. There was only the bedroom and the living-room, with one window in each room in the house. On Sunday night seven persons in all stayed in the house. - Nurse Slee said she was present at the birth of the child, which was fully developed. She was called to the house by MARTHA QUICK after she had found the child dead. She thought it had been accidentally overlaid. - Dr G. V. Burd gave it as his opinion that the child died from suffocation through being accidentally overlaid by the mother. He found no marks of violence on the body. - The Jury returned a verdict in accordance with the medical testimony and added a rider asking the Coroner to call the attention of the local authorities to the unsanitary conditions under which the house was occupied. - Mr Prickman agreed with the rider and said it was a disgraceful condition of things. He strongly urged the parents of the mother of the child to alter their ways.

TORQUAY - Torquay Gardener's Death. - Yesterday, at Torquay, the County Coroner, Mr S. Hacker, resumed the Inquest on the body of JOSEPH PARISH, 72, gardener, of Westhill, who was killed in Westhill-road on the 30th November, by being knocked down by a runaway horse. - Mr W. Bailey, the owner of the horse and trap, attended and stated that when the pony collided with the wall he was thrown back in the trap and although he held the reins he could not control the animal. He knew nothing more until he found himself in bed at his home. - The Borough Surveyor, Mr H. A. Garrett, said the Westhill-road was an old parish road, little better than a country lane, but negotiations were in progress for widening and lighting it. - Inspector Pratt said at present the lighting was very bad. The road was more used than formerly. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death."

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Friday 27 December 1907
BARNSTAPLE - The Barnstaple Tragedy. The Inquest. - The Barnstaple Borough Coroner, Mr T. A. R. Bencraft, held an Inquest at the Barnstaple Infirmary, yesterday, on the body of WILLIAM DELEMORE, engine driver on the G.W.R., living at Taunton, who was found dead at the Barnstaple Station on Christmas morning, with his head practically severed from his body. The Company was represented by Mr C. H. Withy (Stationmaster), and Mr W. Phillips (Locomotive Superintendent, Bristol). - The widow, MRS ANNIE DELEMORE, said her husband was in his 41st year, and had five children. When he left Taunton he seemed in a very good spirit; his habits were very temperate, and he would not take anything on duty. She did not think he would raise his hand against himself. As a matter of fact, witness promised to meet her husband on his return to Taunton to arrange about his food, as he said he would probably have to work on with some shunting. - The Chief Engineer in the Locomotive Department at the Barnstaple Station, Mr Greenaway, said the deceased arrived at Barnstaple at 5.36 p.m., on Christmas Eve and he left him preparing his engine to take it back to Taunton. At 6.10 p.m. he saw the deceased going towards the platform. He reminded him of his train, which would leave at 6.30. Witness added that he did say, jocularly, to the deceased: "WILLIAM, no half pint mind; your train is due," being holiday time. He made no reply. Deceased was a steady, moderate man, but was inclined to get excitable about his work. - Alfred Parkey, porter, said the last train from Taunton, was shunted back to the siding (where the body was found) at 10.30 p.m. on Christmas Eve, and Wm. Wakeley, driver of the train, said the whistle was sounded. Deceased was a very steady, temperate man, a good all round fellow and a brilliant worker. - Miss Burrows, the bar attendant at the G.W.R. Station refreshment room, said the deceased had a pint of beer at about quarter past six, and stayed about three minutes. He went away perfectly sober. Witness had never seen him the worse for liquor. - Carriage examiner Fursdon said he found the deceased's body at the siding on Christmas morning, the head being practically severed from the body. He was lying on his stomach, across the line, his head pointing to the platform. His legs were crossed, and his arms akimbo. - Evidence was given by Mr Withy, Dr Cooper, the fireman working with the deceased and P.C. Manley, none of whom could offer any explanation as to the deceased's being on the line. - After retiring, the Jury returned a verdict of "Killed Accidentally by being run over by a train."

BOVEY TRACEY - An Inquest was conducted by Mr Sidney Hacker in St John's Schoolroom, on the body of WALTER HAYWOOD, aged 54 years, who died on the same day. Mr W. Robinson watched the proceedings on behalf of the Bovey Pottery Company. The evidence showed that deceased, who was a brick and tile maker, was on the 17th October digging clay in the marsh adjoining the main road to Newton Abbot. He was working with his brother, HARRY HAYWOOD. Large lumps of clay had to be cut before being removed. Deceased attempted to lift a large piece just as his brother was in the act of chopping it, with the result that the tool caught his thumb, severing it almost completely. The wound was attended to and Dr Agnew summoned. After a few days amputation was found to be necessary. Deceased then seemed to improve, but blood poisoning followed. A second operation was performed, but HAYWOOD died as a result of pyaemia. The Jury returned a verdict accordingly, and expressed sympathy with the widow. Mr W. Robinson, Managing Director of the Pottery Company, stated that, on behalf of the Company he wished to say how much they deplored the accident. Deceased was a man of the highest respectability and the Company wished to tender their sympathies with the widow and relatives. He had been in their employ all his life. - The funeral took place in the Baptist Chapel yard. The Rev. S. Lyne (Newton Abbot) officiated. The hymns, "For all the Saints" and "O God, our help in ages past" were sung, while the children of the Sunday School sang "Safe in the arms of Jesus." The chief mourners were MRS HAYWOOD (widow), Mr John Haywood, (Plymouth), brother; Mr Alban Haywood (brother), Mr Harry Haywood (brother), Mrs French (sister), Mr T. Pook (brother-in-law), Barnstaple, Mrs Harry Haywood, Mrs T. Pook (sisters-in-law), Mr and Mrs F. Clampitt (niece and nephew), Messrs. Osborne (2), cousins, Newton Abbot, Mr W. Robinson (managing director, Bovey Tracey Pottery Company), Mr W. Alford, fellow employees from the Pottery, members of the Oddfellows' Society, many representatives of the Baptist Chapel congregation, and a large number of townsmen.

SUTCOMBE - Sutcombe Quarryman's Death. A Fatal Explosion. - An Inquest was held at Paddon Farm, Sutcombe, by Mr G. W. Brown, Coroner for the Barnstaple District, on the body of JOHN BROMELL, quarryman, of Sutcombe, who was killed during blasting operations at Paddon Quarry on the 18th inst. Mr J. S. Martin, H.M. Inspector of Mines, of Bristol, was present and Supt. Coles watched the case on behalf of the Police. - The widow said her husband was 25 years of age. He did not work at the quarry regularly and had said nothing to her about any undischarged cartridges being left there. He was employed by the trustees of the estate of the late Mr Robert Fishleigh. - MARK BROMELL, a brother, said he was with deceased in the quarry on the 14th inst., and saw him place two cartridges of gelignite in a hole for blasting. He lit the fuse, but the cartridges did not explode. He then pulled up the fuse, leaving the cartridges in the hole. Witness had never known any cartridges misfire before. - Mr W. H. Fishleigh, the occupier of Paddon Farm, stated he was in the quarry with the deceased on Wednesday last. The latter told him he had inserted a charge which had failed to explode and asked witness if he thought he had better take it up. Witness replied that he thought it would be very dangerous and he then said he thought the cap must be damp. He first used a drill to take out the stemming, and then an iron scraper. While using the latter the cartridges exploded. At the time of the explosion, witness's brother, deceased's three-year-old son and witness were standing close by. After the explosion deceased was found lying face downward about twelve paces away. There had never been any rules fixed in the quarry. - Martin Fishleigh corroborated his brother's evidence. - Dr E. O. Kingdon deposed to examining the deceased and finding that the right fore arm was broken, there was an ugly wound on the left thigh, several small cuts about the body, and considerable injuries to the stomach. The cause of death was shock, due to the injuries sustained. - Sergt. Hulland, in his evidence, stated that there were no explosives on the deceased, but at his store-house there were several cartridges of gelignite, which he was registered to keep. His watch was smashed to atoms. - Inspector Martin mentioned that it should be known that all quarries over 20 ft. deep should have a copy of the Quarry Act posted up and owners neglecting to do so were liable to a heavy penalty. - The Jury, of whom Mr T. Penwarden was Foreman, returned a verdict of "Accidental Death," and gave their fees to the widow, for whom they expressed their deepest sympathy.

PARRACOMBE - A Parracombe Tragedy. - A sad fatality has occurred at Parracombe. GEORGINA BRAY, about two years of age and daughter of MR JOHN BRAY of Walnor Farm, by some means obtained a bottle containing some carbolic acid and drank the contents. - An antidote was almost immediately administered and medical assistance was telegraphed for, but, in spite of all, the child died on Tuesday morning. - At the Inquest a verdict of "Accidental Death through Poisoning" was returned. Mr G. W. F. Brown was the coroner and Mr H. Court was chosen Foreman of the Jury. - Much sympathy is felt for MR and MRS BRAY in their sad bereavement.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Saturday 28 December 1907
NEWTON ABBOT - The Chudleigh Scandal. Death Of An Infant. Inquest Yesterday. - Yesterday, Mr S. Hacker, Coroner, held an Inquest at Newton Abbot, touching the death of ADA MARIA LOUISA GARDNER, aged 18 months, the illegitimate child of NELLIE GARDNER, 16, of Riches-court, Chudleigh. Mr J. Coniam was chosen Foreman of the Jury. - HENRY GARDNER, farm labourer, father of the child's mother, stated that the baby did not thrive well from its birth. Milk was given it, but it kept weak. In the house, besides witness, were three daughters, two sons and two illegitimate children. Witness was only home Saturdays and Sundays as he was away at his work during the week. He noticed back in August that the child could not take its food. It was ultimately removed to the Workhouse by P.C. Rowlands. - Dr Henry Walters, of Chudleigh, deposed the child was brought to his surgery by the mother on June 10th. It was a mass of bed sores from the neck down to his hips. The child also suffered from rickets but it was fairly well nourished. Its clothes were filthy. On July 29 the child was taken to him again by a Hennock woman. She said it had been bitten by a rat. On one hand there were over 30 wounds. the child was then cleaner than on the previous occasion. On August 14th the mother brought him the child again. It then had an abscess on its hand, where the punctured wounds had been. The mother refused to let him lance it. There was no alarming or serious illness with the child. It still suffered from rickets and was fairly well nourished. He attributed the rickets to improper feeding. On November 3rd when he again saw the child it was very emaciated. Between August and November the child had wasted away terribly. Witness attributed the child's condition to improper feeding and neglect. He did not believe it was fed regularly and he was of opinion it was given not much at a time. By Mr Coniam: Witness did not think that the child had been bitten by a rat. - P.C. Rowlands stated that on November 3rd he went to the house occupied by HENRY GARDNER and his family. He saw the child, which was very emaciated, lying on a pillow placed on two chairs. The child was wet and dirty and the pillow was almost rotten. It was a cold room without a fire. The mother told him her child was fed on scald milk but that it could not keep anything down. He asked her if the doctor had seen the child lately and she replied, "Not since Dr Walters attended it for a rat bite." Witness told her that she was out all the previous night and he asked her who was looking after the child then, and she replied, "My two sisters." Witness informed her that the child was starved and that she was responsible. He directed her to light the fire, wash the child's things and give it food. Witness afterwards visited the house again with Dr Walters. A fire was then lighted and there was a bottle with some milk in it on the table, but the child had been placed in the perambulator and wrapped up in dirty things there. Witness subsequently obtained a Magistrate's order and removed the child to the Workhouse. Witness cautioned the mother in regard to the child. - Dr F. J. Luck, of Chudleigh, said the condition of the child was due to want of care and proper treatment. It was nothing but skin and bone. - Maria Kay, Superintendent Nurse at Newton Workhouse, stated that the child came under her care on November 4th and increased in strength and also in weight. It took its food all right up to two days before death. It then appeared to have got a cold, and sank. A few weeks ago the mother came to take the child away, but the doctor would not allow it to be removed, as it was not in a fit condition. - Dr J. J. Scrase, the Medical Officer at Newton Workhouse stated that death, in his opinion, was due to rickets, the child's strength being too low. Witness considered that the rickets were brought about by improper feeding and the fact that the child, while suffering from rickets, was kept in a dirty condition and wet clothes would contribute to its death. - NELLIE GARDNER, the mother of the child, who was called and cautioned by the Coroner, said she did not wish to give evidence. - The Coroner said, under the circumstances, he should not take her evidence, as she was in the position of an accused person, and she was not obliged to say anything to incriminate herself. - BESSIE GARDNER, sister of NELLIE GARDNER, and who is now in domestic service at Totnes, stated that her sister used to give the baby scald milk and boiled bread. Witness and her two sisters and the two babies slept together in one room. Her sister had only gone out and left the child on one night. - SIDNEY GARDNER, a brother, stated that he did not consider the child was well while he was living in the house. He told his sister so. He knew nothing about the health of the child, nor the condition in which it was kept, but he went to the constable about the child. - The Coroner, in reviewing the evidence, said the question for the Jury to consider was: Has this baby died in consequence of being neglected and treated in an improper manner? The mother, if so, was responsible in law. Poverty was not an excuse. The mother, if she was in need, could have applied to the Poor Law. - The Jury retired, and, after consultation, the Foreman said they had found a verdict that the child died in accordance with the evidence of Dr Scrase, but taking into consideration the young age of the mother, they did not consider that there was any criminal neglect. - The Coroner, at the request of the Jury, cautioned the mother.