Inquests Taken Into Suspicious Or Unexplained Deaths

For the County of Devon

1915-1916

Articles taken from North Devon Journal

Inquests

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

Provided by Lindsey Withers

[No's in brackets indicate the number of times that name occurs]

Names Included:  Adams; Addenbrooke; Alford; Ash; Axworthy; Badcock; Baglow; Barrett; Bater; Beardon; Berry; Birch; Bond; Bowden; Bowell; Branston; Braunton; Bridgman; Brown; Brownscombe; Buckingham; Butt; Challacombe; Clarke; Clements; Colwill; Copp; Cornish; Counter; Courteney; Crispin; Crook; Dalling; Dallyn; Dark; Davis; De Berry; Dell; Dowdle; Down(2); Downman; Easton; Evans; Fishwick; Frayne; Fulford; Gale; Gammon; Gill; Goss; Gould; Groves; Hambley; Hammond; Hancock; Harris; Harrison; Hawkens; Hearn; Hill; Hobbs; Hollyland; Houghton; Howard; Jones; Joslin; Keates; Letheren; Ley; Lister; Lloyd; Lobbett; Locke; Marshall; Mayhew; Metherell; Mock; Moore; Morgan; NanceKivell; Nethercott; Norrish; Nott; Parkhouse; Parkman; Parson; Pavey; Peatheyjohns; Pengelly; Pickard; Piper; Rank; Rice; Richards; Ridd(2); Russell; Shobbrook; Siers; Sing; Slade; Smale; Smallcorn; Smalldon; Smith; Sussex; Symonds; Treasure; Tucker; Turner(3); Underhill; Vanstone; Vickery; Webber; West; Wheaton; Wilkinson; Williams(2); Woollacott; Woolridge.

North Devon Journal, Thursday 14 January 1915
BARNSTAPLE - Fatal Accident At Barnstaple. Young Man Killed By Piece Of Falling Timber. The Method Of Unloading Timber. - The timber yard of Messrs. Bartlett, Bayliss, and Co., at Barnstaple, was the scene of a fatal accident on Monday afternoon. Three workmen employed by the firm were engaged in unloading fir poles from trucks in the yard siding, when one of them, WILLIAM JOHN GOULD, labourer, was struck by a falling pole. He was promptly picked up and conveyed to the North Devon Infirmary, but the injuries were of such a nature that death occurred within a minute or two of the accident. GOULD, who was 27 years of age, and unmarried, lived with his father, MR JOHN GOULD, timber waggon driver, at No. 16 Queen-street, and had been an esteemed employee at Messrs. Bartlett, Bayliss and Co's for over 12 years. He was accustomed to worship at the Salvation Army barracks and was a member of Court Taw Vale of the Ancient Order of Foresters. The deceased had a large circle of friends, who learnt of his untimely death with feelings of profound regret. - The sad affair was investigated by Mr T. A. R. Bencraft, Borough Coroner, and a Jury of which Mr Dan Moxham was Foreman, at the North Devon Infirmary on Tuesday evening. - The interests of Messrs. Bartlett, Bayliss and Co. were watched by Mr R. E. C. Balsdon. Mr A. F. Seldon was present on behalf of the General Accident insurance Company and others attending included Mr T. Heath (Stationmaster, Barnstaple Junction), Inspector Pring, Detective Trump and Mr F. Brindley (foreman at Messrs. Bartlett, Bayliss and Co's), Mr E. W. Bartlett, the managing director, being away on business, was unavoidably prevented from being present. - The Coroner at the outset made sympathetic reference to the sad affair. By means of a sketch he went on to explain how the fatality occurred, with special reference to the method employed in unloading the timber. It was for the Jury to consider whether it was an accident pure and simple, or whether anyone was to blame in the matter. He (the Coroner)was glad he had the assistance of Jurymen who understood these matters of loading and unloading trucks, and he had no doubt that they would come to a right decision in the matter. - Deceased's father having given evidence of identification, John Webber, wood turner, stated that deceased, Fredk. W. Luxton and himself, were unloading some large fir poles from two trucks in the yard of Messrs. Bartlett, Bayliss and Co., the previous afternoon. Before the stanchions at the sides of the truck were removed they first put in a prop or centre pole to keep the timbers from tumbling out. After the stanchions were taken out, they went to the other side and tried to knock out the prop from under the centre of the truck. They were unable to do so and GOULD (who was in charge of the job, having done a lot of this sort of work) then said, "Half a minute, I think I will go round to the front and knock it out." Deceased had several goes at the prop with a handspike and at last succeeded in knocking it out. From the other side, witness could not then exactly see what occurred. No doubt GOULD stepped back as soon as he could, but must have been caught by one of the poles which came down from the truck. Going to the front, witness found Mr Beer had gone to the assistance of GOULD, who was on the ground, between the truck and the fallen pole. - The Coroner: The pole must have rolled over him, i.e., if he had not moved? - Yes, sir. Witness saw that GOULD was badly injured and with others helped him into the office of the firm. Shortly after stretchers were procured from the L. and S.W. R. Station, on which deceased was removed to the Infirmary. Witness thought GOULD must have passed away whilst in the office. GOULD did not move and witness could not hear him breathe. He offered him some water, but he did not take it. GOULD did not speak at all and witness only heard him give one groan. He believed deceased had been twelve or fourteen years with the firm, and had had a lot of experience in unloading timber. - The Coroner: He ought to have known what to do? - Yes, sir. - As a matter of fact, when he suggested going around to the front of the truck to knock out the prop, you did not say "You must not," or anything of that sort? - No, sir. - In answer to the Foreman, witness said the stanchions could not be taken out before the prop was put against the timber to prevent it falling. - The Foreman suggested if the two centre stanchions were first removed and the end ones in turn, the unloading would be safer? - Witness dissented from this view, and in answer to the Coroner said there was a piece of wood on the ground to prevent the prop slipping back. - If you had knocked the prop out from the other side, as you originally intended it would not have mattered if one or two of the sticks had fallen out? - Not a bit. - Are you sure that after the stanchions were taken out the poles were held in position by the prop? - Yes. The pole that struck deceased was about 24ft. or 25ft. long, weighing about half a ton. - Is it customary to unload the poles in this way? - Yes. - The Foreman: Does it not require men to do this work who understand it? - Yes; and the man who met with the accident had done it scores of times. At the time the foreman of the yard was a short distance away working on another job. - Both the Foreman and other Jurors suggested the use of a travelling crane, both for loading and unloading the timber. - Witness replied that the present method had been adopted for years and he had never known any accident happen before. - A Juror here remarked that he had done the same work in the way described dozens of times, and had had some very narrow squeaks. - Fredk. W. Luxton, labourer, corroborated the evidence of the last witness as to the method employed in unloading the timber and as to how the accident occurred. - The Coroner: Did it strike you that it was a dangerous proceeding? - I did not say so. Witness did not see deceased fall, but the piece of timber must have rolled over him, as when witness got around, to find Mr Beer attending to deceased GOULD was lying between the fallen pole and the truck. Witness did not think there was much life in GOULD when they picked him up; he gave just a slight groan. Witness had helped to unload scores of poles and it was generally done in the way which had been described. - The Coroner: Do you consider that it was a dangerous thing for a man to knock away a prop in the front of the waggon, with the risk of the poles tumbling down? - Witness agreed that no doubt it was dangerous. He further said that they were bound to put the props up against the timber in order to get the iron stanchions out. They generally knocked them down and ran out of the way. - If it was dangerous, why not get a longer pole? - There was no room to do it where we had the prop. - By the Foreman: The prop, 7 or 8 ft. long, was put against the nearest pole that it would catch to keep it from moving. - If you tied a rope at the top of the prop, you could pull it away by these means? - I cannot say; I have never tried. It might be possible. - It would be more safe? - If we could get it out that way. - By other Jurors: There were ten fir poles in the trucks, but only one came down. - The Coroner thought it important to get at the bottom of the matter, as the practice referred to might be a very dangerous one. There had, perhaps, never been any accident in the past, but that might have been the result more of good luck than good management. - A Juror remarked that sometimes four or five pieces of timber came down when the prop was knocked away, which in certain circumstances made the work more dangerous. - Alfred Beer, labourer, deposed that when a few yards away, he saw GOULD strike the prop with a handspike and then fall, a pole coming down from the truck and passing over him. Witness thought that in striking the prop, GOULD over-balanced himself; one foot was underneath the pole as he lay on the ground. He believed GOULD expired on the way to the Infirmary. Witness had never helped in unloading timber, but the procedure described was the usual one. - The Foreman also suggested that if the timber were run down over the side of the truck on slanting pieces of wood greater protection would be afforded the men. - Witness was understood to express the opinion that this would not work. - Dr F. L. Thomas spoke to being at the Infirmary when GOULD was admitted and put into bed. He thought he saw one of the man's eyes move as he went towards the bed, but directly he got close up he saw he was dead. The nurse also thought she heard GOULD breathing, but witness fancied he was mistaken. Witness could not see any marks to account for death and by the direction of the Coroner, he had made a post mortem examination. He found that the right collar-bone was fractured, whilst the back bone was broken and there were also several internal injuries [these the witness described in detail] sufficient to account for death. Witness did not think GOULD could have lived over half a minute after the accident, having regard to the nature of the injuries. - The Coroner, summing up, said it was a very regrettable accident and all the more so because he could not see why it could not have been avoided. It seemed to him that the method adopted was entirely wrong; and if the prop had been knocked out from the back of the truck, as no doubt the deceased originally intended, all would have been well. Nothing would have then happened; as if the poles fell they would have hurt nobody. It seemed to him that GOULD made a great mistake by going around to knock out the prop from what he considered the wrong position. Mr Beer's suggestion was probably correct that deceased over-reached himself and fell, having probably thought he would have time to get out of the way. It was perfectly clear that men should not take the risk referred to, and that there were half-a-dozen other ways of unloading the timber. One better way of removing the props was, he thought, a rope attached to the top, and pulled at a safe distance. No doubt GOULD'S death was the result of an accident and if the Jury thought anyone to blame he hoped they would have no hesitation in saying so. It was important that these jobs should be done by men of experience and in a proper manner. Deceased had had considerable experience, and one would imagine that he should have known the proper way of doing the work. And that he did know was proved by the fact that, in charge of the job, he first went round to the back of the truck and tried to move the prop in the correct way. - The Foreman agreed that it was a pure accident, but thought more care should be taken in unloading timber. To knock a prop out from the front was indeed risking one's life; and there were several other ways in which the work could be done. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death". - Mr Balsdon said that on behalf of Messrs. Bartlett, Bayless and Co., deceased's employers, he desired to express deep sympathy with the father and other relatives in their bereavement.

North Devon Journal, Thursday 21 January 1915
SOUTH MOLTON - On Saturday Dr Pearson, of Bideford, Deputy Coroner, held an Inquest at the Guildhall, Southmolton, regarding the death of MR HERBERT RUSSELL, farmer's assistant, of South-street, Southmolton. Mr W. A. Madge was elected Foreman of the Jury. - MRS EMMA RUSSELL, widow, who was greatly affected and spoke with much difficulty, occupied a seat by the Coroner. She said she last saw her husband alive on Friday morning at half-past seven, he then being outside the house in a cart. He seemed all right. He had suffered badly from rheumatism. Witness did not see what happened while deceased was in the cart, but when she came out of the house he was dead. - William James Taylor, saddler, of Barnstaple-street, Southmolton, deposed that he was in South-street, on Friday morning, just as a detachment of the Devonshire Regiment was leaving the town. Witness was walking in front of the band. Near Mr G. Searle's blacksmith's shop he observed MR RUSSELL approaching driving a horse and butt. Deceased was standing up. Witness had played in a bad for 25 years, and his first thought was what deceased's horse would do in passing the band. As a matter of fact the animal went past very quietly. He (Mr Taylor) threw up his hand by way of bidding deceased good morning and MR RUSSELL nodded in response. The horse then turned its head towards the footpath and witness stood by in readiness to take it by the head if it became restive; but deceased had perfect control of the anima, and it went past the procession quietly. After saying "Good-bye" to some of the soldiers whom he knew, witness returned to South-street, and to his surprise saw MR RUSSELL lying in the bottom of the butt, apparently dead. - Mr Gilbert, a Juror: Did you notice anything unusual in MR RUSSELL? - In my opinion he was quite usual; he was standing up driving and had perfect control of the horse. - Mrs E. Huxtable, South-street, Southmolton, stated that when MR RUSSELL came up to his front door, MRS RUSSELL came to her (witness's) house and said that he was ill. She asked witness if she had a little brandy, but she had none. Witness went out and saw MR RUSSELL and observing that he was very ill, she fetched Dr Nicholl. This was about 9.30 a.m. - Dr Nicholl stated that he found deceased sitting up in the cart, supported by a Policeman. Witness made an examination at once, and in his pinion he was dying if not dead at the time. Witness could not hear the heart because of the crowd of people around. He had made a post-mortem examination. There were n external marks or wounds. The only organ diseased was the heart; the other organs were all right. The heart was very enlarged and weighed 31 ounces, about three times the ordinary weight. The valves were quite incompetent to perform their work. There was old pleurisy on the right side. In his opinion death was due to syncope. - Replying to a Juror, Dr Nicholl said he did not think the fact of deceased meeting the band had any effect; had he been startled in that way it would have affected him instantly. The deceased was liable to sudden death at any moment, even when he was talking. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Death from Natural Causes." On the proposition of Mr Daniel Bennett (a Juror) the Jury handed their fees to the widow.

North Devon Journal, Thursday 28 January 1915
BROADWOODWIDGER - Ashwater Farmer's Death. - At Lipson, Ashwater, on Thursday, Mr H. C. Brown, Coroner, held an Inquest on EMANUEL AXWORTHY, aged 46, farmer, of that place, whose body was found on Tuesday in Lower Moor Plantation, Broadwoodwidger. - WM. HENRY AXWORTHY said he last saw the deceased, his brother, alive on the 10th inst. He was in the habit of "wandering in his head," and was a little worse that day than usual. Deceased suffered from nerves, but he never heard him threaten to take his life. He had no particular trouble. - John Palmer, farmer, Langford, gave evidence of finding the body. There was a rope round the neck, and another piece of rope hanging to a branch of a tree just above, which could be reached by anyone standing on the hedge. - Dr E. O. Kingdon (Holsworthy) said death was due to strangulation. - A verdict of "Suicide whilst of Unsound Mind" was recorded.

North Devon Journal, Thursday 4 February 1915
ATHERINGTON - An Inquest was held at Traylane, Atherington, on Friday, by the Deputy Coroner for North Devon, Dr Ellis Pearson, of Bideford, relative to the death of MISS JANE SUSSEX, aged 78, who (as reported in our last issue) died on Tuesday night, after falling downstairs earlier in the evening. Mr Anthony Oatway was chosen Foreman of the Jury. - MR BERT SUSSEX, of High Bickington, identified the body. - Mrs Sarah Sloman stated that she heard a noise in the deceased's house on Tuesday evening at 7.30 and she called in a neighbour, who broke open the door. They found the deceased lying in an unconscious condition at the bottom of the stairs. Witness sent for Dr Good, of High Bickington, and assisted in getting the deceased into bed. She died at 10 p.m. without regaining consciousness. - Dr A. S. Good spoke to being called to the deceased at about 8 p.m. on Tuesday evening, and to finding her in a semi-conscious condition, suffering from the effects of falling downstairs. He was not present when she died. He had since made a post mortem examination and found the brain quite normal. The cause of death was rupture of the heart resulting from injuries sustained by the fall. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death". The funeral took place on Saturday in the Parish Churchyard, the Rev. W. W. Arthur officiating.

RACKENFORD - Rackenford Child's Death. - Mr G. H. Stevens, Deputy Corner, held an Inquest at Rackenford on Monday on BEN BUCKINGHAM, the infant son of MR and MRS WM. BUCKINGHAM, farmer, Higher Tidderson. The child died during the night of Thursday while in bed with its parents. - Dr A. H. Brown, Witheridge, attributed death to suffocation. The child might have possibly been sick and moved its head; such might have occurred had the child been in a separate cot. He referred to the dangerous practice of infants sleeping in the same bed as their parents. - The Deputy Coroner said although in this case it did not appear that the death was caused through the child's sleeping with its parents, yet he entirely agreed with the doctor that the practice was very dangerous and expressed the hope that if any other parents had been adopting such a plan they would in future provide a cot. - The Jury returned a verdict in accordance with the medical evidence.

ILFRACOMBE - Ilfracombe Burning Fatality. - Dr Elis Pearson held an Inquest at 77 Chambercombe-road, Ilfracombe, on Thursday afternoon, touching the death of MISS MARY LOUISE MORGAN, aged 54, who died on January 26th as the result of being badly burnt in her bedroom at 21 Chambercombe-road, Ilfracombe, where she resided with an invalid sister. - THOMAS MORGAN, brother of deceased, identified the body. He last saw her alive on December 30th, when she was in good health, with the exception of being a little run down through the constant nursing of her sister, who had been an invalid for three or four years. - Florence Mabel Rattenberry, a nurse, stated that on Tuesday morning last she went to attend the sister, as she usually did, about 9.30 a.m., and found the front door locked and she went round to the back door and got in. On going to the bedroom she found the door locked. Witness knocked at the door and asked for the door to be opened. The reply came that they could not open it. Witness then went for assistance, but at last the invalid sister got out of bed and opened the door. On going inside, witness found deceased near the gas stove, on the floor, in a most frightful condition, being very badly burnt. She only had the remains of a flannelette nightdress on. Deceased was conscious and asked for water. Witness sent immediately for medical assistance. Witness saw deceased on Monday evening, at 8.30, when she was quite all right. The gas fire was still burning. - The Coroner informed the Jury that he had obtained the following sworn evidence from deceased's invalid sister. About midnight deceased had undressed and was ready to get into bed, when she went to the gas stove, which was lit, in order to warm her hands. Deceased stooped down in front of the stove, and on getting up her nightdress caught on fire. Deceased then fell on the floor. Deceased's sister CAROLINE got out of bed and trampled out the burning nightdress, but could not do anything more, and got back to bed again, leaving deceased lying on the floor. She said deceased groaned all night. The Jury had already heard what happened at half past nine the next morning. The Coroner observed that it was very difficult to get any information out of the sister, but the evidence she had given agreed with the statement she had previously made to the nurse. - MR MORGAN said he should like to make one observation. His sister, CAROLINE, had stated that she managed to get out of bed once or twice during the night and gave deceased some water. That showed that the deceased was not left entirely to herself. The invalid sister did all she possibly could do. - Dr Percy Gardner stated that he saw the deceased lady on Tuesday morning. He could not exactly say what time it was, but it was before noon. He was out when the message came to his home. When he saw deceased she was in a state of extreme collapse, but she was partly conscious; she knew him and could just answer one or two questions. She was burnt more or less all over the body. The legs and most of the head and face had escaped injury. She gave him no account as to how it happened. He knew that she could not recover, as she was practically dying. The burns were of more than ordinary severity. In some places the skin was quite charred. He did all he could under the circumstances. Death was due to shock owing to the severity of the burns. - The Coroner, in summing up, said it seemed that the invalid sister did all she could to put the flames out, but unfortunately was not able to call assistance. It was another case which showed how dangerous flannelette was. - The Jury returned a verdict in accordance with the doctor's evidence.

North Devon Journal, Thursday 25 February 1915
ILFRACOMBE - MR WILLIAM HOLLYLAND, aged 80, of 47 Chambercombe-road, died suddenly in the early hours of Tuesday morning and yesterday an Inquest was conducted by Dr Pearson, Deputy Coroner for North Devon. MR CHARLES RAYMOND HOLLYLAND, son of the deceased, said his father had been indisposed since February 10th. On Monday night he went to bed feeling rather worse than usual, and the witness went to him at 1 a.m. and again at 2 a.m. Finding his father worse, he went for a doctor. When he returned his father was dead. - Dr Langridge said deceased suffered from fatty degeneration of the heart, syncope being the immediate cause of death. - A verdict of "Death from Natural Causes" was returned.

North Devon Journal, Thursday 4 March 1915
GREAT TORRINGTON - Dr Ellis Pearson, Deputy Coroner, held an Inquiry at the Town Hall, Torrington, on Monday, on WILLIAM GOODWIN VICKERY, aged 10 weeks, found dead in bed at 19 Mill-street, on Saturday morning. - ROSA ELLEN VICKERY, the mother, said the child was well on Thursday, but on Friday it appeared to have contracted a cold. She rubbed it well with camphorated oil. During Friday night it was very restless, but on Saturday morning seemed much better. She got up at 7.30 a.m. and left the child in bed. She returned to the room at about 8.30 and found the child was dead. She immediately sent for a doctor. The child was not insured. - Dr Watkins deposed to making a post mortem examination. There were no marks of violence. The internal organs were normal except the lungs, which showed signs of bronchial pneumonia; and this, in his opinion, was the cause of death. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Death from Natural Causes."

NORTHAM - Death From Burns At Appledore. - The Deputy Coroner, Dr Ellis Pearson, held an Inquest at Appledore, on Saturday, on GWENNA HOBBS, aged 4 years, daughter of CAPT. J. HOBBS, who met her death through accidental burns. - MRS HOBBS said she came downstairs and lit the fire, the two youngest children being with her. Deceased was in bed. She had received a postcard that morning from her husband and went next door to give Mr J. Harris a message from him, sending across Mrs Harris's daughter to see to the children. The girl at once returned, stating that the kitchen was full of smoke. Witness and Mrs Harris ran to the house and found deceased very seriously burnt, kneeling on a mat in the kitchen. Dr Rice and the District Nurse arrived within a few minutes. The case was hopeless from the first, and the child died three hours later. - Verdict, "Death from Shock, occasioned by Severe Burns."

BARNSTAPLE - Fatal Fall At Barnstaple. - The Borough Coroner, Mr T. A. R. Bencraft, conducted an Inquest on Tuesday evening on the body of JOHN HARVEY RICE, of 6 Mallett's-row, Barnstaple, who passed away on Sunday. Mr H. Perrin was chosen Foreman of the Jury. - The widow, MRS JANE RICE, gave evidence of identification. She said her husband was 70 years of age, and had suffered from paralysis of the nerves. He was formerly a traveller and had not done anything for two years. He was frequently under the care of Dr Thomas and was very feeble. On the 23rd of February, while attempting to descend the stairs, he slipped and fell downstairs. He told them afterwards that it was giddiness which made him fall. He did not, however, appear much hurt, but the next day he was worse and they called in a doctor. - MRS EDITH RICE, wife of MR WM. RICE (a son of the deceased) gave corroborative evidence and said that for the past eighteen months they had had to help deceased upstairs. Although the accident happened at ten in the morning, MR RICE did not go to bed until evening. - Dr F. L. Thomas said that for months past he had attended the deceased. He was crippled and partly paralysed. Deceased had been well looked after. On the day following the accident he found the deceased showed signs of pneumonia, which was brought on by the fall. He attributed death to pneumonia as a result of the fall. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death." - The interment was made in the Cemetery yesterday, the Rev. W. J. Lewis (Congregational) officiating. The chief mourners were: - MRS RICE (widow), Mr and Mrs Rice (son and daughter-in-law), Mr and Mrs J. Courtnay (nephew and niece), Mrs A. Lavercombe (niece), and Mr Fry. The bearers were Messrs. J. Fry, A. Corney, H. Skinner, T. Cawsey, W. Gilbert, E. Cornish and W. Knill. There were no floral tributes by request. Mr T. A. Blackmore, Pilton-street, carried out the funeral arrangements.

North Devon Journal, Thursday 18 March 1915
BIDEFORD - Westleigh Old-Age Pensioner's Sad Death. Inquest At Bideford. - At Bideford Hospital on Monday evening, Dr Ellis Pearson, Deputy Coroner, with a Jury of which Mr W. Beer was Foreman, held an Inquest concerning the death of JOHN PICKARD, an old-age pensioner, aged 73, who was found with his throat cut in his cottage at Westleigh on February 18th, and died in Bideford Hospital on Sunday. The deceased, who was a Bickington man, lived for a great number of years at Westleigh, afterwards coming with his wife to live with his son, JAMES, at Bideford. His wife died about 18 months ago, and twelve months ago he returned to Westleigh to live by himself in a cottage, a niece, Mrs Ellen Mountjoy, of Westleigh, going frequently to the house. - Evidence of identification was given by his son, JAMES, who had frequently visited his father since he had been in Hospital. Witness knew no reason why he should injure himself. He suddenly took it into his head to go back to Westleigh to be near his deceased wife. - Susan Farleigh described how she was shaking mats on the morning of February 18th, when MR PICKARD called through his cottage window to her. She went and found him sitting by the fire with blood coming from his neck. He said, "I have had awful pains in my stomach all night, and have not slept a minute. I must have been mazed." She asked him what she could do and he said "Go up for Ellen" (his niece, Mrs Mountjoy). - Mrs Mountjoy said it was about quarter to ten when Susan Farleigh called her. When she saw what had happened she asked him what he had done and he replied: " I don't know, I must have cut it, I suppose. I must have been mazed." He also said he had had dreadful pains in his stomach. There was a blood stained table knife on the kitchen table. She ran to get someone to fetch a doctor, who came, and MR PICKARD was removed to the Hospital. Before the arrival of the doctor, the wound was bound up by Mrs Piper. Some time ago deceased had a similar attack of pains in the stomach and witness thought it was colic. He would not have a doctor, and it passed off again. - In reply to the Jury, witness said she should consider it happened at the top of the stairs. He lit the fire to make tea after it occurred. - Mr F. E. Lee asked if it was not common knowledge that deceased suffered greatly with stomach pains; in fact, he had said to him it nearly drove him out of his mind. - Witness said that was so. - The Coroner: And he has never had a doctor to see him? - Witness: No. - Dr A. T. Marshall said he had been attending deceased at the Hospital since February 18th, when he was admitted with a wound, about seven inches long, across the front of his throat. The wound went through the skin and muscle, but did not damage any really vital part. - The Coroner: He suffered from shock? - Witness: No; he seemed surprisingly well at the time he was admitted. The wound was stitched up and he did well for four days afterwards. Then the wound suppurated and he showed signs of general blood poisoning. He died on Sunday from blood poisoning which originated in the wound. - By the Foreman: Deceased told him that he had had pains in the stomach, but he was free from them while in the Hospital. Witness should say at a guess that he suffered from gall stones, which would account for the pains and which would be very severe when they came on. - The Foreman: And would that and his age make him not quite responsible for what happened? - Witness: It is quite possible. - The Jury returned a verdict that deceased died from Blood Poisoning, brought on from a wound, self-inflicted, while Temporarily Insane.

North Devon Journal, Thursday 8 April 1915
SOUTH MOLTON - On Saturday WILLIAM BRIDGMAN, of South-street, aged 77, an old-age pensioner, was found dead in bed. At the Inquest on Monday, a verdict of Death from Natural Causes was returned.

BIDEFORD - Dr Ellis Pearson, Deputy Coroner, and a Jury of which Mr O. Butler was Foreman, held an Inquest at Bideford Workhouse yesterday afternoon on BEATRICE RICHARDS, 33, laundress, of Bull Hill, who has been in the House from March 22nd. The medical evidence showed deceased succumbed to blood-poisoning set up by absorption from a partially-healed wound on a finger, from which she was suffering on admission, but of which she did not then complain. A verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned.

North Devon Journal, Thursday 15 April 1915
EXETER - Inquest On Barnstaple Woman At Digby's Asylum. - The County Coroner, Mr Gould, held an Inquest on Wednesday morning at Digby's Asylum, relative to the death of MARIA JOSLIN, aged 62, wife of RICHARD JOSLIN, of 26 Azes-lane, Barnstaple. - ALICE SMITH, daughter of the deceased, identified the body. She said on Friday morning she was called at about 7 o'clock and told her father wished to see her. She went to him and he told her to go and see what was the matter with her mother. She went into the kitchen and found her mother trying to light a fire on the table. She had got a paraffin can, sticks and coal, and she was just going to put a match to it. The daughter asked her what she was going to do, but received no reply. Deceased was going about the room pulling off the paper and taking her things off. Witness made her mother a cup of tea, but she would not drink it. She tried to take the fire out of the grate. On recommendation of the doctor deceased was sent to the Asylum on the following day. Witness noticed a mark on her mother's forehead and some dirt. She tried to wash it off, and her mother said, "Oh, my poor head." Witness did not see her mother fall down. Her father, who was paralysed, told witness that her mother left the room about 4 or 5 o'clock in the morning. He shouted but could not make anyone hear. - Dr G. Norton Bartlett, Medical Superintendent at the Asylum, said that the symptoms of deceased suggested haemorrhage inside the skull. Death was caused by haemorrhage on the brain. The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death."

SOUTH MOLTON - Sudden Death Of The Rector Of Highbray. - The REV. MATTHEW MARSHALL, M.A., Rector of Highbray, was taken ill in the street while visiting Southmolton on Thursday and he passed away at 10.50 on Friday morning. - Dr Ellis Pearson, Deputy Coroner for North Devon, conducted an Inquest on the deceased on Saturday, Mr S. Cole of the Unicorn Hotel, being Foreman of the Jury. - Evidence of identification was given by the widow, MRS ELLA COWLIE MARSHALL, who said the deceased, who was 48 years of age, had been subject to epileptic fits for fifteen years. - Miss Miriam Holmes, daughter of Mr Heber Holmes, saddler of the Square, Southmolton, said that on Thursday about 1 o'clock she was temporarily in charge of the shop. She saw a gentleman on the other side of the Square walking by the National Provincial Bank. He was crossing the road towards the George Hotel. As he stepped off the pavement on to the road he looked up the street, down the street, and up at the town clock, all in a moment as it seemed, and then fell forward heavily on his face. Witness called her father and brother, but by that time help had arrived; several people had gone to his assistance. Deceased had both hands in his pockets. She did not know whether he took them out; she didn't think he did. He did not seem to save himself at all. He appeared to have dropped down dead. - Dr Seal, of Southmolton, said he had attended the deceased for six years. On Thursday he was called to see him at Mr Ayre's shop and found him in a semi-conscious condition. Witness had MR MARSHALL removed to Southmolton Nursing Home, where he attended him till his death, which occurred at 10.50 a.m. on Friday. He had made a post mortem examination. In witness's opinion death was due to epilepsy. - The Coroner: Was there any evidence to show that death was accelerated by the fall? - No. - Mr Henry Kingdon, a Juror, asked whether the deceased had been unconscious before when he had had a fit? - Dr Seal: Yes, for some hours. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Death from Natural Causes." - The REV. M. MARSHALL had been Rector of Highbray since 1905. A clergyman of broad views and wide sympathies, the deceased was greatly esteemed by his parishioners. The living which is of the net value of £301 is in the gift of Sir Thomas Acland, Bart. - The funeral of the esteemed Rector of Highbray (the REV. M. MARSHALL) took place on Tuesday, the interment being made in Highbray Churchyard. There was a very large attendance of parishioners and residents in neighbouring parishes, the deceased clergyman having been greatly beloved - by Nonconformists as well as by Churchpeople. The chief mourners were MISS ANN MARSHALL (daughter), and the REV. PAUL MARSHALL (brother). The Rev. C. P. Scott, Vicar of Southmolton, conducted the service and the Rev. H. Alexander, Rector of Stoke Rivers, read the lesson. A touching feature was the filing past the grave of the school children, each child placing a bunch of primroses in the grave.

North Devon Journal, Thursday 22 April 1915
BIDEFORD - Burning Fatality At Bideford. - A sad burning fatality occurred at Bideford on Monday, when a little five-year-old girl, named IRENE SING, living with her grandparents at Montague-place, caught her nightdress on fire in the early morning whilst playing with a box of matches. The grandparents rushed to the child's assistance, and as a consequence the grandfather got badly burned about the hands. Dr Grose ordered the removal of the little sufferer to the Hospital, where she died in the evening. - The Deputy Coroner, Dr Ellis Pearson, and a Jury of which Mr J. Adams was Foreman, held an Inquest at Bideford Hospital on Tuesday on IRENE EDITH SING, aged 5. - THOMAS SING, grandfather, said about 7 o'clock on Monday morning, while he was downstairs lighting the fire, the deceased ran from one bedroom to another, where the younger child, ELSIE, was, and they appeared to have got hold of a box of matches left in a candlestick on a table there. MRS SING, the grandmother, heard a cry, and was going to them, when the child IRENE came out to her with her calico nightdress in a blaze. She attempted to put the fire out and called for her husband, who succeeded in doing so with a mat. MRS SING'S left hand, and her husband's both hands, were severely burned in putting out the fire. Dr Gross, who was sent for, after attending to the child, ordered its removal to the Hospital, where it succumbed at 5 o'clock the same evening. - Dr Grose said the child was extensively burned and the case was practically a hopeless one from the first. Everything possible was done. Death was due to shock, the result of the burns. A verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned.

BIDEFORD - A verdict of "Death from Natural Causes" was returned at an Inquest held at Bideford on Saturday afternoon, on the body of JOHN EASTON, 67, a furnaceman, of Torridge-place, East-the-Water, who died suddenly on Thursday evening. Deceased fell and expired when leaving his house after tea to go into the garden and have a talk with his brother, WALTER, who had come down from Torrington. A post mortem examination by Dr Ackland showed that death was due to a rupture on an aneurism of the aorta.

REDRUTH, CORNWALL - The body of WILLIAM DOWNMAN, who lost his life through the sinking of the s.s. "Falaba," was washed up at Porthtowan, near Redruth, Cornwall, on Sunday. The Police authorities took charge of the body and communicated with the widow at Teddington. Mr Harris, a personal friend of the deceased, journeyed from London, to Redruth to attend the Inquest on Tuesday and identified the body. MR DOWNMAN was a member of the Beach Lodge of Freemasons No. 2622 and was a highly respected citizen. The interment will be made in Torrington Cemetery this afternoon.

North Devon Journal, Thursday 13 May 1915
SOUTH MOLTON - About nine o'clock on Saturday evening, the body of WILLIAM HILL, labourer, formerly employed by the Southmolton Town Council, was found in Hacche limepit a short distance out of the town of Southmolton. Suspicions were first aroused by Mr Fred Taylor, of Barnstaple-street, who, in company with a friend, was proceeding along the Hacche road on Saturday afternoon and entering the field observed a coat, walking stick and hat, and after making a preliminary search in the water he gave information to the Police. Sergeant Real at once went to the lime pits, and with the assistance of several willing helpers, the pond was dragged with the result that HILL'S body was recovered. For some months the deceased had been in ill health and suffered from depression. He was 68 years of age, and leaves a widow and grown up family by a former wife. - At the Inquest on Monday, before the Deputy Coroner, Dr Ellis Pearson, of Bideford, Mr W. H. Hulland was chosen Foreman of the Jury, who returned a verdict of Death from Drowning, during Temporary Insanity. - The widow stated that deceased had not been in good health for the past two years. - The Jury expressed sympathy with the family of the deceased.

North Devon Journal, Thursday 20 May 1915
SOUTH MOLTON - Southmolton Burning Fatality. - On Monday Dr Ellis Pearson, of Bideford, Deputy Coroner, held an Inquest at the Town Hall, Southmolton, on the body of BEATRICE ELIZABETH MOORE, the four-year-old daughter of CHARLES MOORE, of 7 Mill-street, Southmolton, a carter. Mr F. W. Twells was elected Foreman. - CHARLES MOORE, the father, stated that at about 7.30 on Saturday morning, when he left the house, the child was sitting at the kitchen table having breakfast. She was attired in her bedclothes - a flannelette nightdress. - EMILY MOORE, mother, said she had been out delivering milk. On coming near to her house she saw the child out in the street. She was in flames. There was a fireguard in the house and it was generally used, but on that particular occasion it was not in use. - Edward Reed deposed to seeing the child run out into Mill-street with her clothing in flames. With the assistance of a man named Brayley, the flames were extinguished. - Dr Nicholl, Southmolton, said he reached the house at 8.15. the child was suffering from extensive burns about practically the whole of the body. He applied dressings, with the assistance of Dr Seal and the District Nurse. Later the child was removed to the Nursing Home, where she expired at 8 p.m. on the same day. Death was due to shock. - The Jury returned a verdict that death was due to shock following burns that were caused Accidentally, and expressed their sympathy with the family.

MORTEHOE - Death Of A Bideford Widow. Body Found At Morte-Hoe. - The circumstances attending the death of a Bideford widow, named AMELIA DAVIS, aged 54 years, whose body was discovered in a very decomposed condition on the beach at Morte-Hoe on Thursday morning, were Inquired into by Dr Ellis Pearson, North Devon Deputy Coroner, and a Jury at the Parish Rooms, Morte-Hoe, on Friday. It transpired that the deceased, who lived at 21 Elm Grove, Bideford, had worried a great deal over the death of her husband, JOSHUA DAVIS, an engineer and water inspector, who committed suicide in July last, as well as through the departure of her son in December last with the Territorials, now in India. The discovery was at first supposed to have some connection with the loss of the "Falaba," but the evidence proved this to be incorrect. - BEATRICE STACEY, of Bideford, daughter of the deceased, gave evidence of identification, mainly by the remains of clothing which were found on the body. Witness last saw her mother alive at her house on the afternoon of March 30th, when she appeared to be quite cheerful. The deceased was greatly upset over the death of her husband, who committed suicide at Tiverton in July last, and had also been worried by her son (who had previously lived with her) leaving in December last with the Territorials for India. On the following morning witness found that her mother was missing, and that the door of her house was locked. Her uncle got into the house by the back way, and found the place empty. No letters as to the whereabouts of the deceased were found, and information was given to the Police. A man saw the deceased in North-road, Bideford, shortly before 6 p.m. on March 13th, when she appeared to be thinking and waiting for someone. Nothing more was heard until the previous day, when the body was discovered. - Replying to the Foreman of the Jury, Mr Kelland, witness said that, to her knowledge, deceased had never threatened to take her life, nor had she had any quarrels with relatives. - Thomas Henry Packer, of Morte-Hoe, spoke to discovering the body on the beach just above Eagle Cove, Bull Point, Morte-Hoe at 9.45 a.m. the previous day. The Police were informed and the body was taken away. - P.C. Mogridge deposed that he saw the body lying on the beach face downwards. With assistance he removed it to the cliffs, and afterwards to Beara Cottage. The body was in a very decomposed condition. No money or letters were found. - The Coroner commented upon the absence of any evidence to show how the deceased got into the water and the Jury returned a verdict of "Found Dead."

North Devon Journal, Thursday 27 May 1915
GREAT TORRINGTON - Inquest On An Old-Age Pensioner At Torrington. - On Monday Dr Ellis Pearson, Deputy Coroner, conducted an Inquiry at the Torrington Workhouse relative to the death of GEORGE HANCOCK, aged 74, an old-age pensioner. - It appears that on May 8th, HANCOCK took his discharge from the House and about 2.30 the same afternoon he fell over the Castle Hill. - GEORGE HANCOCK, son of the deceased, said his father had suffered from a cancer in his face for two years. Witness last saw deceased alive on the 22nd inst., but he did not relate anything to him about falling over the hill. - James Collings gave evidence of his being in deceased's company on the morning of the 8th inst., and saw him fall over the hill. - John Gordon also gave evidence as to being the first person to get to the deceased's assistance. - Dr Macindo deposed to being called to the Workhouse in the afternoon of the same day, when he saw deceased in bed. Other than a few scratches about the face, there were no bones broken, and he could not find any haemorrhage from the cancer which would cause his death. He had been kept in bed ever since. - A verdict of Death from Cancer, accelerated by shock by the fall, was returned.

North Devon Journal, Thursday 3 June 1915
BARNSTAPLE - The Drowning Fatality At Barnstaple. Jury's Suggestion. - As reported in our last issue, JACK DOUGLAS WILBY BARRETT, aged 7 ½ (son of MR ALFRED JOHN BARRETT, a teacher of the blind, residing at 5 Grenville-avenue, Yeo Vale) was drowned in the river Yeo, off Pilton Park, Barnstaple on Wednesday in last week after a heroic attempt to save his younger brother, aged 5, who had fallen into the water whilst endeavouring to fill a bottle. The body, subsequently picked up by fishermen, was removed to the boy's home; and the sad affair was investigated by the Borough Coroner, Mr T. A. R. Bencraft, and a Jury of which Mr Harding was Foreman, at the residence of P.S. Braund, near by, on Thursday evening. - The Corner, in outlining the facts of the case, specially remarked on the plucky act of Mr R. Price, who, despite the fact that he was 80 years of age, jumped into the water in order to save the children and had to be helped out, narrowly escaping with his own life. Mr Chas. Wren then came along and diving for the younger child with help brought him to the bank, the deceased having meanwhile disappeared. - MRS BARRETT, mother of the boy, stated that deceased was just over 7 ½ years of age and strong and healthy. She last saw him at 2.30 p.m. on Wednesday, when he went to Pilton Park to play with his younger brother, CECIL, aged 5 years, and his little sister, aged 6. They took with them a bottle full of water to drink. They had often been to the Park together, as they did that afternoon. About an hour and a half after they had gone the little girl, ROSE, came back and told her that JACK was drowned. Witness went to the Park and brought CECIL home. The boy has now recovered from the effects of his immersion. - FLORENCE ROSE BARRETT, aged 6, deposed that on Wednesday afternoon she went to play in Pilton Park, with her two brothers. After playing a little while in the Park they went to the river to fill the bottle. CECIL had the bottle and in trying to fill it he fell into the water. JACK thereupon attempted to save his brother and also fell in. Witness ran into the Park and called to some people, who quickly arrived on the scene. She saw deceased appear above the surface a very short time after he fell in, but not afterwards. - Joseph Parminter, fisherman, of Braunton-road, stated that just as he arrived home, after having been down the river, he saw a lot of people on the river bank. He immediately proceeded to the spot and with the help of Mr Joseph Stribling found the body almost at the exact place a lady told him the boy had fallen in. It was about 5.15 when he found the body, which was five or six feet from the bank, and lying in 8 ½ feet of water. P.C. Corney received the body from him and they carried the deceased to his home. - Mr Sanders (a Juryman): Do you think the boy stuck in the mud at the bottom of the river, as he disappeared suddenly? - Witness replied that that could not have been the case, because a slight touch with the boat-hook brought the body to the surface. - P.C. Corney spoke to taking the body from Mr Parminter. The bottle which the deceased had tried to fill was lying on the river bank. - The Coroner, in summing up, said he did not see how the children could be kept from the Park. If they were to make the present fence higher, and place spikes on the top, and also allow no one on the towing path, they would probably be interfering with the rights of the public. If they put a fence all round the towing path, it would interfere with the towing of vessels. It was, however, for the Jury to consider if Pilton Park or the river bank adjoining could be made safer for children. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidentally Drowned whilst playing by the river Yeo." - Mr Sanders, a Juror, suggested that if railings three feet high were placed on the bank it would not interfere with the towing of the vessels at all. - Mr Parminter insisted that at high tide the railings would be covered over and the vessels and barges would also knock them down in no time. - Mr Sanders suggested that the Town Council might be approached upon the matter. - The Coroner expressed willingness to forward to the Town Council any proposal the Jury might make. - Mr Taylor said it was a public demand. He added that it was not a question for the Town Council to consider at their leisure. It was a demand of the people who paid rates. - Mr Moxham thought that even if fencing was put up it would be necessary to send someone to look after the children. - Mr Taylor agreed that they could not stop children from straying any more than they could stop a dog without a leash. But he thought if the Town Council spent money to keep people out of the Park at night they could also spend money to prevent children falling into the river. - The Coroner felt certain that if the Town Council could do anything in the direction indicated they would do so. It was, however, a very difficult problem, and he did not see any practical way of dealing with it. - Mr Taylor insisted that he could do what was necessary at the spot, and eventually, at the Jury's suggestion, the Coroner promised to write to the Town Council suggesting that some measures should be taken for the safety of children playing on the river bank. He added that he did not know whether the Jury would like to hear Mr Wren, who saved the younger boy. - Mr Wren volunteered the statement that Mrs Baker was the means of the child being saved. He was near the Park when she beckoned to him, and he ran to the spot and did his best. Mr Hookway was not there until the finish, when he hurried down over the bank, joined hands with a lady and took the child from him at the projection of the bank. Mr Hookway, he added, acted the man's part. - The Jury expressed sympathy with the bereaved parents, to whom they kindly gave their fees. - The Funeral. - The remains of little JACKIE BARRETT, son of MR and MRS BARRETT of 5 Grenville-avenue, Yeo Vale, Barnstaple, who was accidentally drowned on Wednesday, were laid at rest in Barnstaple Cemetery on Saturday. The last rites were performed by the Vicar of Barnstaple, the Rev. F. M. Wallington. The principal mourners were Mr and Mrs A. J. Barrett (father and mother), Mr J. Barrett (Bideford), Mrs Crocker, Mrs Phillips, Mr Edward Thomas, Mr E. Hookway, and Mr P. Wren. Several scholars from the Blue Coat School, where the deceased attended, were also present. The bearers were Sydney Phillips, Arthur Hil, Arthur Roulston, and Charley Hill. There was a large number of choice floral tributes, which were sent by:- Mr and Mrs A. J. Barrett (father and mother); Auntie Rose, Exeter; His granny, Suffolk; Auntie May, London; "Tiny" and Cecil (sister and brother); Baby sister, Irene; Miss Buckingham, Burrington; Misses Geddes, Ilfracombe; Mr E. Thomas; Mr and Mrs Hookway and Mrs Furse; Mr J. Barrett, Bideford; Headmaster, teachers and pupils of the Blue Coat School; Miss K. Fishwick, Bideford; Mrs Tanner; H. and E. Thorne; Willie Stribling (his little playmate); Mr and Mrs Crocker and family; Bernard Crocker (his playmate); Tommy Phillips (his playmate); Charlie Passmore (his school chum); William Nightingale (his school chum); Stanley Chapple (school chum); Beatrice Norman, Green-lane; Horace Coates; Mr and Mrs Frank Cockram; His companions from Yeo Vale. Mr T. Blackmore carried out the funeral arrangements, Mr T. Bater supplying the hearse and carriages.

North Devon Journal, Thursday 10 June 1915
ALVERDISCOTT - Fatal Result Of Cycle Accident At Alverdiscott. - A verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned at an Inquest held at Alverdiscott on Friday last by Dr Ellis Pearson, Deputy Coroner, on the body of JOHN BRAUNTON, aged 48 years, a mason, of Bulworthy, Alverdiscott, who died from blood poisoning, caused through a wound received as the result of a cycle accident. Deceased endeavoured to pass some cows, his machine got into a rut and he was thrown into the hedge, receiving a cut face. Medical assistance was obtained, but acute blood poisoning set in, which caused death.

North Devon Journal, Thursday 17 June 1915
CLOVELLY - Suicide At Clovelly. - On Saturday last the dead body of MR ROBERT BADCOCK, of Cliff Cottage, Clovelly, was discovered by Messrs. W. Prince and C. Shackson in the Wilderness. MR BADCOCK had been engaged for some time as a Coast Watcher. He was for many years Coxwain of the lifeboat. - The Inquest was held in the Reading Room, Clovelly, on Monday afternoon by Dr Ellis Pearson, Deputy Coroner for North Devon, and a Jury of which Mr G. C. Caird was Foreman. - MISS LUCY BADCOCK, daughter, identified the body. Deceased was 62 years of age. She last saw him alive on Friday night, when he was quite well and happy. She heard him go out in the morning about 5.40 a.m. About five years ago he was ill with sleeplessness and he was examined by the doctors at Exeter Asylum, who suggested to Dr Walker the treatment he should have. He was unwell on and off for two or three years, but for several years now had been better. He caught a chill a few days ago and had complained that he could not sleep, but there was no reason to suppose he was going to injure himself. - William Prince, fisherman, of Clovelly, said on Saturday he went to relieve deceased, who was coast watching, and whose time was up at 12 noon. He found him about 12.30 in a shelter or look-out place lying on his right side, with a pool of blood at his feet. Witness made sure that he was dead. His hat, coat, glasses and stick were on the table. He did not see any knife and thought he had most likely died of haemorrhage. His mate, Shackson, came in just then. Witness fetched the Police, with whom he came back and then saw the pocket-knife produced lying on the floor two or three feet from deceased. He noticed nothing unusual about the Wilderness; there were no marks of any struggle, or of anyone having been there. He knew that some years ago deceased had some illness and that his mind was supposed to be affected. - Sidney Abbot deposed that he had been coast-watching with deceased for the past nine weeks. He met him on SAturday morning at the top of the hill by the garage about 6 o'clock and heard him tell one of the men they were relieving that he did not feel up to much that morning. He had been telling witness for the past fortnight that he had not been well and said he thought it was the result of a chill. Deceased left him and went to the Wilderness, where it was his turn to watch. When witness next saw him he was dead. When witness was night watching with him he said he was bad and used to go up and down the shelter whilst witness kept the watch. - P.C. Merchant spoke to being called by Prince and finding deceased dead as described, with his throat cut and the knife covered with blood about two feet from the body. There was nothing on the body to account for what had happened. - Dr Richard Kay described the wound, which had the appearance of one that might have been self-inflicted by such a knife as that produced. There were no other marks of violence. Death was due to haemorrhage caused by the cutting of the jugular vein. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Suicide during Temporary Insanity."

North Devon Journal, Thursday 24 June 1915
MOREBATH - At the Inquest at Ashtown Farm, Morebath, on Saturday, on MR FRANCIS PARKMAN, aged 61, a retired farmer, the evidence showed that he had lately suffered from mental depression. He went into the granary and with his son's double-barrelled gun pulled a string attached t the right trigger, and killed himself. Near by was a note running as follows:- "Dear Mum, Fred and Nellie, I can't stand this any longer. No doctor can tell what I have suffered. Please forgive me; you have done all you can." - A verdict of "Suicide whilst of Unsound Mind" was returned.

North Devon Journal, Thursday 1 July 1915
WINKLEIGH - Death Of MR JOHN H. LETHEREN, Of Winkleigh. - It is with regret that we record the death of MR JOHN H. LETHEREN, of Winkleigh, who passed away on Friday morning at the age of 56 years. Deceased was well-known throughout a very wide area, was highly respected and much beloved, his kind-hearted, thoughtful deeds will ever live in one's memory. He was most unselfish and ever willing to oblige and do a kindly act. Hence he endeared himself to everyone with whom he came in contact. He had for many years carried on a successful business as baker, &c., and covered a large district. Recently he retired from business, having passed over the concern to Mr Wright, his son-in-law. MR LETHEREN had long been associated with matters of local interest, in which he took an active part and was ever ready to help forward a good cause; whether it was in the Church, on the Parish Council, as a member of the Lighting Association, Bowling Club, or any other local office, he rendered valuable help. But his especial delight was in Army matters and discipline. He was a Sergeant in the old Volunteers and was helpful and largely instrumental in forming a section at Winkleigh. Passing on to the Territorials, he continued to render valuable assistance and one of his own premises is at present known as the "Armoury." It may be noted that nearly thirty Winkleigh Territorials are serving the Colours. "Sergeant" LETHEREN, as he was generally known locally, recently remarked that he thought every able person should do what he could for his King and Country, and it was a sore displeasure to him that he had not been accepted for military service. But he mentioned with pride that at least he would do what he could, and offered himself as a special constable. He had been measured for his outfit, and was awaiting it when death intervened. His only son, FRED, has been serving in France with the A.S.C. Motor Transport and being wired for, arrived home, only too late to see his father alive. There is profound sorrow in the village and the utmost sympathy is felt for the sorrowing widow, son and daughter. - The Inquest touching the death of MR JOHN HERNAMAN LETHEREN, who fell downstairs on the night of the 11th inst., and died on Friday, was held on Saturday afternoon, before the Coroner, Mr H. B. Brown, (Okehampton). MRS. F. BURGOYNE identified the body as that of her father and gave evidence as to finding deceased at the foot of the stairs after the accident. She heard the cups fall just previously. Deceased soon opened his eyes and said "What's the matter?" - Dr Clements gave evidence as to being called and finding the deceased in a semi-conscious condition. In his opinion deceased probably had a seizure, became unconscious, fell forward and fell downstairs, causing laceration of the membrane of the brain &c. There were no broken bones and just a slight abrasion on the right temple, this in itself not being sufficient to cause death. In his opinion death was due to cerebral haemorrhage, accelerated by the fall. - The Jury returned a verdict in accordance with the medical testimony.

North Devon Journal, Thursday 8 July 1915
BIDEFORD - Death Of MR P. FULFORD, Of Bideford. - The death occurred suddenly on Friday of MR PHILIP FULFORD, secretary of Bideford Amateur Athletic Club and a prominent supporter of the Bideford Regatta. He was in his usual health on Thursday, when he was appointed one of the organisers for the collection to be made on France's-day celebration. He ate a hearty supper before retiring, and on Friday morning his wife, who had only recently returned from a sanatorium, was attracted to his room by an unusual noise and found him dying. Medical aid was summoned, but he passed away almost immediately. He was an enthusiastic worker at the Conservative Club (the flat of which was flown at half-mast on Friday in token of respect); was a member of the church choir for many years, and usually one of the vocalists at the Mayoral Manor Court and B.A.A.C. banquets. He was 47 years of age and leaves a widow and five children under 16. - Dr Ellis Pearson, Deputy Coroner, held an Inquest on Saturday, on PHILIP FULFORD, clerk, who died the previous day. The widow identified the body and stated that her husband was 47 years of age. He came home and had a good supper on Thursday night just after 10 'clock and was apparently well. He retired to rest about 11. Their little boy, aged 6 years, slept with him. About 4.30 on Friday morning she was awakened by the loud breathing f her husband and immediately went to him, but he did not speak. She sent for medical aid, applied hot flannels to his heart, but he passed away before the doctor arrived. Dr Toye said he went immediately when called, but MR FULFORD was dead on arrival. He had made a post mortem, and found that deceased's heart was twice the normal size and much diseased. This brought on an attack of syncope, resulting in death. Nothing whatever could have been done to save the life of deceased. The Deputy Coroner said all regretted MR FULFORD'S death, for he was ready at all times to help any worthy object. They had the deepest sympathy with the widow and little family. The Jury returned a verdict of "Death from Natural Causes", passed a vote of condolence with the family and handed their fees to the children of deceased. - There was a large attendance at the funeral. The funeral procession was headed by a detachment of the Bideford Special Constables, of which deceased was a member and a deputation from the Oddfellows' Lodge. The interment took place at the Church Cemetery, East-the-Water, the Rector (Preb. T. Newton Leeke) officiating. The chief mourners were:- MRS FULFORD (widow), Master J. Fulford (son), Master C. Fulford (son), Messrs. J. Fulford and John Fulford (brothers), Miss Lucy Fulford, Mrs Symons, Mrs J. H. Taylor, Mrs Kelly (sisters), Messrs. J. H. Taylor, J. Backway, W. Beer, H. Hopson, S. Davey and J. Davey, Mrs Beer, Mrs J. Backway, Mrs Davey, (sisters-in-law), Misses F. Backway, Jessie Backway (nieces), Mrs Squire (aunt), Messrs. G. Backway, R. Backway, S. Backway, Chas. Hookway, and F. Pennington (cousins). Floral tributes were sent by his sorrowing wife and children; Jack, Lillie and children at Northampton; Harry, Clara and all at Richmond; Alice, Charlotte, Charlie and all at Southmolton; From his twin sister, Mollie; From Lucy, Annie, Jack and family; Fred, Alice and Gladys, Southmolton; Sid and Janie; Florie and Charlie; Fred and Will (Lahore); Mr and Mrs S. Backway; Bideford A.A.C.; E and E. Wills; Fellow employees; Miss Sturley; Mr and Mrs J. H. Manning and family; Mrs T. W. Elliott; Lewis, Emily and Lilla; Mrs Jewell and Bessie; Mrs Dymond and Lil; Mrs Blankau and Mrs R. Prance; Mr and Mrs J. Elliott; Mrs Hookway and family; Mr and Mrs and Annie J. Dervis; Bideford Conservative Club and others.

North Devon Journal, Thursday 15 July 1915
ILFRACOMBE - Mother And Child's Death At Ilfracombe. The Inquest. - On Friday afternoon, at the Tyrrell Hospital, an Inquest was held by Dr Ellis Pearson, Deputy Coroner, on the bodies of ANNIE MAYHEW and her infant male child, who died on Wednesday morning under circumstances of a very painful nature. Mr M. W. Tattam was chosen Foreman of the Jury. - MRS SUSIE BEALES, sister of the deceased, said her age was 37. Deceased had lived for 20 years with her at Sutton, surrey, helping in the business. Witness had no knowledge of the condition of the deceased, who left her at the beginning of March. She suffered from occasional attacks f a nervous complaint and there was nothing strange in her going away. She first intended to go to Combe Martin, and did stay there for a time, afterwards telling witness she was going on to Ilfracombe. Deceased did not say what she was doing at Ilfracombe and witness did not expect her sister back until she saw her. She wrote to her friends every week and had sufficient money to live on. Deceased had never given any date for returning and witness had not asked her. The first intimation witness had of the matter was a notice from the Police. - In answer to the Foreman, witness stated that she had not noticed anything in her sister's appearance and though she had stayed away as much as six weeks at once, witness did not attach any importance to the long absence, as she had a letter every week. Her sister had not had heart disease. - Mrs Parsons, 22 Horne-road, Ilfracombe, said that early in March she let a room to the deceased, at 15s. a week, up to July 24th. Deceased gave no particulars about herself and witness made no enquiries; the bill was paid once a month. Witness did not know whether deceased was working in the town and she stayed until July 5th last. At the time witness had friends coming, and deceased went to Miss Wheaton's Hill Crest, Station-road. Witness had not noticed anything as to deceased's condition while with her. Deceased never said why she was staying in the town. - By the Jury: Deceased had a good number of letters, sometimes three or four a day. She paid her bills in cash; deceased was very secretive and witness knew no more about her at the end of the stay than at first. - Miss Wheaton said the deceased came to her on Monday evening, July 5th, and engaged a room in her house. She was to stay two nights to oblige Mrs Parsons. Witness saw deceased in the afternoon of that day at Mrs Parsons' house; she was all right, so far as could be noticed. Deceased went to witness's house about 10 p.m., and retired to bed about 12.0 p.m. On the Tuesday morning deceased said she was not going out, which witness had to do. Deceased gave no reason for staying in. From 3.30 to 10 p.m. she was in the room with witness and then went to bed. Witness heard nothing till about 1.0 a.m., when a groan (which she thought was her dog) woke her up. Witness went downstairs and on coming up again saw a light under the door of the deceased's room. Witness said "Are you ill?" and tried to turn the handle of the door, but it was locked. Deceased, in reply to a request to open the door, said "I can't, I can't" Witness tried two keys and other means, but could not open the door as the key was inside the lock, across it. Witness then went for Mr Moss, who came and burst open the door. Witness saw MISS MAYHEW and the baby lying on the floor and the bed had not been occupied. Mr Moss went for a doctor and witness fetched a neighbour. Deceased was living when the door was opened. - By the Jury: There was nothing at all in deceased's appearance to cause suspicion. Deceased was not dressed when she was found. She had made a good supper the night before and seemed very cheerful. No preparation had been made for a baby. - Thomas Moss said he was called early on Wednesday morning to Hill Crest by Miss Wheaton, who said there was a lady ill and the door of the room was locked inside. Witness burst open the door; he saw the person lying on her back, with her head near the door. She had only a nightdress and stockings on. Witness did not see the child, but, as the deceased was still living, he hurried for the doctor. Deceased did not speak to him. The neighbour and Miss Wheaton came just as witness had got the door open. - Mrs Elizabeth Baddick said she occasionally helped in nursing, but was not a trained nurse or certified mid-wife. On Wednesday morning about 1.30 Miss Wheaton called her and said "I've taken a woman in for two nights and she's got a baby." Witness dressed and at once went. Miss Wheaton having gone on before to the Hill Crest. Witness went to the bedroom and saw a woman struggling on the floor, calling for help. She had a blanket round her. There was a baby on the floor, on the right hand side of the mother, and close to her. The baby was dead, lying on its face on the bare floor. The deceased only said "help". Witness took the baby away and then attended to the woman, putting a bolster under her head and giving a little brandy and water, which deceased swallowed. The bed had not been slept in. There were no signs of any clothes for the baby, but in a bag she saw several old rags and an old sheet and a pillow case, such things as one would not expect to see in such a place. Witness could not say whose the pillow case was. - By the Jury: She was positive that Miss Wheaton said that the woman had got a baby. - Miss Wheaton, recalled, said she was present when the door was burst open and saw the woman and the child. She then went for Mrs Baddick. - Dr Osborne said he was called early on Wednesday, about 2.0 a.m., and found the deceased lying flat on her back on the floor, with her head n pillows and in a dying state. She died almost directly. Deceased had only a nightdress on. There were no preparations of any sort for a baby. The candle was burning down in the socket. Witness had made a post-mortem examination and found advanced mitral heart disease. Both ankles were puffy. There were evidences that deceased had laced tightly. The causes of death were heart disease and loss of blood, due to parturition. Even with proper care, it would have been difficult to save the life, owing to the condition of the heart. - Dr Osborne said he had also made a post mortem examination of the baby, which had had a separate existence from the mother - how long he could not say. There were no marks of violence and the death was due to suffocation through want of attention. The child was a fine one and very healthy, of full time. - The Jury returned a verdict of Death from Natural Causes in the case of the mother, and in that of the child, that the cause of death was the want of proper attention at birth.

North Devon Journal, Thursday 22 July 1915
NORTHAM - Sudden Death On Appledore Ketch. - A painful incident occurred at Appledore on Friday evening, when MR THOMAS LOBBETT, mate on the ketch "Julia! dropped dead from heart failure while engaged in mooring the vessel. The deceased, who was about 63 years of age, had not been to sea for some little time, but owing to shortage of hands went on this trip. The vessel left Bristol on Friday morning and came in over the bar in the evening wind bound, and as LOBBETT was hauling on one of the bow ropes, he suddenly dropped back on the windlass dead. Capt. Lamey called to Mr J. Bailey, who was standing talking to the deceased's son on the Quay. The two men went on board and, finding how matters were, Mr Bailey proceeded to Pitt Hill and broke the sad news to the widow and family. Dr Rice was soon on the spot, and certified that life was extinct. Thereupon P.C.'s Perrin and Pack had the body conveyed to the home on a Police ambulance. Deceased was well-known in Appledore, having been engaged in the coasting trade here for many years. He leaves a widow, three sons and five daughters, all grown up. - The Inquest on the deceased was held at the Working-men's Reading Room on Monday by Dr Ellis Pearson. - THOMAS HENRY LOBBETT, son, gave evidence of identification. His father had had fairly good health for the last twelve months and was in good health when he went to sea on the ketch "Julia." Witness was surprised to hear of his death. - Capt. Bartholomew Lamey said deceased was acting as his mate on the "Julia." He left Swansea on Friday, 15th and about 7 a.m., and was then all right and continued to do his work to the evening of July 16th, at which time they had brought up off the Quay at Appledore. At the time deceased was back by the tank and said he did not feel very well. Witness told him to drink a little water, which he did. Witness was putting out a rope to the shore at the time and when deceased was close to him he stopped and caught hold of a rope and let himself down on the deck. He lay on his stomach. Witness went to him, sat him up and sent the boy down to the cabin for some brandy. Deceased could not drink any and could not speak and witness felt sure he was dead then. He sent for a doctor. - Dr Rice said he was called to the vessel about 7.30 on Friday evening and found deceased lying on the deck dead. He had since made a post mortem examination. There were no external marks of violence. He found that deceased had valvular disease of the heart, and he was of opinion that death was due to cardiac syncope from that cause. - The Jury returned a verdict of Death from Natural Causes, in accordance with the medical evidence.

North Devon Journal, Thursday 5 August 1915
CREDITON - Crediton Lady's Death. Danger In Use Of Herbs. - Mr G. H. Stephens, Deputy Coroner, held an Inquest on Saturday at Crediton Police Station on MISS SUSIE KATE CORNISH, Western-road, Crediton. - MISS MARIA CORNISH, said the deceased, her sister, was aged 45. She died early on Friday morning, after a few days' illness. The deceased had been taking medicine supplied by Dr Powne for internal complaints. There was also a bottle of liquid in the house which deceased had prepared herself. She had from time to time prepared simple remedies, such as peppermint and elder tea, and witness presumed that the liquid in the bottle was something of that nature. - Dr Leslie Powne said he had attended deceased off and on for some years. Some time ago she had an operation for appendicitis, and had been more or less an invalid since. Last Tuesday he was called in and found deceased had been vomiting badly. Her temperature also was very high. She said she had not been well since her return from Bristol Infirmary. She said she had heard that an infusion of yew tree was good for internal complaints and she had tried some. She went out to the top of the town, picked some shoots from some of the trees and made tea with it. She took a little of this on Monday night without effect and on Tuesday morning took a larger quantity. Violent pain ensued, followed by sickness and in the evening he was fetched. The symptoms were those of an irritant poison, causing peritonitis. He had made a post mortem examination, which disclosed considerable displacement of the abdominal organs and a gastric ulcer, which had perforated the wall of the stomach, causing acute peritonitis, which was the cause of death. He thought the taking of the liquid spoken of by the deceased had hastened death somewhat; but it was not the cause of death. He desired to point out the grave danger of the promiscuous gathering and use of herbs. The deceased had been a sufferer for many years and probably grasped at anything which she thought might do her good. - The Coroner said people should be very careful in the use of herbs and eschew their use except under skilled advice or preparation. - Verdict: "Death from Natural Causes."

BRAUNTON - Sudden Death At Braunton. - The Deputy Coroner for North Devon, Dr Ellis Pearson, of Bideford, has conducted an Inquest at Braunton Police Station relative to the death of ELIZABETH BOWELL, aged 63 years, nurse in the family of the Rev. Clarence Theyre, of Heanton Close, Braunton, for over twenty years. It appears that the deceased attended prayers before retiring at 10.30 p.m., subsequently wishing the other servants "Good night," and went to bed. She appeared to be in her usual health, but next morning, at about 7.30, one of the servants, named Minnie Williams, went to her room and found her dead in bed. A post-mortem examination was made, as deceased had not been attended by a doctor for about two years. It was known, however, that she had suffered for many years from a weak heart. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Death from Natural Causes." - The interment was made in the St. Brannock's Burial Ground on Saturday, the Rev. E. R. Gotto (Vicar) performing the last obsequies. In addition to the brother and sister of the deceased there were also present, Mr and Mrs Theyre, Mrs Stevens, Mrs Thomas and Mr and Mrs Archer. Wreaths were sent from sister and brother, Mr and Mrs Theyre and the household staff.

North Devon Journal, Thursday 12 August 1915
ABBOTSHAM - Bathing Fatality At Abbotsham. Brave Attempt At Rescue. - Dr Ellis Pearson held an Inquest at Abbotsham Court, near Bideford, last evening, into the circumstances of the death of HAROLD BERNARD PLAYFAIR HOUGHTON, eldest son of MR BERNARD HOUGHTON, I.C.S. of Abbotsham Court. From the evidence adduced it appears that deceased went down to Abbotsham Cliffs with his sister and governess to have a bathe. There was a very heavy sea on at the time and they had hardly got into the water before they were in difficulties. The Rev. Walpole Sealy, son of the late Preb. Sealy, Vicar of Abbotsham, who is on holiday in the district, noticed that something was wrong, but not having his glasses could not exactly make it out. He was on top of the pebble ridge at the time and he ran to the water side, where he said he at once realised what had happened. Just removing his shoes and a portion of his clothes he jumped into the water and got the girl in who was nearest, and then jumped in after the boy, who by this time had been carried by the current some way out. He eventually got hold of him and then commenced a struggle to get the lad ashore. They were swamped time after time by the heavy breakers and Mr W. Berrry, of Exeter, formerly of Bideford, having noticed something was wrong, went out. They got hold of the lad, who then managed to clutch hold of them both and drag them under. They, however, held on to him and Mr Berry said he thought they were getting towards the shore when the lad pulled him under again and when he came to the surface he was properly exhausted. He then managed to get ashore and tried to improvise a rope with some clothes, &c., but it was no use and Mr Sealy described how in the meantime they were swamped by the breakers time after time. Eventually a big wave swamped them and they got separated. The lad was carried out to sea and he then saw he could not get at him and lay on his back and eventually drifted ashore. He thought he must have got out of the current in the dangerous gulley at this spot, which was the cause of the trouble. - Dr Toye said when he got to the cliffs just a quarter of an hour after receiving the message, Mr Sealy was on the grass in a state of collapse. With treatment they got him around, and about half an hour after the body of the lad washed ashore. He was apparently dead, but they tried artificial respiration for two hours, but it was of no avail. The cause of death was drowning and the Jury expressed their sympathy with the parents of the deceased. - The Coroner commended the splendid bravery shown by Mr Sealy and also Mr Berry.

North Devon Journal, Thursday 19 August 1915
NORTHAM - Northam Drowning Fatality. A Dangerous Place. - About noon on Sunday, LEONARD HORRIL GALE, 16, eldest son of MR CHAS. and MRS GALE, of Hazel-terrace, Northam, was accidentally drowned while bathing in the river Torridge at Boathyde, Northam. At the Inquest held on Monday afternoon at the Northam Vestry Room by the Deputy Coroner, Dr Ellis Pearson, and a Jury of which Mr W. H. Friendship was Foreman, evidence of identification was given by the mother, MRS EDITH GALE. The boy could not swim, but was learning. He was quite well when he left home to go to bathe in the river at Boathyde. She was afterwards told by a boy called Brown that he had been drowned and she was present when the body was being searched for. - William Glover, aged 14 years and a half, spoke to going bathing with a brother aged 12, another boy, Albert Brown and the deceased. Witness was the only one of them who could swim. - As far as the boy's story could be made out, they first went out to bathe together and he held up deceased while he was splashing about to teach him to swim. They seemed to have come out of the water and then gone in again separately, witness having a swim on his own. He saw deceased on the sand. GALE went out a bit too far, and "Halloed" to witness for help. Witness at first said there were a man and two boys on the rocks who had just come in from swimming and he shouted and then went and told the man there was a boy drowning, but he went on dressing and took no notice and said nothing, then going away. Afterwards when he told him the boy was drowned he said he thought witness had been joking. I was a Bideford man, he did not know who, and they were Bideford boys, one called Harding. Witness called for help before GALE went down. His brother Henry went home and Brown went home. Brown first went to tell somebody what was happening, and then went home because he said he did not like to see him drowning. - Closely questioned by the Coroner, witness said the man he had referred to was a hundred yards away and could not see what was happening. Witness did not go up to him, but about half-way. The man made no reply, but went on dressing and then went away. It was not the man who afterwards said he thought witness had been joking, but one of the boys. He did not know how old the boys were. One of them had left school and used to be on the 'bus. He did not know whether the man heard him when he spoke to him. - The Coroner: You cannot say whether the man heard anything about it. - Witness: He took no notice of it. - P.C. Small said about 12.40 he heard a rumour that a boy had been drowned at Boathyde. He went there. There were several people there already, including the boy's mother, all looking for the body. The last witness, a few other boys, and several men were there. The tide was running out very fast. When the tide had gone down, about 1.40, the body was left on a sand bank on the bed of the river. Artificial respiration was tried for three-quarters of an hour, but without result, and witness had the body removed to the mortuary at Northam. He saw the last witness, Glover, who told him he shouted to a man who had been bathing and was dressing on the rocks, and he took no notice. Witness asked him if he knew who the man was, and he said he was a Bideford man and that he finished dressing and went in the direction of Bideford. He added that there were two boys with him and that the name of one was Harding. Glover did not tell witness that he went up to the man and spoke to him, but that he shouted to him. - The Foreman: Was the tide running strong? - Witness: Very. - Do you consider the place safe for bathing? - Dangerous, very, at any time, and I should like to stop bathing there if I could. - A Juror: It is very dangerous except at dead high water and it is bad enough then. It is especially dangerous at half ebb or half flow. - The Coroner suggested that the Jury would not have any difficulty in finding a verdict of "Accidentally Drowned." - Some of the Jury suggested enquiring further into the boy's story about the man. - The Coroner: There is no evidence that the man knew anything about it. - Mr Harding (a Juror) hoped the case would be a warning to other boys. It was a most dangerous place and there ought to be a notice prohibiting bathing there. (Hear, hear). - The Jury returned a verdict of Accidental Drowning, and asked the Coroner to request the authorities to, if possible, put up a notice prohibiting bathing at Boathyde. They passed a vote of condolence with the family and gave their fees to the mother.

North Devon Journal, Thursday 2 September 1915
ILFRACOMBE - Sudden Death At Ilfracombe. - Dr Ellis Pearson, Deputy Coroner, held an Inquest at the Tyrrell Cottage Hospital on Monday on HENRY BOND, aged about 60, of Swansea, who was found dead the previous day in the cabin of the yawl "Emma." WILLIAM BOND, son of deceased, said he and his father left the Mumbles about 4 p.m. on Saturday last in the yawl "Emma," and arrived at Ilfracombe about 10.30. Deceased was then in good health. They had a quiet passage, and slept on board both on Saturday and Sunday nights. About 10 minutes to 10 on Sunday night witness was awakened by a sailor named Williams who was mending the tiller. Witness jumped out of his bunk and shook his father, but he did not answer. He then called Williams, who said, "Your father is dead." He informed the Police. Deceased had undergone an operation some time ago and had a heavy cough in the winter. Fredk. Williams corroborated and added that when he saw deceased he was lying on his left side as if he were asleep. Nothing had been disturbed in the cabin. Dr Percy Gardner said he was called to the yawl about 10 a.m. on Monday and found deceased dead in his bunk. He had since made a post mortem examination and found the right lung indicated pleurisy. The heart was fatty and the right side dilated, and the left kidney was enlarged and dilated. Death was due to syncope, brought on by heart trouble. A verdict of "Death from Natural Causes" was returned.

North Devon Journal, Thursday 9 September 1915
BRAUNTON - An Inquest was held at Braunton on Monday evening, by Dr Ellis Pearson, Deputy Coroner, Bideford, to Enquire into the death of MISS ELIZABETH HAMMOND, of Wrafton-road. MR HAMMOND, deceased's brother and Dr Wright gave evidence. It appears that in April last MISS HAMMOND fell downstairs and broke her leg. Ever since that time she had suffered from the effects of the accident and had been attended by the firm of Messrs. Wright and Trall. Deceased was 86 years of age and died on Sunday last. The Jury returned a verdict of "Death from Heart Failure, due to shock from Accident."

ST GILES IN THE WOOD - MISS ELLEN NORRISH, who had been an invalid for several years, has passed away rather suddenly. An Inquest was held by Dr E. Pearson, Deputy Coroner, in the Reading Room. Mr Macindoe made a post mortem examination and the Jury returned a verdict in accordance with his evidence that death was due to Natural Causes - that deceased died from tuberculosis. The funeral of deceased took place at the Parish Churchyard, many friends and acquaintances attending. Two of the deceased's favourite hymns were sung in church and after the lesson Mrs Walker played the Dead March in Saul. Deceased was much beloved by all who knew her and her patient cheerfulness won her many friends. She was constantly being visited by her neighbours and the children of the village loved her.

North Devon Journal, Thursday 16 September 1915
BIDEFORD - MAJOR RICHARD DE BERRY, aged 54, a paying guest at Culver House, the Strand, was found dead in bed on Monday morning. At the Inquest on Tuesday the medical evidence showed that death was due to syncope, the result of fatty degeneration of the heart, and a verdict was returned accordingly.

SOUTH MOLTON - On Thursday Dr Ellis Pearson held an Inquest at the Guildhall, Southmolton, concerning the death of JOHN PIPER, 74, of No. 8 Cook's Cross, Southmolton. Mr J. Bushen was elected Foreman of the Jury. - MRS ANNIE HULLAND, daughter of the deceased, said that on August 7th her father met with an accident, breaking his thigh. He had been in failing health for some time. He lived alone and cooked his own food. - Mrs Hill, a neighbour, said that about a quarter to six in the evening of August 7th she was crossing the street near deceased's house when he enquired the time. PIPER was sitting on a stool by his door. About 6 o'clock she saw some people in the street and found that deceased had fallen. She assisted him into his house and sent for his daughter. - The Foreman: Was he conscious? - Oh yes, quite. - Dr Seal, Southmolton, said he was summoned to attend the deceased, and found he was suffering from a fracture of the thigh-bone. He had the man removed to his daughter's house and treated him till his death, which occurred on September 8th. Witness was doubtful from the first whether he would recover. During the last two weeks he failed through congestion of the lungs. The fracture necessitated the man lying on his back, and this brought about the congestion. Death was due to heart failure, following congestion of the lungs, which was brought on by the injury. - Replying to the Foreman, Dr Seal said he thought the fracture was due to the deceased slipping and not to a stroke. - The Coroner: But for the accident, although he was an old man, he might have been alive at the present time? - Yes. - Mr Frank Williams, a Juror: Does the doctor think the house the man lived in was a fit place for him to live by himself? - Dr Seal: Hardly, but it was his own choice. - Mr Williams: I don't blame MRS HULLAND, because her place is spotless, but that place was very dirty; there was no other house in Southmolton like it. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death."

BISHOPS TAWTON - The Sad Bathing Fatality Near Barnstaple. The Inquest. - As reported in our last issue MISS AIMEE SYMONDS, nursery governess of 44 Fort-street, Barnstaple, was drowned while bathing with friends near Newbridge, Bishopstawton, on Wednesday afternoon in last week. The affair produced a painful sensation at Barnstaple where deceased was well-known and held in high esteem. MISS SYMONDS was 27 years of age. The Inquest was held in Bishopstawton Schoolroom on Thursday, before Dr Ellis Pearson, Deputy Coroner, of Bideford, and Jury, Mr William Waldron was Foreman. - MISS JESSIE SYMONDS stated that a party consisting of deceased (her sister), the Misses Muriel and Marjorie Mason and herself went up the river from Barnstaple in a boat on the previous afternoon. On reaching a point near Newbridge, three of them proceeded to bathe, witness being the only one who did not enter the water. The deceased could swim, as well as the little girl who entered the water, but the other young lady could not. They all seemed to be together at the start, and then her sister, as though to show that she could swim, went across the river. Just afterwards her sister called out, as witness thought, in fun. Witness was just about to remark "How well you are swimming," when deceased again called out, as witness still thought, in fun. Witness then shouted "Are you doing it only in fun or are you in earnest." Deceased still kept calling out and witness then discovered that she was in difficulties. A gentleman named Fox shortly after came along and at witness's request, he took off his coat and shoes, and plunged into the water. Although fearing it was hopeless, witness ran about to get other help and found Mr Fry (the boatman) on the opposite bank not very far away. Fry ran up with an oar in his hand and a crowd also seemed to collect. Witness was in a dazed condition and scarcely knew what she was doing, but she believed she saw Mr Fry get her sister out of the water later, although several people were trying at the same time. A considerable time elapsed before the body was found; her sister had been in the water a very long time. Everyone helped as much as possible. - Mr Chas. Fox spoke to being on the river bank on Wednesday afternoon about five o'clock. Before he heard anyone shouting for help he thought he saw a lady (the deceased) in distress in the water, about 150 yards away. When he heard someone shout "help," he rushed along the bank as hard as he could. Witness asked "Is the lady in distress?" and a young lady replying "Oh yes, she is," witness immediately took off his coat and shoes, and dived into the water with the rest f his clothes on. The deceased was about 20 yards out. Just as witness dived MISS SYMONDS disappeared. Witness was handicapped in diving with his clothes on and tired to reach the deceased with his feet, but did not succeed. He then saw a man with some ladies in a boat and shouted to him to come and help. Having landed the ladies, the man came along in the boat as fast as possible. Witness swam out to the boat in order if possible to dive from the boat if he could see the body, but he saw no signs of it. Witness found it necessary to go and get a change of clothes, again returning to find people looking for the body. - In answer to a question, the witness said when he saw deceased she appeared to be only using her arms and not her legs, as though she had cramp and was in pain. Witness was not a strong swimmer, but fairly expert; he had not tried to swim with his clothes on before. - The Foreman: You saw nothing to lead you to suppose it was anything but a pure accident? - No, nothing at all. - P.C. Tolley said it was about 5.50 when a boy named Morgan informed him that a lady was being drowned near Newbridge and he at once got some grappling irons and cycled to the spot. When he arrived the body had just been found by Mr Fry (the boatman) who was assisted by Mr E. Buckingham, of Barnstaple. Mr Fox took him across the river in a boat and witness and Mr W. Ward, of the Red Cross Detachment at Barnstaple (who happened to come along) tried artificial respiration for twenty minutes, but found no signs of life. Dr Rock Carling, of London, who was staying at Newbridge Cottages, also tried artificial respiration for a further three-quarters of an hour, but without success. Witness afterwards took charge of the body and brought it to Bishopstawton. - Dr Rock Carling also spoke to his efforts in the matter. There was nothing to show that death was due to anything but drowning. P.C. Tolley added that the pit in which deceased was drowned was known as Falls Pit, and the depth of water on Wednesday was 10 to 12 feet. It was a dangerous spot, especially when the tide was running. In answer to the Coroner, he said there were no danger boards at the spot, as it was not a public place. He had been stationed at Bishopstawton ten or twelve years, and he had never previously known any fatality at the spot. - The Coroner, summing up, said n doubt it was a pure accident and everything possible was done to save deceased. MISS SYMONDS could swim, but was evidently seized with cramp or something of that sort and sank before help could be got. He referred in specially appreciative terms to the services of Mr Fox and said P.C. Tolley and Dr Carling did all they possibly could. - A verdict of "Accidentally Drowned" was returned, the Foreman adding that the Jury desired to tender their sympathy to the relatives in their sad bereavement. - The Coroner was sure the family would very much appreciate the Jury's kind sentiments. - The Foreman added that the Jury also desired to thank Mr Fox for the splendid assistance which he had given. Perhaps the Press would draw attention to the fact that the spot where deceased was drowned was a very dangerous one. - Mr Fox: I am only sorry I did not succeed in my attempt to save deceased.

North Devon Journal, Thursday 30 September 1915
WESTWARD HO! - An Inquest was held at Westward Ho! on Monday, on MRS ELIZABETH ANN NANCE-KIVELL, who was killed at Westward Ho Railway Station on Friday evening. The Deputy Coroner, Dr Ellis Pearson, conducted the Inquiry. Mr C. E. R. Chanter, Solicitor, of Barnstaple, attended on behalf of the Bideford and Westward Ho! and Appledore Railway Company and expressed sympathy with the husband and family of the deceased. Mr W. B. Seldon, solicitor, Bideford, represented the husband and relations. - The husband, MR CHARLES HENRY NANCE-KIVELL, stated that he last saw his wife alive at Westward Ho Post Office about 6.30 p.m. on Friday. She left the Post Office to go home. He advised her to be careful and said he would follow. Deceased, who was in her usual health, was a little deaf, and had a slight cold. The next he heard was that she was dead. His wife was 77 years of age last birthday. - George Camp, one of the officials of the railway, who was on duty on the platform at the time of the accident, said he heard a shout, and on looking round saw deceased step off the platform. A tall man, whom he did not know, attempted to pull her back. There were about a dozen people present on the platform at the time. - Engine-driver Fred Palmer stated that he had been employed by the Company for [?] years and three months, and this was his first accident. He neither saw nor heard anything. He sounded his whistle at the crossing some 200 yards away. Feeling a "knock" at the Station he pulled the train up at once. He heard no shouting. Tuplin was also with him on the engine. In reply to the Foreman, witness said he pulled up within two yards. - Edward Woodcock stated that he was on the platform at the time of the accident and heard the whistle. Just as the train came to the gates he saw a form, which disappeared. The train was at once brought up and backed. He then saw the lifeless body of deceased. In reply to the Police Superintendent, witness said the people on the platform wee mostly women. - Dr Francis, who examined the body of deceased, said there was a blow over the eye, the face was cut, both legs were practically severed from the body, the right arm was broken in two places and the skull fractured. Death was instantaneous. - Walter Moody, Stationmaster, stated he was on the platform on the evening in question at 6.40. He saw the lady step in front of the train in order to walk across the platform. A tall man put out his hand and tried to prevent her. - By the Foreman: He often saw the kissing gates used. To close the Station gates when a train was coming in would make it a bit awkward for anyone late for the train. - By Mr Chanter: Where the accident happened was in the Company's Station. - Mr Seldon: Where one person used the kissing gates, fifty use these other gates by the Station? - I could not say as many as that, but the majority of people crossing go by the Station gates. - Mr Seldon suggested a barrier to prevent people going on to the line while allowing them to go on to the Station, but witness did not think that possible. - The Jury viewed the place, and after a consultation in private, the Foreman said they had unanimously agreed upon a verdict of "Accidental Death." The Jury exonerated the driver in every way, but they wished to suggest to the Company whether it would not be wise and advisable to keep the small gates locked by the best means known to railway practice while trains were passing. The Jury also expressed their sympathy with the relatives, in which the Coroner and Mr Chanter, for the Company, joined. - Mr Seldon, acknowledging on behalf of MR NANCE-KIVELL the sympathy expressed, said after hearing the evidence, MR NANCE-KIVELL quite agreed that there was no blame whatever to be attached to the driver, who carried out his duties properly. But still he did feel very, very strongly, that this accident might have been avoided if some other means had been taken with regard to his level-crossing. It seemed for a long time past it had been the general opinion in the neighbourhood that the crossing was not quite as it should be. After the gates were closed against vehicular traffic, boys even rode bicycles through the small gates and right across the line. He suggested substituting gate posts which would not obstruct the view and that the small gates should be closed when trains were passing - in the latter case there would be no necessity to reduce the gate posts. - Mr Chanter said he would bring the suggestions of the Jury and Mr Seldon before the Company, and they would receive every consideration.

North Devon Journal, Thursday 7 October 1915
LANDKEY - Sad Tragedy At Landkey. Well-Known Farmer Takes His Life. - Widespread sorrow (coupled with expressions of sympathy for the bereaved family) was occasioned at Landkey on Thursday morning by the tragic death of MR EDWARD STADDON PENGELLY JONES, one of the best-known and most-highly esteemed agriculturists in the district. MR JONES rose early in the morning and some little time later was found in the meal-house of Newlands Park (one of his farms) having sustained terrible injuries to his head, with his gun (both barrels of which had been discharged) lying by his side. Medical aid was at once summoned, but death occurred within ten minutes. - MR JONES (who was a native of Landkey and was 67 years of age) had for long farmed simultaneously Newlands Park (Landkey) and Winson Farm, (Chittlehampton). Two years ago he was crossing a field at Winson, when he fell, dislocating his shoulder. He never recovered from the effects of the accident, the breakdown in health culminating in the sad tragedy of Thursday. MR JONES was a man of varied activities, and wide sympathies. A practical agriculturist, he was recognised as an expert land valuer, his advice being widely sought. He was a member of the Devon Land Valuers' Association. The deceased was the Clerk to the Parish Council, collector of Income Tax for the parish and also Assistant Overseer, having held these positions for many years. MR JONES also acted as Vicar's warden for some time. He was an ardent politician, being accustomed to preside at Unionist meetings held at Landkey. In these and many other directions he will be greatly missed. MR JONES, whose wife pre-deceased him about eight years ago, leaves four sons and four daughters. - At the Inquest held before Dr Ellis Pearson, (Deputy Coroner for North Devon) on Thursday afternoon, the evidence went to show that MR JONES had been in ill-health for some time past. He was, however, about as usual last week. Having an appointment at Torrington on Thursday, he rose early and his son (MR C. A. JONES) gave him a cup of tea at six o'clock. MR JONES spoke to his daughter-in-law a little later regarding his breakfast and said that meanwhile he would go and separate the milk. He went out, and shortly after seven o'clock the report of a gun was heard in the meal-house near by. Hurrying there, MR JONES, junr., found his father lying down with terrible injuries to his head, whilst his double-barrelled gun (with both barrels discharged) was lying by his side. Dr W. J. Cooper, of Barnstaple, was immediately summoned, but death occurred within a few minutes. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Death from Gunshot Wounds, self-inflicted, whilst Temporarily Insane" and expressed their sincere sympathy with the relatives. - An exceptionally large public attendance at the funeral on Monday afternoon attested the high esteem in which the deceased was held. The interment was made in the Parish Churchyard, the Vicar (Rev. T. B. Panther) officiating. The service throughout was most impressive. Mr W. Taylor (organist) feelingly played "O rest in the Lord," to Felton's setting, as the coffin was being taken in the church. The hymns, "Art thou weary" and "On the Resurrection Morn" were sung. At the end of the service, Mr Taylor played the dead March in Saul. The chief mourners were Mr and Mrs H. E. Jones (son and daughter-in-law), Mr and Mrs P. B. Jones (son and daughter-in-law), Mr J. P. Jones (son), Mr and Mrs C. A. Jones (son and daughter-in-law), Mr H. W. Rew (son-in-law), Mr and Mrs L. J. Rew (daughter and son-in-law), Mr and Mrs J. Bament (daughter and son-in-law), Mr and Mrs E. J. Verney (daughter and son-in-law), Mrs Bray, Bristol (sister); Masters Edward and Arthur Rew and Miss A. Rew (grandchildren); and Mr A. R. Bray (nephew). MR JONES having been the esteemed clerk of Landkey Parish Council, the following members attended: - Messrs. W. T. Buckingham, J.P., C.C. (Chairman), J. Darch, J. Dunn, T. King, J. Webber, R. Tucker, M. Watts, W. H. Harris, R. Petherick. The three last-named members, in addition to Messrs. G. Gammon, J. Dart and J. Symons, acted as bearers. Others present were Mr and Mrs J. Beer (Rumsam, Barnstaple), Mr J. Bament, sen. (Barnstaple), Miss Rippin, Master Jack Rippin, Mrs J. Gill (Chittlehampton), Louis Maynard, Mr W. Taylor, Mr and Mrs Crang (Fern Cott), Messrs. R. E. C. Balsdon, J. Smale, A. E. Hopper, H. Heape (Barnstaple), S. Crocker, W. Seldon (Swymbridge), Grimshire (Chittlehampton), W. Webber, G. Nuttall (representing the Barnstaple Conservative Association), W. Ford, H. Bale, Shapland, H. Verney, J. Verney, King, Hole, A. Stanbury (Landkey), A. Symons, G. Gratton, E. Down, Green, W. Gratton, R. Price, Nicholls, Setherton, Mesdames J. Petherick, Holman, Massey, Jones, Nicholls, Rippin, Conibear, Ford, Gammon, Thomas, Lock, Sexon, Smallridge, Misses Hart and Southwood. - The exquisite floral tributes were:- In Loving Memory of our dear father, from his sorrowing children; In loving memory, from Herbert Rew and family (son-in-law); In loving memory of dear grandpa, from his seventeen sorrowing grandchildren; With much sympathy from Mr and Mrs Eustace Wigram (Mount Sandford); With deepest sympathy, from Mrs Shapland and Mrs Trute; With deepest sympathy, Mr and Mrs W. Cocks (Chittlehampton); With deepest sympathy, Mr and Mrs Barrow; With deepest sympathy and in loving memory, from Mr and Mrs Bament (Braunton-road); With deepest sympathy, from Messrs. Ford and Thomas; In affectionate remembrance of a valued friend and with deepest sympathy, from members of the Landkey Parish Council; With deepest sympathy, Mr and Mrs Beer and family; From Mr and Mrs A. Nicholls, teachers and scholars of the Landkey Church School, in remembrance of dear MR JONES; With deepest sympathy, from Grannie Rew; In memory of dear father, from all at Watertown; With deepest sympathy, from his beloved sister; With deep sympathy, from Miss Bament (Torquay); In kind remembrance of one who was kind and whose end was sad, "The Lord will have mercy," from Mr J. Gill (Chittlehampton). Mr W. H. Southwood, of Landkey, carried out the funeral arrangements.

North Devon Journal, Thursday 14 October 1915
ILFRACOMBE - Suicide At Ilfracombe. - An Inquest was held at the Tyrrell Cottage Hospital on Thursday afternoon touching the death of MRS CLARA ANN GROVES, wife of MR WALTER WILLIAM GROVES, of Pretoria-terrace, Slade. The Inquest was conducted by Dr Ellis Pearson (Deputy Coroner for North Devon) and Mr M. W. Tattam was chosen Foreman of the Jury. - The first witness was the husband, who stated that his wife was 43 years of age. For the past 10 or 12 months she had lived with her aunt, Miss Colwill, at 11 Oxford-grove, as she was in ill-health and could get more attendance there than at home. She had been ill for upwards of two years. - The Coroner: What happened on October 5th? - Witness: I did not know anything about it until I arrived in town about 9.15. I called there every evening. - Witness added that deceased suffered from hysteria. After he arrived she began to get worse. She complained of something rising in her throat, and said "This stuff is poisoning me." - The Coroner: Did she say anything about taking poison? - Witness: She said it was poisoning her, as she did every other night. She would say that poison was coming out of her throat. - The Coroner: It was a common expression? - Witness: Yes, it was a common expression. - The Coroner: She so often said that, that you thought nothing unusual? - Witness: No, we did not think anything unusual at all. - Witness added that as she was getting worse they sent for a doctor. The doctor soon arrived, abut his wife was then dead. - The Coroner: Before she died did she tell you what she had done? - Witness: She said nothing and I had no suspicions. - The Foreman of the Jury: Was that not a worse attack than usual? - Witness: It was. We saw she was getting worse and we sent for the doctor. - The Foreman: Had she previously threatened to take her life? - Witness: No. - Q.: Did she tell the others she had taken poison? - A.: No, they did not know anything about it. - The next witness was Miss Mary Elizabeth Colwill, with whom the deceased had lived for the last twelve months. Deceased, witness said, was suffering from nervous debility and hysteria. She seemed very depressed all day Tuesday and especially towards the evening. There was no particular reason for it. Just after 8 o'clock witness asked her to come to supper, but she replied that she did not require any. Shortly after she heard deceased retching, as she was accustomed to do. Witness went and told her to stop or she would hurt her throat. She took her by the arm and said, "Come to bed," as she thought deceased was going to have another hysterical attack. Deceased lay on the bed and groaned, but did not say anything. Afterwards MR GROVES came in and took deceased in his arms. They sent for Dr Jones. In the meantime she spoke and said, "Nasty - it's the poison." She had been in the habit of saying that many times a day. Before the doctor arrived she had expired. When the doctor came witness told him about some oxalic acid she had bought for cleaning brass, because she found that it was missing, "I thought in my own mind," added witness, "That she must have taken it." - The Coroner: Was it due to anything the doctor said that you went and looked at the poison? - Witness: I really could not tell. I think it was just as the doctor came in. - In answer to questions, witness said deceased was excitable, but she had never threatened to take her life. Witness was positive that what deceased did was done on the spur of the moment. - The Foreman: At times she was very strange, I understand? - Witness: Yes, she was. Sometimes we could not get her to speak. Witness added that probably she had one of her hysterical fits coming on, and did it without really knowing what she was doing. Witness purchased the oxalic acid, which was in crystals the same day. Deceased mixed it with water for witness's use some time during the afternoon. The packet was labelled "poison." - Miss Moxen stated that in conversation she had had with deceased, the latter had expressed herself strongly against suicide. - Dr Jones then gave evidence, and spoke as to being called to 11 Oxford Grove on Tuesday night. When he arrived deceased was quite dead. He had not seen her alive since Sept. 2nd. He had been attending her a few months before that. She suffered from neurasthenia; she could not sleep well and almost starved herself. He had made a post mortem examination and had found all the organs of the body healthy. He had tested the contents of the stomach and had found a quantity of oxalic acid. In his opinion death was due to oxalic acid poisoning. - In reply to a question, witness said that when deceased had a hysterical attack she might not be responsible for her actions. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Suicide whilst Temporarily Insane," and expressed sympathy with the husband and family.

North Devon Journal, Thursday 21 October 1915
STOKE RIVERS - Fatal Accident At Stoke Rivers. - Dr Ellis Pearson, Deputy Coroner for North Devon, conducted an Inquest at Stoke Rivers, near Barnstaple, on Friday evening, relative to the death of MARY ANN CLARKE, of that village. The evidence showed that the deceased, who was 76 years of age, had been in failing health of late. She went to bed as usual on October 12th, but about midnight, her married daughter, who lived in the same house together with her husband, heard a noise resembling someone falling and on investigating found deceased lying at the bottom of the stairs, she having fallen down over. She was immediately picked up and put to bed and medical assistance summoned. Dr Manning, of Barnstaple, was soon in attendance and did everything possible, but she passed away on Thursday, death being due to fracture of the skull. - A verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned.

COMBE MARTIN - An Inquest was held in the Town Hall on Thursday by the Deputy Coroner, touching the death of EDWARD LEY, aged 83, who had been living with his son-in-law and daughter, MR and MRS JAMES ROOKE, at Boon's Cottage, High-street, Combe Martin. Mr H. Isaac was chosen Foreman of the Jury. MRS EDITH ROOKE, the daughter, stated that her father had a nasty fall indoors a day or two before his death. The doctor was at once sent for and attended deceased until his death. Dr T. A. Richardson stated that as the result of the fall, deceased's arm was badly injured; inflammation set in on the following day, then septic poisoning, which caused his death. The Jury returned a verdict in accordance with the evidence.

North Devon Journal, Thursday 4 November 1915
ILFRACOMBE - Fatal Accident At Ilfracombe. - Dr Ellis Pearson, District Coroner, held an Inquest at Ilfracombe on Saturday, on WILLIAM ERNEST SMITH, aged 14 years, son of MR JOHN SMITH, of Wilder-road. From the evidence it appeared that on March 5th last, the boy, when delivering milk, stepped on the grating of a coal cellar at No. 17 St Brannock's-road. The grating canted, the boy's right leg went through the opening and his hip was injured. He had suffered from the result of the accident ever since. - At first he was attended by Dr Toller at his home, and was then for fifteen weeks treated at the Tyrrell Cottage Hospital. He was discharged from the Hospital on 17th October, but died last week. Mr W. F. Watts, of the firm of Messrs. Rowe and Warren, solicitors, watched the case on behalf of Mr Vellacott, dairyman, the employer of the lad. - MRS SMITH, the mother, said her son had never told her he had played football after the accident, that he had kicked at the ball and missed it, and hurt his hip. - Edward Frederick Gibbs, a boy, stated that he was with the deceased n the day of the accident. Coming up the steps, SMITH called out that he had slipped and his foot went down a coal-hole. Witness never heard deceased say he had played football after the accident. - Mr E. Gratton Philips said the cover was kept in position by a piece of rope drawn from a ring to a hook. Witness walked over the coal-hole a short time before the accident. The cover seemed all right then. He did not hear of the accident for weeks afterwards. The same night he walked over the cover again and did not notice anything amiss. - Mr T. Vellacott, dairyman, stated that on March 5th the deceased came back from a milk round and said he had put his foot down a coal hole. He continued to deliver milk for about four weeks afterwards. He made no complaint of an injury and did not walk lame. About two and a half weeks after the accident he came back from a football match. He had muddy boots and said in reply to witness's son, "I have been playing football. I kicked at the ball, missed it and hurt my hip." After that the boy walked lame. - Dr Toller said the lad told him he met with the accident owing to his foot going through a coal-hole. Death was due to exhaustion, following sarcoma of the hip joint. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death, caused by falling down a Coal-hole."

EAST BUCKLAND - Dr Ellis Pearson, Deputy Coroner for North Devon, conducted an Inquest on Friday at East Buckland relative to the death of the three-months' old child of THOMAS CROOK, of Ivy Cottage. The child was not very well on Sunday, but seemed better the following day. On Tuesday it was not so well again, and on Wednesday morning had a convulsion and passed away suddenly. Dr Seal, of Southmolton, spoke to the results of a post mortem examination, and a verdict of "Death from Natural Causes" was returned.

BIDEFORD - Woman's Suicide At Bideford. - Dr Ellis Pearson, Deputy Coroner, conducted an Inquest at Bideford on Monday touching the death of FLORENCE ASH, aged 38, a cook at North View House, Bideford, who had been missing since Sunday morning, her body being found in the river Torridge on Monday morning. The evidence of Amelia Slee (an aunt of the deceased) and Bessie Ware (parlourmaid at North View) showed that deceased was out with them on Saturday evening, she being then very bright. She went to bed about 10 o'clock, but was missing the following morning. On a search being made a note in deceased's handwriting was found in her dressing-table, addressed to "My dear ones," asking the Lord's forgiveness for bringing them that terrible trouble, and also expressing gratitude for all their kindness. The witness Ware said deceased, with whom their relations were most cordial, had been low and depressed and for some time had complained of not being well. On Saturday evening, however, she was quite bright. - By Mr W. B. Seldon, solicitor, who represented Mrs Hole, deceased's employer: Deceased had complained of a heavy pressure on the head and that she could not sleep. Witness added that the only trouble deceased had was regarding her health. - P.C. Wills spoke to finding the body, fully dressed, at low water mark in the river. - Dr E. J. Toye said deceased consulted him at the end of September, having a nervous breakdown. He advised a rest and a change and she went to Exmouth. He next saw her on Wednesday last, when she was still suffering from melancholia and depression and complained of nervous sensations in her head. He advised a prolonged rest and change. He saw nothing of her again until that morning, when he examined the body. He mentioned that deceased had an operation about twelve months ago and worried a good deal that her complaint might be cancer. Her melancholia was likely to cause her a fit of depression at any time. Death was due to drowning. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Suicide by Drowning, whilst Temporarily Insane." - Mr W. B. Seldon, on behalf of Mrs Hole, expressed her great grief and sympathy at the sad end of a trusted and valued servant, who had been in her employ about three years, during the whole of which time her relationships with her mistress and other servants were of the most intimate and cordial nature. As far as they had been able to ascertain, her relationship with her friends was also satisfactory, her only trouble being the state of her health, which seemed to have preyed on her mind more lately than before. She had had fits of sleeplessness, which had added to her troubles regarding her health and there was no question that that was the sole cause of that unfortunate occurrence. With the exception of Mrs Slee, she had no relatives in this part, and Mrs Hole had showed her every kindness and consideration.

North Devon Journal, Thursday 11 November 1915
SWIMBRIDGE - Dr Ellis Pearson, Deputy Coroner for North Devon, Inquired at Swymbridge on Thursday into the death of THOMAS BOWDEN, farm labourer, aged 62. - BOWDEN was in the employ of Mr A. Bate, of Broomscott Farm, Swymbridge, and the evidence showed that after dinner on Tuesday he went out to load mangolds, and about 6.30 was found by his master lying in the field. He could speak, but was unable to walk. He was taken home, put to bed, and stimulants administered. Dr Thomas, of Barnstaple, being also sent for. Death, however, took place before his arrival. A post mortem revealed fatty degeneration of the heart and a verdict of "Death from Natural Causes" was returned.

North Devon Journal, Thursday 18 November 1915
ILFRACOMBE - Fatal Burns At Ilfracombe. - Dr Ellis Pearson, Deputy Coroner, held an Inquest at the Tyrrell Cottage Hospital, Ilfracombe on Thursday afternoon, touching the death of MINNIE JANE PAVEY, aged 18, employed as a servant by Mrs Buchanan Smith, of Tors Cottage, Ilfracombe, who was badly burnt the previous Friday morning, by her flannelette nightdress catching fire, and who died on Wednesday evening. MARTHA PAVEY, mother of deceased, who was much distressed, identified the body. She saw deceased on Friday morning last at Tors Cottage about 7 o'clock. She was on the mattress on the floor downstairs. Deceased told witness that she was striking a match and the head of the match flew off and she got out of bed to see where it went and she was all in flames. She struck the match to light a candle. Deceased screamed, but nobody heard her and she ran downstairs. Deceased was wearing a flannelette nightdress, bought about four years ago; but it was inflammable as she bought it herself and she asked for non-inflammable. The flannelette was marked non-inflammable. - Emily Buchanan Smith said that on November 5th she was aroused about 6.45 a.m. by hearing screams and deceased came downstairs and opened her door. She was all in flames and witness put her on her bed and threw her bedclothes over her to extinguish the flames. Witness sent for a doctor and deceased's mother and she was removed to the Hospital on the same day. - Dr Alfred Gardner said he was called to see deceased on November 5th, and had her removed to the Hospital. She was very badly burnt nearly all over the body. They were not deep burns. Deceased was very collapsed and the case was hopeless from the first. The cause of death was shock following extensive burns. - The Foreman, Mr M. Luxmoore, then examined the remains of the nightdress the deceased was wearing and said that if it was stamped non-inflammable it ought to be non-inflammable. Of course, the chemicals which make it non-inflammable would wash out in time. - A Juryman: I suppose "non-inflammable" flannelette will burn? - The Foreman: It will burn like calico, which, of course, will burn; but the flannelette which is stamped non-inflammable is guaranteed by the makers not to flare up. - The Coroner said it seemed that it was non-inflammable for a certain time only. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death," and added a rider to the effect that the public should be warned that flannelette stamped "non-inflammable" was not non-inflammable apparently after it had been washed a number of times. - The Jury handed their fees to the mother of the deceased, and expressed their sympathy with the parents. - The funeral took place on Monday afternoon, the service being held at the Wesleyan Church. The Rev. E. J. Brailsford conducted the service, assisted by the Rev. F. L. Kinnings, the latter concluding the service at the Parish Churchyard. The relatives and friends present were Mr and Mrs Pavey (parents), Beatrice, Hilda, Willie and Percy (sisters and brothers); Clara, Beatrice, Elizabeth and Lily (cousins); Mr J. Lovering (uncle), Mrs Tucker, Mrs Norman, and Mrs Orchard (aunts), and Mr A. Shortman (brother-in-law). The coffin was polished oak, with brass fittings, was covered with several handsome wreaths, of which a large number was sent, including one from the Wesleyan Bible Class and from deceased's late mistress. The funeral arrangements were carried out by Mr R. Pickett, the hearse was provided by Mr T. S. Colwill and the carriages by Messrs. Houlford Bros., and Thorne Bros.

North Devon Journal, Thursday 25 November 1915
BIDEFORD - Woman's Suicide At Bideford. Verdict of "Felo De Se." - At Bideford Hospital on Friday, the Deputy Coroner, Dr Ellis Pearson, conducted an Inquest into the circumstances attending the death of AGNES SUSAN WILKINSON, 47, widow of an engine driver, who was found lying on the Library steps on Tuesday evening suffering from poisoning, to which she subsequently succumbed in Hospital. - The body was identified by George Cole, an elderly farmer, living at Northam, who said deceased had lived with him at his house for the past five years. He last saw her when she brought him a cup of tea on Tuesday morning. After dinner time he went into Bideford to look for her. He made several inquiries. One person had seen her and he came to the conclusion that she had possibly gone to London. He informed the Police that she was missing. He had not had a quarrel with her; only a few words because she had been borrowing money. He had not assaulted her in any way or at any time, and he had never heard her threaten to take her life. He had some carbolic for his sheep, but he did not know if it was still in the house. - Mary Ann Sluman, a widow, of Bideford, said deceased called on her about midday on Tuesday. She was quite sober. She did not say much and would not stay to dinner as she said she had to go home. Deceased was a cousin of witness's husband. She borrowed a shilling before she went. Witness remarked to her that she was not looking well and she replied that she was low spirited and had been since her mother's death last January. Witness said she had never seen her the worse for liquor. - Other evidence was called to show that deceased was seen in High-street, Bideford, about 4 o'clock in the afternoon, when she appeared to be all right, but an hour later she was found lying at the entrance to the Library and was taken to the Police Station, it being first thought she was under the influence of drink. P.S. Doidge, however, smelt something like carbolic and sent for a doctor, meanwhile doing what he could. A bottle of poison was found in her pocket. The woman was unconscious and made no statement. - Dr Francis, of Northam, said he had made a post mortem examination and in his opinion the cause of death was poisoning by crude carbolic acid which he found in the stomach. The Jury returned a verdict of "Felo De Se."

ILFRACOMBE - Sudden Death At Ilfracombe. - An Inquest was held at the Tyrrell Hospital, on Monday, by Dr Ellis Pearson, Deputy Coroner, on the body of JANE TURNER, aged 78, who died on Saturday at 26 Cambridge Grove. - Mr W. Stephens was chosen Foreman of the Jury. - The first witness was Mrs S. A. Bynon, niece of the deceased, who identified her. The deceased had been living alone for 8 years past and witness had visited her every evening. Deceased had been a dressmaker and had of late taken in lodgers in the season. During last week, the deceased had a slight cold, but before then had enjoyed good health. - On Friday night, she said she was better, when witness saw her. She said she should go out on Sunday, but witness advised her not to do so. It was 9.15 p.m. when witness left, and she did not again see deceased alive. - Mrs Rebecca Harper said she lived next door to the deceased, and went to see her nearly every day. On Friday she saw deceased twice and she seemed better of her cold. On Saturday morning, about 10.30 witness went in again. The deceased said she had had a better night; witness stayed about 10 minutes. Deceased said she was going to write a letter and asked if witness's daughter would post it later. Her daughter went in just before 2 p.m. , and found the deceased looking very strange. She ran back to call witness, who went in directly and found deceased in a chair, dead. Deceased had a pen in her hand and a writing pad had dropped into the fender. Witness at once sent for a doctor. - Dr Osborne said he was called to see the deceased at 2.30 p.m. on Saturday. He found her sitting in front of the fireplace, lying back in a chair, quite dead. He had not attended her at any time. From a post mortem examination he found that there were no marks of violence. The heart was enlarged and diseased; the lungs were healthy, as was also the brain. The stomach was empty, and in a normal state. In witness's opinion, the cause of death was heart disease. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Death from Natural Causes."

ASHFORD - Dr Ellis Pearson, Deputy Coroner for North Devon, conducted an Inquest at Ashford on Monday, relative to the death of JANE CRISPIN, aged 82, widow of the late MR JOHN CRISPIN, of Bishopsnympton. Deceased fell over a step on the evening of the 15th inst., fractured her arm and sustained internal injuries. Dr Cooper, of Barnstaple, treated her and despite every attention she died from shock on the 20th. A verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned.

North Devon Journal, Thursday 2 December 1915
ILFRACOMBE - Fatal Burns At Ilfracombe. - Dr Ellis Pearson, Deputy Coroner, held an Inquest on Monday afternoon on the body of JAMES COURTENEY, who died on Saturday last at Higher Slade. - MRS HEWETT, daughter of deceased, said her father was 80 years of age. He had resided with witness and her husband about nine years. On Sunday, November 14th, witness and her husband went to chapel about 6 p.m., and left deceased sitting in a chair by the fire. Witness reached home again about 8.30 and found deceased sitting in the chair burnt. He had taken off his clothes, which were lying on the ground smouldering. He said he went out after some coal, and must have set his arm alight with the candle and he then took his clothes off and put the flames out. He did not appear at all frightened and did not complain of any pain. Witness wrapped him up in a blanket, used cotton wool and linseed oil, and sent for Dr Langridge, who attended him up to the time of his death. - They were in the habit of leaving him on Sunday evenings unless he was ill. - Dr Langridge said that on Sunday, November 14th he called to see deceased, who had been burnt and was in a collapsed state. He attended to him and subsequently he had bronchitis. In his opinion the cause of death was shock, following the burns and bronchitis. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death."

TAWSTOCK - Dr Ellis Pearson conducted an Inquest at Tawstock on Thursday afternoon relative to the death of MRS MARY ANN BERRY, wife of MR WILLIAM BERRY, farmer, of Restcott Farm. The evidence showed that deceased had been in her usual good health and retired to bed about nine o'clock on Tuesday night. Subsequently her husband found that she was ill and sent his brother for Mrs White (a neighbour) and Dr Lemarchand of Barnstaple, but deceased passed away without speaking, at 11.40, shortly before the doctor's arrival. A post mortem examination revealed the cause of death to be fatty degeneration of the heart and a verdict of Death from Natural Causes was returned, the Jury expressing sympathy with the husband in his sad loss. The interment was made on Saturday in Tawstock Churchyard. The Rev. T. F. Daffin (Curate) officiated. The chief mourners were:- MR WM. BERRY (husband), Mr and Mrs A. Hockridge (brother and sister-in-law), Miss Alice Gill (niece), Mrs R. Miles, Croyde (cousin), Mr J. Berry (Tawstock, brother-in-law). The coffin, which was of unpolished oak, with brass mountings, bore the following inscription:- "MARY ANN BERRY, died November 23rd, 19156" There were no flowers by request.

North Devon Journal, Thursday 9 December 1915
ILFRACOMBE - Death Of A Westdown Lad At Ilfracombe. Inquest And Verdict. - In our last issue we recorded the death of a lad of 15, named LEONARD SMALE, of Westdown, who was taken to the Cottage Hospital, Ilfracombe, and died a few days after his arrival there. The Inquest was held at the Cottage Hospital, at 4 p.m., on Friday by Dr Ellis Pearson, Deputy Coroner. - Mr J. Woodward was chosen Foreman of the Jury. - MARK EDWARD SMALE, father of deceased, identified the body. His son had been employed by Mr Chugg, of Cheglinch, Westdown, as farm boy, since Lady-day last, and no complaint had been made as to his work, so far as witness knew. Deceased had never complained of anyone on the farm. On the morning of November 18th last, he was taken to his home in a trap. Before that, he had always had good health. On the day named witness found the boy at home when he himself got back from work. The boy said he had a bad foot. He had been in the farmyard during the dinner hour of November 17th, with a man named George Philip Pile, who was mending the tailboard of a cart. Deceased said he told Pile that he could not see to drive a nail straight. Pile said he could see as well as the deceased, who then said that Pile could not look across a field. Pile then threw the iron that was in his hand (a gate hook) at the lad and it went through the heel of his boot and into his heel. Miss Chugg had dressed the wound for him, with healing ointment. The boy remained at home until Saturday, November 27th. While he was at home, they poulticed the foot with bread and linseed meal; deceased did not stay in bed all the time, but came down. By November 26th deceased did not seem to be getting better, and his heel swelled with matter coming from it. They then thought that it would be best for him to see a doctor and on the next day, they took him into Ilfracombe. Dr Jones, whom they saw, advised them to take the lad to the Hospital, which they did and he had remained there to the time of his death. During the stay at home, deceased made no complaint of any sort about the treatment he had received at the farm. - Miss Chugg, Cheglinch, said that the deceased was employed at her father's farm, as farm boy. Witness saw him about 1.30 p.m. on November 17th; he was then well. About 2.15 on the same day, she heard that he had had an iron thrown at him and it had cut him on the heel. Witness had the boy brought in and bound up the injured foot. The next morning witness looked at it and bound it afresh with some ointment on a clean rag. Deceased seemed in pain, so after he had had some breakfast, they sent him home in a cart. Deceased made no complaint as to Pile having thrown a hook at him. Witness saw them both before dinner and they seemed the best of friends. - By the Jury: Deceased said nothing as to the cause of Pile throwing the hook. - By the Coroner: The two were often playing together - sometimes wrestling in the barn. When the boy came into the house, he had a clean piece of rag on his foot, which Pile had given him. - Dr A. L. Gardner said that on November 27th last deceased was brought to the Hospital, and on being examined was found to be suffering from a septic wound, which was discharging matter, in his right heel. It was treated by hot fomentations. Witness did not examine the rest of the body until Monday morning. There was nothing in the deceased's condition, when he first came, to arouse suspicion - the temperature was about 100, not unduly high for the septic condition of the foot. On the Monday, witness made a thorough examination and found that he thought were solid patches of blood in the chest and took to be patches of bronchial pneumonia. There were no sounds of anything wrong with the heart; the wound in the foot was discharging freely and showing better conditions, while the temperature had dropped from 103 on Sunday to 100.8. The patient seemed much more comfortable, in spite of the lung trouble. When asked about pain, all he could say was that he had pain in his body. There was a piece of dead bone in the heel. On Tuesday, the temperature was normal and deceased was comfortable until the afternoon. About 9 p.m. he had suddenly complained of great pain in the pit of the stomach and his breathing was more difficult. Hot fomentations were applied to the pit of the stomach and witness saw him just before 11 p.m. He was then in a state of collapse and obviously dying, which took place at 12.45 p.m. on Wednesday. Witness had since made a post mortem examination and found a punctured wound on the right heel, slightly on the inner side. There was a little inflammation and the bone was partly exposed; no other wound was visible on the body. Internally, there was marked inflammation of the pericardium, which was enormously distended with fluid; there was extensive pleurisy and much fluid in the pleural cavity. There were no signs of disease of the heart or any other organ; the lungs had no trace of bronchial pneumonia and the stomach was in a healthy state; there was no indication of abscess anywhere. The cause of death was acute pericarditis and pleurisy. - By the Coroner: The wound might have made him more susceptible to pericarditis and pneumonia; these might have been caused by a chill, while driving into Ilfracombe on the previous Saturday. Witness could not find any traces of any of the septic matter from the wound having reached the pericardium or the lungs. - By the Jury: there was nothing directly connecting the wound with the condition of the lungs and heart; he could not say how deceased contracted the chill. - MRS SMALE said she brought her son into Ilfracombe on the Saturday. It was frosty, but with a bright sun, and no wind; he was well wrapped up in the cart. They left Westdown at 10.45 and reached Ilfracombe at 11.20. When Dr Jones saw the deceased, he still kept his overcoat on and wore it until they reached the Hospital. The boy did not complain of cold on the journey. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Death from Natural Causes."

BIDEFORD - At Bideford Hospital on Saturday, Dr Ellis Pearson, Deputy Coroner, held an Inquest on the body of ELIZABETH WEST, 69, the wife of HENRY WEST, caretaker of the waterworks at Bideford. It appears that on Friday week last the deceased fell over some steps at her residence at Reservoir Cottage, near Bideford. The following day she was brought to the Hospital, where it was found that she had fractured one thigh at the hip joint. She got on fairly well until the third day, when she developed congestion of the lungs and Dr Francis, who had charge of the case, said death was due to heart failure and congestion of the lungs, brought on by the shock of the accident. A verdict was returned accordingly.

North Devon Journal, Thursday 16 December 1915
BARNSTAPLE - Sad Tragedy At Barnstaple. Petty Officer's Wife Takes Her Life. - MRS ALICE JANE PEATHYJOHNS, wife of MR RICHARD PEATHYJOHNS, a petty officer in the Royal Navy, hanged herself at her residence, No. 4 Richmond-street, Barnstaple, on Tuesday morning. MR PEATHYJOHNS has been away on service about sixteen months and his continued absence had proved a source of great anxiety to his wife, the couple having been most devotedly attached to each other. Prior to being called up in the Naval Reserve, MR PEATHYJOHNS was in turn a postman at Umberleigh and Barnstaple, whilst he was for some time caretaker at the Barnstaple Post Office. - At the Inquest last evening the Borough Coroner, Mr T. A. R. Bencraft, said it was a kind of side tragedy of the War and he was afraid not by any means the only one of the sort. - Mrs Sarah Isaac, who had been staying with the deceased (her daughter-in-law), spoke to her having been greatly depressed for some time owing to her husband being away. The act was committed whilst witness was in the town doing some marketing; her daughter-in-law had not threatened to take her life. - Wm. Cawsey, aged 79 (deceased's father) told how on entering the house he called to his daughter. Receiving no answer he was proceeding upstairs, when he found MRS PEATHEYJOHNS hanging over the staircase by means of a silk scarf. He immediately called Wm. Harris, a labourer, who cut the body down. - Dr F. L. Thomas, who promptly arrived, expressed the opinion that life had been extinct over half an hour, artificial respiration being unsuccessfully tried. - Wm. Harris and P.C. Newcombe were also called, the latter producing a letter which deceased had received from her husband bidding her to be cheerful, pending his return home. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Suicide whilst Temporarily Insane," and expressed deep sympathy with MR PEATHEYJOHNS and the other relatives.

North Devon Journal, Thursday 22 December 1915
BARNSTAPLE - Another Tragedy At Barnstaple. Elderly Lady Shoots Herself Whilst Temporarily Insane. - The weekend at Barnstaple was marked by another sad tragedy - the second within five days. MRS CAROLINE LOUISA BATER, an elderly lady of independent means was missed from her residence at No. 2 South Lane, Newport, at about 7.30 a.m. on Saturday and about a quarter of an hour later her body was found in a field adjoining the Ladies' Mile, a short distance from the house. Clasped in deceased's right hand was a revolver containing three cartridges, one of which had apparently been discharged in the mouth. The body was removed to the North Devon Infirmary for the purposes of a post mortem examination and the Inquest. MRS BATER owned considerable property at Chittlehamholt and resided for many years at the Manor House in that parish. In her younger days she was very fond of sport and has been described as "one of the finest horsewomen who ever rode to hounds." MR BATER died ten years ago and for some time the deceased lady had resided with her only son at Park Lane, Barnstaple. Last May her son joined the Royal North Devon Hussars and the fact of his having to leave Barnstaple with his Regiment seems to have greatly distressed her. MRS BATER was a lady of charming personality and most benevolent disposition and the news of her tragic death was received with profound regret in a wide district. The deceased was 71 years of age. - The Inquest was held at the North Devon Infirmary on Monday evening. - Mr T. A. R. Bencraft, Borough Coroner, first gave a resume of the evidence to be adduced. He mentioned that deceased's solicitor, Mr Pope, of Crediton (who regretted he could not stay over for the Inquest had informed him that day that some little time ago MRS BATER wrote him that the War was distressing her a great deal and it appeared to him that the War had got somewhat upon her nerves. There was, however, nothing to lead anyone to suppose that she would take her life. As there was no mark to show where the bullet, that proved fatal, had penetrated, he (the Coroner) had ordered a post mortem examination, the result of which would be stated to the Jury. - CORPL. THOMAS HENRY BATER, deceased's son, Royal North Devon Hussars (stationed at Tidworth) stated that on the death of his father (the late MR THOMAS BATER) ten years ago his mother had a breakdown in health, being troubled with sleeplessness and on and off since she had similarly suffered. There was nothing of a pecuniary nature to worry her and as recently as December 17th he received a letter from her, signed "Your affectionate mother," asking what parcel he would like her to send him for Christmas. - The Coroner added that a cheque had been found in the house made out for December 21st. All this tended to show that the act committed by MRS BATER was a sudden impulse and that there was no premeditation of any sort. - Corpl. BATER went on to say that he had never heard his mother threaten her life and agreed that he should have thought her to be the last person who would have done anything of the sort. He believed the six-chambered revolver produced was the one which used to be kept at the Manor House, Chittlehamholt, which was quite an out-of-the-way place. Since coming home he had been told that his mother had not slept well lately, but all her letters had been of a cheerful character. - P.C. Baker deposed that when at the bottom of Victoria-road at 3.40 a.m. on Saturday he heard a shot fired in the direction of Park-lane. Witness proceeded in that direction, but could not see anything. He had come to the conclusion this was the shot fired by the deceased, although he thought at the time it possibly a detonator fired at the Junction Station. P.C. A. Hill whilst on the Square heard the same shot and both reported the matter at the Police Station. - Mrs Baglow informed the Jury that she had been doing occasional work for MRS BATER and stayed with her on Friday afternoon and evening whilst the servant girl was out. Witness left at 9.30 when the girl returned. She noticed nothing unusual about MRS BATER, but about three weeks previously she heard her complaint that she did not sleep very much. She seemed upset about her son being away and was always talking about it. - Daisy Challacombe, servant to MRS BATER since February last, stated that her mistress had complained of sleeplessness. Deceased had had her teeth out and witness had thought that the sleeplessness was due to this. When they retired to bed on Friday evening at 9.40 the deceased seemed quite all right. Witness rose about 7.30 on Saturday morning and on going to the front door for the letters found that the door was unlocked and unbolted. She did not, however, attach any importance to this, as MRS BATER always used to get down early until the last week or so. A little later she took a cup of tea up to the bedroom to find that the bed had apparently been slept in, but that her mistress was missing. She at once reported the matter to the Police, the body being found a little later. Witness had no idea that MRS BATER intended to do anything. She always used to say that everyone had their trouble and they must make the best of matters. Her mistress, however, undoubtedly worried about her son being away. - Hy. Dear, a municipal workman, described how, on proceeding through the Ladies' Mile for the purpose of tending the geese in the Sports Ground, he saw the body in the field, about 7.45 on Saturday morning. MRS BATER was lying on her back, with a pistol in her hand. He saw no evidence of a struggle. The Police were telephoned for, P.C. Newcombe (with the ambulance) and Dr Gibbs arriving the same time. - P.C. Newcombe deposed that the body was leaning against a tree, deceased's right hand clasping the revolver, with the first finger on the trigger. Blood was issuing from the mouth, but there was no external wound. It was a six chambered revolver, and contained two unused cartridges, and one which had been discharged. Deceased was practically fully dressed. Under the direction of the Chief Constable and Dr Gibbs, witness removed the body to the North Devon Infirmary. Later in the day witness found some slips of paper at No. 2 Park Lane. - The Coroner read three notes, one of which stated where the keys of the safe and the wardrobe could be found, whilst the other asked that if she was ill "please telegraph to MRS BATER, Chittlehamholt, near Chulmleigh." - P.C. Newcombe further explained that the servant girl had stated the notes had been on the mantle-piece two or three weeks. - MR BATER said his mother, remembering how she suffered on his father's death, had thought it safe to leave these notes. Being unable to sleep, she evidently feared that she was going to be ill. - Dr J. Vermylen, House Surgeon at the North Devon Infirmary, stated that the post mortem examination revealed a wound in the mouth and that the skull was fractured. On removing the splinters caused by the fractures, he found the bullet produced, which had passed through the brain, causing haemorrhage and concussion. He thought that possibly MRS BATER remained unconscious for some time after the occurrence. - Dr S. R. Gibbs, who was present at the post mortem examination, gave supporting evidence. He expressed the opinion that MRS BATER must have lain down against the tree before pulling the trigger and that she had been dead about two hours when he arrived. He was further of opinion that deceased placed the revolver in her mouth before discharging it, there being no external injury. In connection with people who suffered from insomnia the border line between sanity and insanity was very thin; and sleeplessness was sometimes one of the causes of insanity. - The Coroner: Do you think that if MRS BATER was suffering from insomnia her state of mind in that case would amount to temporary insanity? - Undoubtedly. - After a brief summing up by the Coroner, the Jury returned a verdict of "Suicide whilst Temporarily Insane." They expressed their deep sympathy with the son and other relatives - an expression with which the Coroner associated himself, MR BATER returning his thanks.

North Devon Journal, Thursday 30 December 1915
NORTHAM - Appledore Sensation. CAPTAIN T. H. FISHWICK Found Drowned. - Much sensation was created at Appledore on Tuesday morning when it became known that Capt. THOMAS HAYNES FISHWICK, of the Quay, Appledore, shipowner, Norwegian Consul for the port for a great number of years, and Inspector under the Barnstaple Port Sanitary Authority, had been found drowned. MR FISHWICK, who was 73 years of age, had been probably one of the best-known men in shipping circles in the Bristol Channel, and his father before him was well-known in mercantile matters. The deceased was a widower, his wife predeceasing him several years. His brother also died six years ago. Deceased leaves a daughter and three grandchildren. At 7.40 on Tuesday morning his dead body was found by Mr L. Richards and others in the water off Mr Beara's Slip "The Rock," lying under a boat. - The Inquest was held yesterday before Dr Ellis Pearson, Deputy Coroner for North Devon. - MRS WINNIE HANSON, daughter of deceased, said she lived with her father and last saw him alive on Monday about 6.30 at home. He had had quite sufficient to drink and was very disagreeable. Witness then went out and left him and she did not see him again alive. On returning at 8.30 she found the house lighted up. She heard nothing more about her father until the following morning, when the body was found, although she searched for him in Appledore until 11 o'clock on Monday night. Deceased was often late in coming home, and she had never heard him threaten to take his life. - In answer to a question she said she had no fears in regard to his safety and made inquiries with the hope of getting him home. - Charles Lamey deposed to seeing the deceased in the Ship Inn on Monday night between 8 and 8.30. FISHWICK had had a little drop of drink. Witness heard him ask for more and it was refused him. - L. Richards spoke to finding the body, a boat resting on deceased's right arm, about 10 feet off the Quay, in about one foot of water. Deceased's cap was found on the slip. - By the Foreman: Deceased often went out late to see if his boats were all right. - Dr Cole expressed the opinion that death was due to drowning. - P.C. Perrin remarked that Monday night was a very wild one. He saw deceased on Marine Parade at 8.45. - Strong protests were made by members of the Jury at the Quay being kept in darkness now. - The Foreman, Mr Moody, said it was absolutely dangerous in consequence of the lack of light. - One Juryman went so far as to suggest that deceased would not have been drowned if there had been lights on the Quay. - Mr Harris thought it was by reason of the Defence of the Realm Act that the Quay was not lighted and the Foreman pointed out that it did not face the sea. There was a mistake on the part of the authorities. - Mr Moody asked the Coroner to bring the matter to the notice of those responsible. - The Jury brought in a verdict of "Found Drowned in the River Torridge, there being no evidence to show how deceased came into the water."

North Devon Journal, Thursday 6 January 1916
SOUTH MOLTON - An Inquest was held at the Guildhall, Southmolton, before Dr Ellis Pearson, Deputy Coroner for North Devon, on the body of MR CHARLES EDWARD HEARN, farrier, of West-street, who died suddenly on the preceding Tuesday evening. MR GEORGE HENRY HEARN, son of the deceased, said his father was 64 years of age last March. He last saw him at 2 p.m. on December 28th, when he appeared to be all right. He saw him just after 9.30 p.m. and he did not seem at all bad then, but at 10.15 he was called by his sister - he lived next door - and his father breathed once only after his arrival, opened his eyes and passed away. Dr Mortimer deposed that death was due to cardiac syncope, caused by fatty degeneration of the heart, and the Jury returned a verdict accordingly.

North Devon Journal, Thursday 20 January 1916
BARNSTAPLE - Chulmleigh Labourer's Sad Death At Barnstaple. Lockjaw Follows An Accident. - JOHN NETHERCOTT, a married labourer, aged 66, of Chulmleigh, died under sad circumstances in the North Devon Infirmary at Barnstaple on Saturday. On December 22nd NETHERCOTT was working a circular saw with Mr E. Tucker, a farm bailiff, on the property of Mr Martin, of Carlton House, Chulmleigh, when he cut two fingers off his left hand, a third finger being left hanging. NETHERCOTT was removed to the North Devon Infirmary, where it became necessary to amputate the third finger. Good progress was made until January 2nd, when tetanus set in and death resulted on Saturday as stated. - The Inquest was held at the Infirmary on Tuesday evening before the Borough Coroner, Mr T. A. R. Bencraft, the Foreman of the Jury being Mr J. R. Ford. Mr A. F. Seldon appeared on behalf of the widow. - The Coroner briefly outlined the facts of the sad occurrence. - The widow, ELIZABETH NETHERCOTT, stated that her husband left home on the 22nd December, the day on which the accident took place. A young man brought the deceased home, his hand being bound up in a red handkerchief. Dr Anson, who was called immediately her husband arrived home, attended to the injury. The doctor considered that the best thing would be to send her husband to the Infirmary and he was immediately conveyed in a motor car to the Institution where she considered he received every possible attention. - Mr Edwin Tucker, farm bailiff at Mr Martin's, said he was working with deceased in an open shed on the afternoon of the 22nd of December last. They were sawing firewood with a circular saw; the witness putting the wood in, whilst after the wood had been sawn, the deceased took it off the bench. He and the deceased had worked on the saw for ten years and nothing had happened before. When deceased was taking away a piece of wood, the wood "jumped" and pulled his hand over the edge of the saw, completely severing two fingers, whilst the third finger was left just hanging. Witness tied up deceased's hand with deceased's own handkerchief and a young man accompanied NETHERCOTT to his house, which was about one mile distant. They were unable to secure any sort of conveyance. The guard was over the saw as much as possible. - Mr J. Cater (a Juryman): The guard did not fit the saw; not right down over the saw? The deceased went to pick up the wood and the saw cut across his hand? - Yes, sir. - Mr Cater: The guard is no good unless it serves the purpose for which it is intended. The guard could not have properly come over the saw. - The Coroner (to witness): You are not a practical man with machinery? - No, sir. - The Coroner: The guard could not have been properly placed. - Mr Cater further said that it was quite possible for a proper guard to completely cover the saw, even touching the bench, because the men were "cross-cutting." - Dr Joseph Vermylen (House Surgeon at the Infirmary) deposed that with the assistance of Dr Cooper, he amputated the third finger and dressed the hand. Deceased seemed to stand the operation very well and made splendid progress until the 2nd of January, when he complained of sore throat. A little later he complained that he could not open his mouth and that he had great difficulty in breathing. Dr Cooper was called in, but in spite of their combined efforts, NETHERCOTT died on Saturday evening. - By the Coroner: Serum was injected when the patient complained of sore throat in order to counteract the effects of the germ which caused lockjaw. The practise in Belgium was not to inject serum as a precautionary measure; it was only injected when there was danger. - The Coroner thought that, with all due deference to the medical profession, whether it was necessary or not, serum should be injected in every case. The profession should reconsider the matter. - Dr W. Cooper (Hon. Surgeon to the Institution) bore out the statement of the House Surgeon and said that lockjaw was the result of the injury. - The Coroner said that the soil sometimes seemed to be somewhat foul, and he thought the medical profession might, perhaps, take more than the ordinary precaution when cases of the kind before the Jury came in from this district and inject serum. What was witness's opinion? - Dr Cooper: We follow the rule of the profession. The practice at present in London and other big hospitals, is not to use serum. The last case of this kind I saw was ten years ago and the one before that was twenty years ago. - The Coroner: Do you think it would be a good departure if in existing conditions in North Devon the medical profession always injected serum as a precautionary measure? - I don't think so. I think it is practically unnecessary. - The Coroner: If it had been injected at once when deceased came here is it quite possible to say whether it would have any effect or not? - Quite impossible. - The Coroner: As soon as the disease developed you injected the serum? - Yes. - Mr Moxham (a Juror): Do you think that it was right to wrap up deceased's hand in a red handkerchief? - If it was dirty it would be unwise. - The Coroner: It is very likely the germ came from the handkerchief? - It probably came from the soil; that is where it lives. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Death from Lockjaw, as a result of the accident." - Mr Moxham remarked on the guard of the saw, to which, he thought, something should be done. - Mr Cater said the inadequacy of the guard was probably due not to negligence but rather ignorance. There was no blame attaching to the men themselves. - The Coroner said that in the opinion of the Jury the saw was not properly protected and before it was used again a practical man should examine it.

MORTEHOE - Washed Ashore At Morte-Hoe. The Inquest. A body washed ashore at Morte-Hoe, on Saturday, was on Tuesday, at the Inquest, conducted by Dr Ellis Pearson, Deputy District Coroner, identified as that of SIDNEY CLEMENTS, a ship's steward of Bristol, and belonging to a Tyne steamer which was reported missing. - MARY MATILDA CLEMENTS, of Bristol, the widow, said deceased was 48 years of age. She last saw him alive on December 30th last, when she left him at Cardiff Station. Her husband was a steward on board a steamer which sailed on the morning of Friday, December 31st last. She identified the clothing, watch, Savings Bank book and other belongings found on the body as that of her husband, who also had a tattoo mark of a sailor holding a flag on the right arm. She produced a slip of paper, bearing a number (which corresponded with that on the Savings Bank Book) which her husband gave her before he went on his last voyage. - Samuel Yeo, of Morte-Hoe, spoke to finding the body at 9.40 a.m. on Saturday on Fishwell Rocks, Morte-Hoe, whilst coast-watching on the cliffs above. It had on a cork jacket. - P.C. Mogridge, who removed the body, said amongst the things found in the man's clothing was a Board of Trade Deposit Savings Bank book, inside which were eight one pound notes, and three of 10s. each, whilst in a leather purse there was 15s. 9d. in silver and 4d. in coppers. The man's watch had stopped at 8.45. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Found Washed Ashore on Fishwell Rocks, Morte-Hoe, there being no evidence to show how the deceased got into the water." Mr R. Nethercott, Foreman, on behalf of the Jury and parishioners of Morte-Hoe, expressed sympathy with the widow (who he understood had a long family) and other relatives in their bereavement. The Foreman of the Jury on behalf of his colleagues and the parishioners expressed sympathy with the widow and relatives in their sad loss and sorrow. He handed the widow the Jurymen's fees and also asked her acceptance of a floral cross composed of Christmas roses, arum lilies, violets and maidenhair fern as a token of sympathy from himself and the parishioners generally. The body was taken to Bristol for interment yesterday (Wednesday), Mr W. Ellis, Woolacombe, carrying out the arrangements.

BIDEFORD - Burning Fatality At Bideford. - The death took place at Bideford and District Hospital on Monday morning under sad circumstances of MISS SUSAN KEATES, who met with a burning accident on Sunday night. The deceased, who was 64 years of age, lodged at Mrs Williams' in Buttgarden-street. - She was an invalid and was in a downstair room. Some camphorated oil was being used about 8 o'clock when MISS KEATES inadvertently extended her arm over the light. The flannelette dressing gown she was wearing at once caught fire, and probably fed by the oils, the flames blazed up furiously. Those in the house at once did all they could to render assistance and, attracted by the cries of the poor woman, several passers-by also went in to her help and succeeded after considerable difficulty in putting out the fire and getting the unfortunate victim out into the passage. Dr Grose was summoned and on his arrival ordered the woman's removal to the Hospital. It was found she had received most extensive burns and there was but little hope for her recovery from the first. Notwithstanding the most careful medical and nursing attention she succumbed to the shock and her injuries early on Monday morning. Mr Wm. Squire, carriage builder, of Wimborne-terrace, who was one of those who rendered most valuable service in getting MISS KEATES out of the room and in subduing the flames, was severely burnt about the hands. - At the Inquest held yesterday, a verdict of Death from Shock and Burns was returned.

North Devon Journal, Thursday 27 January 1916
LITTLEHAM (NEAR BIDEFORD) - Littleham Tragedy. Young Woman Drowned In A Tank. Inquest And Verdict. - A sad case of drowning in an old brewery water tank was investigated at Apps Brewery Farm on Saturday afternoon when the Deputy Coroner, Dr Ellis Pearson, and a Jury of which Dr Stuart Oliver was Foreman, Inquired into the death of ANNIE BAGLOW, aged 26, a domestic servant and daughter of a widow living at Hartland. The tank in which the body was found was 20 feet deep and was formerly used as a water supply when the old brewery was carried on. - ALFRED BAGLOW, of Bideford, brother of the deceased, gave evidence of identification. He last saw her alive about a fortnight or three weeks ago. She was then in good health and did not complain. She had never suggested to him that she was going to do away with herself. - Mrs Emma Withecombe, of Apps Farm, said deceased had been in her employ as servant since October. She always had good health, but sometimes she said she felt bad in her head. Witness heard her say in the presence of her aunt that she would drown herself by jumping into the big tank "up over." She said she was afraid her young man would join up in the War and go away. She gave that as a reason then. At times deceased was very depressed - in a "brown study" like. Witness last saw her alive the previous Monday evening just before 6 o'clock, when she was in the scullery washing up the tea things. She seemed all right then. She had not said much that day; witness had not seen much of her that day, it being washing day, and deceased doing the washing. - P.S. Ashby: Had she given you notice in the morning? - Witness: In the morning she said it was her wish to leave on the Wednesday, but she would go at once if witness would let her. It was, she said, her young man's wish that she should leave the Wednesday. Witness said her month was up in a week and the subject dropped with the same without deciding whether she would or would not go. Witness explained that deceased had given her notice before but had asked to stay on. - The Coroner: That was the only reason she gave you for wanting to leave, that the young man wanted her to go and she had given you notice before? - Witness: Yes, sir. Mrs Withecombe did not miss deceased until something after 9 o'clock that night. She should not have known she was missing, only deceased went upstairs just after washing the dishes and when witness went up to bed after 9 she saw a light in her room. She called in "Have you gone to sleep with your light burning?" There was no reply and she knocked and went in and saw she was not there. Witness went downstairs, left a light on the kitchen table and left a side door open for her to come in. It would be usual to do that. It was not her night out. In the morning when witness came down about five minutes to seven deceased was still missing and her bed had not been used. After giving the men a cup of tea witness went to Henry Jenkins (deceased's uncle) to see if she had been there, but she had not. Witness came back and reported it and about 9 o'clock the uncle went to George Matthews, the young man, but he had not seen her. Information was given to deceased's brother at Bideford and word sent to the Police Constable that the young woman was missing. Before that they had searched all the out-buildings, but without result. - In answer to questions, witness said after she had given notice in December deceased made a communication to her and witness was rather inclined to confirm her suspicions. - The Foreman: Was she anxious to be married? - Witness: Yes, very anxious; more than anxious. - Did you understand from her that her young man objected? - She told me he had promised to marry her. - Did he keep putting it off? - I could not say what he did. She said he had promised, and then he said if he had to go to the War that he should not marry her if he had to go away. - Although he had good reason to know the supposition you have told us? - She told me she had told him; that is all I can say. - The Coroner: Did she say who she was anxious to get married to? - Witness: Yes, to George. - Did she ever tell you George Matthews had refused to marry her? - No; she only said he would not marry her if he had to go to the War. - Didn't he want to go to the War? - I could not say; I never asked him, sir. - George Matthews, horseman, of Hooper's Water, Buckland Brewer, was then called. In answer to the Coroner, he said he was engaged to the deceased. He had known her about three years, and had been engaged to her about three months, constant. He last saw her alive the previous Sunday night, about quarter past ten. - The Coroner: Did you have any quarrel with her on Sunday night? - Witness: None at all sir. - You left her quite happy and contented? - Yes, sir. - Had you ever heard her threaten to do away with herself? - No, sir. - Had you had any quarrels during the last three months? - No sir, none at all. - Had you arranged the time you were going to be married? - Not quite, sir. - Was she very anxious to be married at any particular time? - She wanted to be married right away in case I was called up. - What position are you in, in regard to that. Have you been attested? - No. I have not been attested, sir. - You are not under the Group System? - Not at all - (It is understood witness is a "starred" man). - What did you arrange when she wanted to marry right away? - I arranged to come up Wednesday night and decide things. - You made that arrangement with her on Sunday night? - Yes. - And on that day you were going to settle the matter were you? - Yes. - Was she satisfied with the arrangement - Yes. - You did not see her again alive after that? - No, sir, not after about 10.15 on Sunday night. - In reply to close questioning by the Coroner and the Foreman, witness said deceased had never told him that she was or might be in any trouble, and he knew of no reason at all why she should be. - P.S. Ashby said on Friday, the 21st inst., about 2 p.m. he went with P.C. Hurford, Mr Withecombe, Isaac Withecombe, John Cook and Henry Jenkins to search for the deceased. There were three tanks at the farm and another one further up. Dragging the bottom of the large tank in the field at the back of the school they found the body of deceased fully dressed, but with no hat. The clothing was not torn and there was nothing to indicate that there had been a struggle. They searched the clothing on the body, but found nothing to throw any light on the case. Mrs Withecombe had handed him three partly written letters found in her box and also a razor. None of the letters were finished and there was no date on them. They were all written to deceased's mother. There was nothing in the letters to throw any light on the matter. In one deceased said she wanted to leave and if George was called up she wanted to go down to live at Hartland. The razor and case, unused and practically new, were found right at the bottom of deceased's box. Mrs Withecombe did not know she had a razor there. - Henry Jenkins mentioned that deceased bought it when she was going with Billy Beer and he gave it back to her again. - P.S. Ashby said Beer was a previous young man. - It was suggested that what Jenkins knew about the razor was told him by George Matthews, and Matthews was recalled. He said he had never seen the razor. All he knew about it was that deceased gave it to the other chap she was going with and he returned it to her when she gave him up. - The Coroner: Do you know she was engaged to another chap? - Witness: Yes, to Beer. - When did she give him up? - About twelve months last November. (After reflection) It was three weeks before Christmas twelve months ago. - Did deceased ever say anything to you about giving notice? - She told me she gave notice a month ago and it might be up Wednesday. - Did you ask her to give notice? - No. He mentioned nothing about her giving notice. - Dr Francis, who had made a post mortem examination, said in his opinion death was due to asphyxiation from drowning. The condition of the body was consistent with its having been in the water from Monday night. There were no external marks of violence. The body was very well nourished and all the organs healthy. There was no indication to suggest that poison had been taken. - The Jury asked no questions. - The Coroner said he thought the verdict of the Jury should be that deceased was Found Dead in a Water Tank at Apps Farm, and the cause of death was drowning, and that there was no evidence to show how deceased got into the tank. - The Jury returned a verdict in these terms.

North Devon Journal, Thursday 27 January 1916
EASTDOWN - Dr Ellis Pearson, Deputy Coroner for North Devon, held an Inquest at Eastdown on Monday evening, touching the death of ELIZA RIDD, aged 74, of Churchill, Eastdown. The evidence showed that deceased fell while walking about five weeks ago and broke both bones of her leg. She went on all right until last Friday when she got worse and died the following day. Death was due to cardiac syncope, following the accident, and a verdict of "Death from Accidental Cause" was returned.

NORTHAM - Sudden Death At Appledore. - The death occurred Wednesday under distressing circumstances of CAPTAIN JOHN SLADE, of Irsha-street. Deceased, who was about 73 years of age, had retired from the sea for some time, and frequently went fishing with hook and line. On Wednesday morning he went out alone and seemed in his usual state of health. About 11 o'clock CAPTAIN SLADE was seen to pull up his anchor and just afterwards he dropped back into his boat, his head striking the thwart with a distinct thud. Mr Craner and Mr Curtis pulled their boats alongside and found deceased lying across the thwart and except for one gasp he gave no sign of life. Ashore the Police and a doctor were soon in attendance, but life was extinct. CAPTAIN SLADE was very well-known among the seafaring men, having been skipper of the "Jane Ann Elizabeth" (in the employ of Mr Blackmore of Fremington) for many years. Of a cheery disposition he was generally respected by all. He leaves a widow (who has been confined to her bed for some time) and a grown-up family. - At the Inquest conducted by Dr Ellis Pearson, Dr Cole said death was due to heart trouble and the Jury returned a verdict accordingly. - The funeral of deceased took place on Saturday. CAPT. SLADE was well-known and greatly respected, and large number of relatives and friends attended. The chief mourners were Mrs Williams and Mr J. Slade (daughter and son), Mrs Ross and Mr F. Slade (daughter and cousin), Miss E. Slade and Mr J. Tethecott (daughter and nephew), Misses Williams, Ross and Slade (grandchildren), Messrs. A. Ross, and P. Williams, Mrs Lewis and Mrs Cooksley. Wreaths were sent from his sorrowing wife; To dear father from Ellen, Mary Ann and Philip; To dear father from Marjorie, Alex and Family; From his loving daughter Etta; In loving memory of dear father, from John and Matilda; Mr and Mrs Gillam, Bristol; Dear uncle, from Mary, Ellen, Annie and Emma; Deepest sympathy from Uncle Henry, Rose, Jim and Lillian; Affectionate remembrance from his cousins, the Slade family; and in Loving Memory of Uncle Johnny, from Beat and Dick Hooper. The funeral arrangements were carried out by Messrs. J. Beara and Son and P. Waters.

North Devon Journal, Thursday 3 February 1916
ASHWATER - Ashwater Farmer's Death. - An Inquest was held on Monday at Buckhorn Farm, Ashwater, by Mr H. C. Brown, on EMMANUEL METHERELL, who died there on Sunday, age 66 years. MR JOHN M. METHERELL said his father on November 9th last fell in his bedroom, and fractured his hip joint and he had been in bed ever since. - Dr E. O. Kingdon, of Holsworthy, said MR METHERELL, after his accident went on fairly well until about three weeks ago, when he practically refused to take any food and gradually sank, and died from exhaustion. - The Jury, Mr John Stacey, Foreman, found that death was due to injuries Accidentally Received by a Fall.

North Devon Journal, Thursday 17 February 1916
ILFRACOMBE - Dr Ellis Pearson held an Inquest at Ilfracombe on Saturday afternoon touching the death of ANNIE PENGELLY, widow, who died suddenly at Richmond Villas, on Friday February 11th. - Mary Jane Pike, niece, said deceased was 67 years of age. She was a widow, her husband's name being JOHN PENGELLY, a retired cattle dealer. - Polly Glade, cousin, said she went downstairs, and on returning found deceased out of bed, with the hot-water bottle in her hand. Deceased got back into bed and witness asked her if she had put the cork in and she replied "Yes." Deceased complained that her back was wet and witness found the cork was out and deceased was scalded in the lower part of the right side. Witness got a nurse and in the evening Dr Osborne was called in. Deceased took the hot water bottle out of bed to put some hot water with some wine which she was drinking when witness entered the room. - Dr Osborne stated that he was called to see deceased on Wednesday last and found her sitting in a chair suffering from a scald in the back. The cause of death was heart failure accelerated by the shock of the scald. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Death from Natural Causes."

CREDITON - An Inquest was held on Saturday afternoon at Hookway, near Crediton, on MRS SARAH JANE LOCKE, aged 47. The husband said he and his wife were on their way to a prayer meeting at Crediton when the deceased, having complained twice of feeling unwell, collapsed. She died before Dr Campbell arrived. The doctor said death was due to syncope, caused by the exertion of walking against a high wind after a meal. Verdict accordingly.

North Devon Journal, Thursday 24 February 1916
BIDEFORD - Sudden Death At Westleigh. - At Bideford Town Hall on Thursday, the Deputy Coroner for North Devon, Dr Ellis Pearson, and a Jury of which Mr L. W. Carpenter was chosen Foreman, held an Inquest touching the death of MRS ALICE BIRCH, aged 45, wife of ALFRED BIRCH, a gipsy living at Ashridge, Westleigh. - The husband said on Tuesday morning his wife was going from Ashridge to Appledore, in a trap with her two daughters. Her health had not been good for some years, but there was nothing unusual in her condition on that morning. Witness followed the trap at a distance, and after they had gone some little way the younger daughter came running back to him and said she thought mother was going. He ran to her and found she was dying. He held her up and they drove back to Ashridge, but she died almost immediately. His daughter told him that she had said: "I am going now." His wife had often been taken ill in her throat before as if she was choking. - AMELIA BIRCH, the elder daughter, said she was driving when her mother coughed and said, "I am going" and then seemed to choke. She sent her sister for her father, who was following, and then they drove back to Ashridge. - Dr J. Francis, who had made a post-mortem examination, said the body was very well nourished. The heart was fatty and the sides thin, and some of the valves were hardened. The right lung was very much congested and other organs shewed a certain amount of fatty degeneration. He considered the cause of death was syncope from the fatty heart, accelerated by the condition of the right lung. Deceased's condition was such that her death might have occurred at any time. By the Jury: A doctor could have found that she was weak on the chest, but could not have said what the condition of the heart was. He did not consider if a doctor had been called in he could have saved the deceased's life. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Death from Natural Causes" in accordance with the medical evidence.

North Devon Journal, Thursday 9 March 1916
LAMBETH, SURREY - Ilfracombe Man's Suicide In London. - News has been received by the Ilfracombe Police of the suicide in London of JOHN SIERS, formerly of Ilfracombe, where his wife now lives. The deceased, who was 36 years of age, was an ice-cream vendor at Ilfracombe. As recently as a fortnight ago he paid a visit to his wife. - that he had barricaded and screwed up the door of his room and firmly fastened the windows was stated at the Inquest at Lambeth on Wednesday. - According to the widow, he fancied that people were after him. - It appeared that SIERS, after taking veronal, had turned the gas on. - A verdict of Suicide whilst of Unsound Mind was returned. - The first intimation of the event at Ilfracombe was conveyed by the following telegram received by the Police on Tuesday morning:- "Please inform MRS SIERS, 60 High-street, Ilfracombe, that her husband, JOHN, was found dead in bed at 20 Pratt-street, Lambeth." - MRS SIERS journeyed to London immediately and was present at the Inquest on Wednesday.

MOLLAND - On Thursday, Dr Ellis Pearson, Deputy Coroner, held an Inquest at Molland concerning the death of NICHOLAS PARSON, aged 76, a retired Prison-warder, a native of London. For about a week, it was stated, the deceased had been lodging with Mr William Govier, of New Cottages, Molland. He had lived in the district for about three years. Last Saturday PARSON had complained of feeling unwell and lay down. On Monday morning about 7 o'clock Govier took him up a cup of tea, when he complained of feeling worse and asked for a doctor. Govier went into the village and wired for Dr Baker of Northmolton. On his returning to the house the man was dead. He had not been attended by a doctor for a year. Evidence was given by Mrs Emily Govier and Mr W. Govier. Dr Baker, who had made a post mortem examination, said that death resulted from syncope, caused by gallstones. The Jury, of whom Mr Tom Pring was Foreman, returned a verdict in accordance with the medical evidence.

COMBE MARTIN - On Tuesday Dr Ellis Pearson, Deputy Coroner for North Devon, held an Inquest at Combe Martin, Rev. W. Ewens being Foreman in reference to the death of MRS ANN TURNER, aged 67, wife of MR JOHN TURNER, of High-street. - The husband stated that the deceased had enjoyed fairly good health, though she had complained at times of a pain in her side. She had rheumatic fever some few years ago. On Friday night she retired to bed as usual, and appeared to be in her customary health. He last saw her alive about a quarter-past six on Saturday morning, and left her in bed apparently all right. He was met by his son a few minutes to eight o'clock, when he said, "I have bad news for you; mother is dead." - MARY TURNER, daughter of the deceased, said her brother called her about seven o'clock on Saturday morning. She found her mother on the floor, lying flat and partly dressed. She called her brother and they lifted her upon the bed. Her brother then went for the doctor and she went to fetch a neighbour. She heard no noise, nor any call. - Dr Richardson said he was called in to see the deceased on Saturday morning. He found her dead. He had never attended her. He made a post-mortem examination. He found no marks. The heart was small and empty and the muscles very friable. The stomach was quite empty. The cause of death was syncope. The Jury returned a verdict of "Death from Natural Causes". - The Foreman expressed their deep sympathy with the bereaved husband and family.

COMBE MARTIN - On Tuesday Dr Ellis Pearson, Deputy Coroner for North Devon, held an Inquest at Combe Martin, Rev. W. Ewens being Foreman in reference to the death of DAVID BRUCE CHALLACOMBE, infant son of WILLIAM and DOROTHY CHALLACOMBE, of Chichester Cottage, Leigh-road, Combe Martin. - DOROTHY CHALLACOMBE stated that she was the mother of the deceased child. It was accustomed to sleep in the same bed with her husband and herself and it was put to bed as usual on Saturday night. She gave it food about four o'clock on Sunday morning, when it appeared all right. About nine o'clock she awoke and, looking at the child, was struck by its altered appearance. She noticed that its face was above the bed-clothes. She called her husband. She thought at first it had had a fit. - WILLIAM CHALLACOMBE, the father, said he was not aware that there was any danger in an infant sleeping in the same bed with its parents. The two other children had done so. At nine o'clock on Sunday morning his wife awoke him. She had the child in her arms then. - Dr Richards said he saw the child about ten o'clock on Sunday morning. It was dead. He had made a post-mortem examination. There were no marks whatever upon the chid. He considered the cause of death was asphyxia. He found nothing that would lead him to conclude that the child had been overlaid. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Death from Natural Causes."

North Devon Journal, Thursday 16 March 1916
ASHREIGNEY - A sad story was told at an Inquest held by Dr Ellis Pearson, Deputy Coroner, concerning the death of MRS MARY ELLEN ALFORD, wife of MR ROBERT ALFORD, bootmaker of Riddlecombe, Ashreigney. It was stated that about half-past five in the afternoon of February 18th, MR ALFORD was returning to his house when he heard his wife screaming. She was lying at the foot of the stairs. She said she had fallen down two stairs and thought she had twisted the cords of her leg. MR ALFORD got assistance and the sufferer was removed to bed. On February 28th Dr Hanson, of Chulmleigh was called in. He found that MRS ALFORD was suffering from a broken thigh and internal injuries. She succumbed on March 2nd. The Jury, of whom Mr R. G. Harris was Foreman, returned a verdict in accordance with Dr Hanson's evidence, that death was due to Shock and Cardiac Syncope, caused by injuries received Accidentally through falling downstairs. MRS ALFORD was 55 years of age.

ILFRACOMBE - Sudden Death Of MR W. S. UNDERHILL. - The death occurred with tragic suddenness on Wednesday night at his residence, Cottage Meads, Church-road, Ilfracombe, of MR WILLIAM SAMUEL UNDERHILL, a well-known builder of the town. The deceased appeared quite well at 9.15 when he retired to his bedroom, but an hour later he was discovered by his wife lying at the foot of the bed quite dead. MR UNDERHILL, who was 57 years of age, had lived in Ilfracombe about 25 years and was held in the highest esteem by all with whom he came in contact. He was of a remarkably genial disposition. - The Deputy Coroner, Dr Ellis Pearson, having been communicated with, the Inquest was held at the Tyrrell Cottage Hospital on Thursday afternoon, the body having been removed to the Hospital mortuary for the purpose of a post mortem examination. Mr M. W. Tattam was chosen Foreman of the Jury. - The first witness was MRS ELLEN GRACE UNDERHILL, wife of the deceased, who said she last saw her husband alive at 9.15 the previous evening. He then went upstairs to bed, having had supper about half-an-hour before. He was then quite all right. - The Coroner: Did he make a good supper? - Witness: Fairly so. - The Coroner: Have you noticed that he was breathless lately? - Witness: He would complain if he carried heavy weights. - How long had he complained? - Perhaps three months. He has complained once or twice. - Have you noticed it when you have been out with him? - No. Witness further stated that she had no cause to be anxious about him. He had had one or two bad colds. About 10.15 she went upstairs and found her husband lying at the foot of the bed fully dressed, quite dead as far as she could see. She sent for a doctor at once. He had lit a light and pulled down the blinds. The bedroom was on the top floor. - Dr P. Gardner next gave evidence, and said he was called to see the deceased. He arrived about 10.30 and he found that deceased had been dead apparently about an hour. witness had not attended him before; in fact, he understood that MR UNDERHILL had had no medical attendance for years. Witness had made a post mortem examination. The lungs showed signs of old pleurisy, but the cause of death was the rupture of an aortic aneurism. Death must have been almost instantaneous, probably following quickly upon the walk upstairs. - The Jury returned a verdict in accordance with the doctor's evidence. - On behalf of the Jury the Foreman expressed their deep sympathy with the widow. The deceased was known widely and he (Mr Tattam) ventured to say he was respected by all who knew him and beloved by many. - The funeral took place on Saturday afternoon, the interment being made in Ilfracombe Parish Churchyard. The Rev. H. M. Johnson (Vicar) officiated. - The immediate mourners were MRS UNDERHILL (widow), MR EDWIN UNDERHILL (Brother), Mrs Searle (sister), Mr Geo. Underhill (brother), Mrs Edwin Underhill (sister-in-law), Mr W. Blake (brother-in-law), Mrs Avery and Mrs Currin (sisters-in-law) - The coffin was of unpolished oak with brass mountings and on the breastplate was inscribed:- " WILLIAM S. UNDERHILL, died 8th March 1916; aged 57 years." - Mr W. Pearce was the undertaker.

North Devon Journal, Thursday 23 March 1916
PLYMOUTH - An Inquest was opened at the Royal Naval Hospital, Plymouth, on Friday, respecting the death of Cadet DONALD ADDENBROOKE. The Corner stated that deceased was boxing with another cadet at the Royal Naval College, Devonport, when he received a blow and on falling to the floor it was noticed that he had received an injury to his skull. No evidence was called and the Inquest was adjourned. Deceased was a native of Edinburgh.

GREAT TORRINGTON - On Wednesday Dr Ellis Pearson, Deputy Coroner, conducted an Inquiry at Coombe Farm, near Torrington, into the death of NORAH MARGARET ANNIE BROWN, nearly eight months old, daughter of MR and MRS WILLIAM BROWN. MRS BROWN (mother) stated that on Monday she put the child to bed about 10.30 p.m. It was then in perfect health. It slept in a cot in a room with another little girl of four years. In answer to the Coroner witness said she could have heard if baby cried during the night. On Tuesday morning at 9.15 witness found the child lying in the cot on its right side, dead. It had been sick, its mouth was full of vomit, and its face was pale. Witness immediately called her husband and he sent for a doctor. Dr Mortimer said a post-mortem examination revealed that the child was well nourished. His impression was the child had been dead four or five hours or probably more. There was no evidence to show the child could have been choked. In his opinion the cause of death was commencing of pneumonia and heart failure, due to enlarged Thymus gland. The Jury returned a verdict in accordance with the doctor's evidence.

North Devon Journal, Thursday 30 March 1916
ATHERINGTON - Dr Ellis Pearson, Deputy Corner for North Devon, held an Inquest at Atherington, last week, touching the death of MRS BROWNSCOMBE, aged 71, widow of MR JOHN BROWNSCOMBE, of Eastacombe. The evidence showed that on the 27th of February deceased had a fall in the kitchen of her house, and it was subsequently found that she was suffering from an impacted fracture of the left hip. She was attended by Dr Good of High Bickington, and Dr Jonas, Barnstaple, was later called in, in consultation, but despite every care and attention, deceased passed away. - Dr Good attributed death due to cerebral haemorrhage, due to shock as the result of the accident. A verdict of Death from Accident was returned. - The interment was made in the Parish Churchyard, the funeral being largely attended.

EAST STONEHOUSE -Death From A Fish Bone. - At the Royal Naval Hospital, Stonehouse, on Thursday, an adjourned Inquest was held on WILLIAM JAMES GILL, stoker, Royal Fleet Reserve, aged 36, who died on the 16th inst. Arthur Bertram Rowe, stoker petty officer, said deceased was admitted to the Hospital on the 11th inst., suffering from a wound in his right little finger, caused by the penetration of a fish bone. He got the bone into the finger while cleaning a fish kettle. He extracted it and the wound bled. Later he scrubbed out the casemate, which was in a dirty state and witness thought he got a germ into the wound. Verdict accordingly.

North Devon Journal, Thursday 6 April 1916
BIDEFORD - Child Drowned At Bideford. - At Bideford Town Hall on Friday, Dr Ellis Pearson, Deputy Coroner, held an Enquiry into the death of WILLIAM GORDON HARRIS, age six, the adopted son of ERNEST EDWARD TURNER, shoemaker, of Honestone-street, Bideford. Turner said he adopted the child when it was seven days' old, and it had lived with him ever since. When he got home to tea on Thursday evening he found the boy had not arrived. He went down to look for him and met his little friend, Herbert Taylor, who said "WILLIE" had fallen into the water. Witness did not think it was true, but walked around the Quay, but could see nothing of the lad. He made a thorough search after tea and then informed the Police. - Chas. Prouse, aged eight, said he was playing with deceased on the steps on the Quay, and he tried to get at some planks from a barge, and fell into the water. He told a man about it, but he took no notice. He then went home, but did not tell anyone else. - Hy. Hopkins deposed to finding the body the same evening, after the tide had gone out close to the barge just at the bottom of High-street. He was on the Quay at the time the child was supposed to have fallen in, but did not hear a word, although he was close by. - The Coroner said the boy was playing and no one seemed to know anything about it to be of any assistance. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidentally Drowned," a Juror remarking that it was a great wonder that more children were not drowned there seeing how many there often were playing with the water.

SOUTH MOLTON - Dr Ellis Pearson held an Inquest at the Guildhall, Southmolton, as to the death of MRS MARY ANN ADAMS, wife of MR AMOS ADAMS, of Catsease Cottage, Southmolton. Mr James Bushen was elected Foreman of the Jury. - MR ADAMS said his late wife was sixty years of age. When she retired to rest on Monday evening she appeared to be perfectly well and she had not complained in the previous week. On Monday she had a cup of cocoa and a biscuit for supper about eight o'clock and retired at half-past nine. - The Coroner: What was the next thing that happened? - It was a very rough night and she was always afraid of the wind. If she did not fall asleep soon after going to rest she usually did not sleep at all. She said she was cold and could not breathe. She had often been like that. When she complained of not being able to breathe I have lifted her up for a few minutes and she has got better. - Was she all right this time? - No, sir; she aid I had better call Miss Heywood. - What time was that? - I could not say for certain; about half-past twelve. - You say she had been like it before? - Yes, in windy weather, or anything like that. - So you never thought very much of it? - No, because it passed and afterwards she was all right again. - Had she slept? - No; neither of us. - What did she say? - She told me to call Miss Heywood. I called her and she came. Miss Heywood went to the other side and helped to hold my wife up. The only words she spoke were, "Dear Miss Heywood!" - Did she die right away? - Almost. Something came from the mouth. She died before we knew. - Was she short-winded? - She could not walk much since she had a seizure. She was unable to walk upstairs. - Could she walk down? - She would slide down. She was partially paralysed by a stroke which she had seven years ago last August and did not have the use of one arm and a leg after that. - The Foreman: How long ago did a doctor see her? - I think about five years ago. - On which side was she paralysed? - The left. - Mr William Bulled, a Juror: Did she ever use a hot-water bottle? - She would not have it. We had a battery for some time and she went to London to see someone. I did my utmost for her. - Mr Bulled: Yes, I know that. - Miss Ellen Heywood, 38 South-street, Southmolton, said she had assisted in nursing the deceased since last October. When witness entered the room on Monday night MRS ADAMS said "My dear Miss Heywood!" and died a few minutes after. - The Coroner: Had you seen her bad in her breathing before? - A little, occasionally, but not particularly bad. - Nothing to frighten you? - No. - Nothing to make you think she was going to die? - Oh, no. - What did you do after that? - I said to MR ADAMS: "We must get a doctor," and I went; it was dreadfully rough weather. - Dr Seal said he was called to the house about 2.15 on Tuesday morning. MRS ADAMS was dead on his arrival. - The Coroner: When did you attend her last? - About five years ago. - Where did you find her on Tuesday morning? - In bed, undressed and still warm; she was quite dead. Proceeding, Dr Seal said there were no external marks of violence; the heart was enlarged and there was disease of the valves. Death was due to cardiac syncope, due to valvular disease of the heart. - The Coroner: That is what one would expect from what one has heard of the history of the case. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Death from Natural Causes".

BARNSTAPLE - Fatal Accidental Fall At Barnstaple. - An Inquest n MISS MARY HAMBLY, who died at 19 Trinity-street, on March 30th, following an accidental fall in the kitchen, was held on Friday evening last, before Mr T. A. R. Bencraft (Coroner) and a Jury of which Mr W. H. Searle was Foreman. - JOHN HAMBLY (brother) stated that deceased was 89 years of age last January. A spinster, she was the daughter of JOHN HAMBLY, blacksmith, of Morwenstow. He had frequently seen her in Barnstaple, and she appeared to have been properly looked after. He had seen her since the accident, and she told him she had fallen down. - Laura Heywood, who resides with her father at 19 Trinity-street, said the deceased was her aunt, and had lived with her about nine years. She was able to walk with the aid of a stick and on the 22nd March, about 7.30 p.m. she got up to go to her rooms upstairs, and fell down in the kitchen. Deceased said "Oh, my," and her father and herself went to her aunt's assistance and got her upstairs. - Dr Walter J. Harper deposed that deceased had broken her thigh. He, with his partner, Dr Jonas, attended her to the day of her death. The case, on account of her advanced age, was a hopeless one from the first. - The Jury returned a verdict that deceased met with her death from Accidentally Falling Downstairs and fracturing her thigh, dying from the effects. - The funeral of the late MISS HAMBLY took place on Tuesday last, the interment being made in the Barnstaple Cemetery. The Rev. W. A. Brown, B.A., (Wesleyan) officiated. The immediate mourners were Mr J. Hambly, Bideford (brother), Miss L. Heywood, Barnstaple and Mrs Thompson, Bideford (nieces), Miss James and Mr W. H. Gould, J.P., Ilfracombe (representing the family of the late Mr J. G. Hayman, of Barnstaple, with which the deceased was associated for about 40 years.

WEST WORLINGTON - Suicide At West Worlington. - Dr Ellis Pearson, Deputy Coroner, has held an Inquest on the body of WILLIAM DOWN, 56, a labourer, of Coleark, West Worlington, who was found hanging in a cattle shed on a farm called "Yellands". - James Gebbett, another employee, stated that at about half-past five on Saturday he found the deceased hanging from a beam by a rope. The man was dead. - Mr Reed, the employer, said that when after dinner DOWN left to resume his work he appeared to be all right. He (the deceased) had been with the family for over thirty years, and had no relatives in the district. - The Jury, of whom Mr Petherick was Foreman, returned a verdict of "Suicide while of Unsound Mind."

BRATTON FLEMING - Tragedy At Bratton Fleming. - A sensation was caused at Bratton Fleming on Monday afternoon when it became known that GEORGE RIDD, aged 22, son of MR GEORGE RIDD, of Kipscombe Farm, Bratton Fleming, had been found shot. - The Inquest was conducted by Dr Ellis Pearson, Deputy Coroner for the District, at Kipscombe, yesterday afternoon. Mr John Baker was chosen Foreman of the Jury. - The first witness called was deceased's father, who said he last saw his son alive on Monday last about 11 a.m. in a field on the farm ploughing whilst witness was on his way to Blackmoor Gate sale. Witness spoke to him regarding farm matters and his son then seemed all right. About 1.30 whilst at Blackmoor Gate, he received a message telling him to return home and he, subsequently, learnt that his son was dead. Witness went home and saw deceased lying outside the back-door dead. The double-barrelled gun (produced) belonged to witness, who had had it for about fifteen years. It was usually kept by the clock and it was last used about a fortnight ago to shoot some crows. Witness was sure the gun was not left loaded, he being always very careful when putting it away. The cartridges were kept on the top of the dresser in the kitchen. Witness had never heard his son threaten to take his life, nor had he noticed any strangeness regarding him. The father incidentally said that his son had fits when a child. - The Coroner: You know no reason why he should take his life? - A.: Well, his mother had a letter from Mrs Prideaux on Monday morning. - Q.: When did you first hear anything about the letter? - A.: When I came back from Blackmoor auction after I had seen the deceased. My wife told me that she was very much surprised on receiving a letter from Mrs Prideaux about her girl being in trouble, and accusing GEORGE of being the cause. He added that his wife told him that she had sent the letter out to the deceased by the daughter. That was the first witness heard of the matter. Witness further stated that his son had been attested for the Army and was a "starred" man. He had a letter telling him to attend at Barnstaple on March 22nd, but witness found that the notice was a mistake. He had had no intimation that his star would be removed or that he would have to go before the Tribunal. As far as witness knew his son had no worry regarding that matter. If he had had to go I believe he would have gone with a good heart, he added. - MISS EVA RIDD, deceased's sister, said on Monday morning last her mother sent her out to the deceased with a letter she had received from Mrs Prideaux. Deceased was ploughing and said he would read it after having his lunch, which witness took out to him at the same time. About one p.m. her brother entered the kitchen and took the gun from behind the clock, remarking that there were some crows outside. He also took some cartridges and went out, saying he was going to frighten the birds. Witness said to him, "Don't shoot the baker's boy coming over the road." Witness quite thought that he was going to shoot crows, as he had done some times before, although not very often, and she thought nothing more of the incident. About 1.30 she called him to dinner and he replied that he was coming and followed her as far as the back door. Witness went into the kitchen and had just sat down to dinner when she heard the report of a gun. On going outside to see what he had shot she found him lying dead by the back door. She only heard one report, although it was mentioned that the gun contained two discharged cartridges. Witness had never heard him threaten to take his life and she did not know he had anything troubling him. - The Foreman was of the opinion that both barrels of the gun had been discharged simultaneously. - The Coroner then read the letter mentioned. It was as follows: - "Ovice Cottage, Highbray. - Dear MRS RIDD, - Just a few lines to you. My daughter tells me she is in trouble and it is with your son GEORGE, the one that is home living, so I thought I would write to you myself. I am so sorry such a thing should have happened.... Will you kindly write to me as soon as possible, as there must be something done for her..... I am sorry to write such a letter to you. I never had such a thing happen before in the family, so I feel very upset about it and I have got two boys away in the Army. That is enough for me at present and you have one in the same Yeomanry, the same as one of mine. If your son would like to see MARY about it she would come over one evening to see you. Poor girl; she is so upset about it, too, so please let me know what your son says about it before Friday, as I want to know. I have kept it quiet till now. I thought it best to write to you. - (signed), Mrs Prideaux. - The Foreman: Not a tremendously frightening letter. - The Coroner added that there was nothing very desperate about it. Proceeding, Dr Pearson thought there would be no necessity for deceased's mother to give evidence. - P.C. Olding also gave evidence. He said it looked as if deceased put the muzzle of the gun into his mouth. - It was found that Mrs Prideaux was not in attendance when her name was called, although it was stated that she was at Kipscombe at 12 o'clock, and was then told to return at 2 p.m., the time she had been notified by the Police to attend. - The Coroner intimated that enquiries would be made as to the reason of her absence and thereupon said he did not propose calling any further evidence. - The Foreman said for his part he did not see for one moment there was a doubt but what deceased shot himself. He thought it quite clear. - The Coroner agreed and said the verdict should be one of "Suicide by Shooting himself with a gun." - A verdict was returned accordingly.

North Devon Journal, Thursday 13 April 1916
ILFRACOMBE - Sudden Death At Ilfracombe. - Dr Ellis Pearson, Deputy Coroner for North Devon, conducted an Inquest at the Tyrrell Cottage Hospital, Ilfracombe, on Thursday, touching the death of MRS LUCINDA BUTT, who passed away with tragic suddenness on Tuesday at the advanced age of 80 years. - Mr M. W. Tattam was chosen Foreman of the Jury. - MR O. BUTT, son of the deceased, said he last saw his mother alive about 10 o'clock on Tuesday morning, when she left the house. She had a good breakfast and seemed in her usual health. She had suffered occasionally from pains in her head. She generally went out about 10 o'clock to do some shopping. About a quarter of an hour after she had gone out, a little girl came to the house and asked him to go to Hostle Park, as his mother had been taken ill. He went to 2 Hostle Park where he found his mother lying dead on the floor. - Mrs May, of 2 Hostle Park, said MRS BUTT called at the house between 10 and 11 o'clock and was shown by a servant into the dining-room. The servant called witness into the room, where she found deceased sitting on a chair. Deceased said to her: "I do feel so done up." Believing MRS BUTT was likely to faint, witness sent her maid for some brandy, and she gave deceased a teaspoonful. Her head fell over the chair, and she lost consciousness. Witness sent for her next-door neighbour and together they lifted MRS BUTT on to the floor. By this time she was apparently dead. Witness at once sent for a doctor, who, on arrival, found that the deceased was quite dead. - Dr A. Gardner said the last time he attended deceased was in July 1913 when she had an attack of influenza. He had made a post mortem examination and had found that death was due to syncope, caused by acute dilatation of the heart. - The Jury returned a verdict in accordance with the medical evidence. - Mr Tattam expressed the Jury's sympathy with the relatives.

SOUTH MOLTON - Fatal Burns At Chittlehampton. - A sad accident, which was followed by fatal results, happened at Mile-house Cottage, Chittlehampton, the residence of MR WHEATON, in the employ of Mr Jones, of Langaton Farm. MARGARET EMMA WHEATON, aged four, daughter of MR and MRS WHEATON, not being very well, was sitting near the fire playing with some postcards when one of the cards fell into the ash-pan, and as she stooped to pick it up her apron caught on fire. The doctor ordered her removal on March 31st to Southmolton, where she succumbed to the burns on April 7th. - Dr Ellis Pearson, Deputy Coroner for North Devon, conducted the Inquest at the Board-room of Southmolton Workhouse on Monday. - The evidence of the parents was that they had a stove in the kitchen. They had no proper fireguard previous to the accident, but occasionally put some wire-netting in front of the stove. The stove could be closed up. On the day of the accident the mother went out to feed a pig, leaving deceased, who was not very well, sitting by the fire. While out she heard screams, and on running back to the house found her sister-in-law, who lived in the next cottage, with the child in her arms, wrapped in a bag. the child told her she did not touch the fire, but some cards fell down and she stooped to pick them up and a piece of coal fell on her pinafore. - Dr Nicholls, Southmolton, said he found the child suffering from severe burns, the right arm was burnt from the hand to the shoulder, also the right side of the neck and face and the knee. Questioned by the coroner, Dr Nicholls said that everything possible had been done for the child by the Union officials and the Matron deserved credit for the trouble and care she had given to the case. - By a Juror: The parents had done the best they could before he (the doctor) arrived. - A verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned.

North Devon Journal, Thursday 20 April 1916
BRATTON FLEMING - Found Dead In A linhay On Bratton Down. - A sad story was told at an Inquest conducted by Dr Ellis Pearson, Deputy District Coroner, at Bratton Fleming on Monday, on the body of CHARLES DOWDLE, a native of Barnstaple, described as a tramping labourer, found in a linhay on Bratton Down, on Thursday last. - Annie Glasson, living at Hardaway Head, Barnstaple, identified the body as that of her uncle, who was 60 years of age. She last saw him alive two months ago, when he was in a dirty condition and had no work, and also complained of not feeling well. Deceased, was a casual labourer, and had no home more than what he made for himself, sleeping mostly in linhays. Deceased, who was unmarried, had other relatives at Barnstaple, but they would not have anything to do with him because he kept himself so dirty. - William Bament of Stowford, Bratton Fleming, said he saw the deceased on the 8th inst., walking near the village and DOWDLE then told him he was not very well. He said he had been "drinking so much old tea that it went to his feet." - The Coroner: Did he look as if he had been drinking tea? - A.: He was not very well. - Q.: Did he look as if he had been drinking anything else? - A.: No. - The Foreman (Mr W. H. Gill): It was an odd remark, Mr Coroner. -0 Witness added that DOWDLE was looking very white when he saw him. - Bert Kiff, labourer, told the Coroner that on Sunday, the 9th inst., about 1.15 p.m. he looked into a linhay on Bratton Down and saw a man lying down, apparently asleep. He could not say whether it was deceased. Passing the same linhay on Wednesday last, the 12th, he again looked in, but there was no one there on that occasion. - Henry Sanders, who is camping in a field near Bratton Down, spoke to sheltering from a storm in the linhay on Thursday afternoon last, when he noticed a man lying there. He was quite dead and witness immediately reported the matter to the Police. - P.C. Olding, who received the message, said deceased was lying on his right side, face downwards, quite naked with the exception of an overcoat covering him up just above the knees. His clothes were mostly behind him. There was a little of the coat under him, but otherwise he was lying on the bare ground. - Dr Manning, of Barnstaple, who made a post mortem examination, said there were no external marks of violence on the body. He attributed death to pleurisy and pneumonia. The stomach was quite empty - there being no trace of food of any sort. The body was fairly well nourished. There was no reason to suppose poisoning or anything of that sort. In his opinion the man had been dead for two or three days when he made the examination on Saturday. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Death from Natural Causes."

NORTHAM - Child Drowned At Appledore. - A sad case of drowning occurred at Appledore on Friday, when a child 2 ½ years old, son of MRS SMALLDON, of Market-street (whose husband, Pte. T. SMALLDON, was killed in France last year), was playing by himself on the slipway near the Bethel, and must have fallen over unnoticed into the water. No one missed the child until its body was seen floating up the river, when some boys in a boat, not knowing what it was, went to pick it up and were frightened to find it was the body of a child. A sad feature was that the mother of the child was on the Quay and saw the lads pick the body up and not until it was brought ashore did she know it was her child, when she was overcome with grief. Great sympathy is felt for the mother. - At the Inquest held on Saturday, the mother said she supposed the child was in the street at play. It had not been absent from the house more than fifteen minutes, when she heard some women say that a child had been found in the river. She ran down and found it to be her child. - Verdict: "Accidental Death from Drowning."

North Devon Journal, Thursday 27 April 1916
SWIMBRIDGE - Dr Ellis Pearson, Deputy District Coroner, conducted an Inquest at Station-hill Cottage, Swymbridge, on Thursday, on the body of SARAH ANN DALLING, widow, who was found dead in a linhay, in a garden attached to her house, on Wednesday. Mr R. Eastmond was elected Foreman of the Jury. - ELIZABETH ANN CHOWN, daughter of the deceased, said her mother was 73 years of age. She saw her on Monday about 11.30 a.m., and she complained of rheumatism in her arm, but otherwise she was in her usual health. - JOHN CHOWN, grandson of the deceased, told the Coroner he saw his grandmother on Tuesday about 12.30 p.m., when she was in the kitchen sitting by the fire. She seemed all right. - Thomas Leworthy spoke to going into the garden of Station-hill Cottage, Swymbridge, on April 19th, to fix up some clothes, which were hanging down in the mud. He went to the linhay to look for a clothes-peg, and there he saw the foot of the deceased showing by the door. He looked in and saw deceased lying down on some clothes with her face downwards. He thought she was dead and he immediately reported the matter to the Police. - Dr F. L. Thomas who made a post-mortem examination, said he found no external marks of violence. The body was well nourished. In his opinion the cause of death was cerebral haemorrhage. - A Juryman: How long do you think she had been dead? - Dr Thomas: I could not say. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Death from Natural Causes." - The funeral took place on Sunday afternoon, the interment being made in the Baptist Church Burial Ground. The Rev. W. Leyshon (a former pastor of the Brayford Baptist Church), officiated. Deceased was the wife of the late MR JOHN DALLING (for many years caretaker of the Swymbridge Baptist Church), and survived him by about twelve months. The rev. gentleman spoke of the splendid qualities which the deceased lady possessed. The chief mourners were Mrs Elizabeth Chown (daughter, Mr William Chown (son-in-law), Mrs M. Dart (sister), Miss Ivy Chown and Masters Charles, John and Thomas Chown (grandchildren), Messrs. J. Dart, W. and C. Crocker, H. A. Pearce, W. Baker, J. Baker (Barnstaple), R. Baker (Torrington), E. Mearles, G. and E. Stapleton and G. Hulland (nephews), Mrs J. Mearles, Mrs W. Crocker, Mrs F. Crocker, and Mrs L. Smallridge (nieces), Messrs. T. Chown, P. Dalling and F. Snell (brothers-in-law) and Mr and Mrs G. Norman. The bearers were Messrs. J. Courtney, W. Gerry, J. Crook, W. Southcombe, J. Northcombe and T. Leworthy. Beautiful floral wreaths were sent from the daughter and family, Mrs E. Mearles, Mrs J. Dalling, Mrs C. Dalling, Mr Bament and Mrs F. Cox (Buckland).

WESTDOWN - An Inquiry was held at Dean Cottage, Westdown, on Thursday, by the Deputy Coroner, Dr Ellis Pearson, into the circumstances of the death of MARY ANN WILLIAMS, who died suddenly. It was stated that deceased, who was 64 years of age, was walking on the road half-a-mile from her home when she was taken suddenly ill and expired about fifteen minutes later. A post mortem examination was made by Dr H. Wright (Braunton). In his opinion death was due to cardiac syncope, owing to valvular disease of the heart. The Jury returned a verdict of "Death from Natural Causes."

North Devon Journal, Thursday 4 May 1916
HARTLAND - On Saturday, MRS ELIZA VANSTONE left Beaford with her little son, ASCOTT GEORGE VANSTONE, aged seven months, to return home to Hartland. They left Bideford at 5 o'clock in a motor bus and at Bucks Cross the child was all right. At Clovelly Cross the child seemed to have a fit and it died. Dr Kay stated at the Inquest on Monday that death was due to cardiac failure, following whooping cough and a verdict of "Death from Natural Causes" was returned.

HAMPSTEAD, LONDON - Sad Death of Captain T. M. C. LLOYD, Formerly Of Bideford. - "There is not the least chance of anyone being accused of shooting me, but to make it quite clear I am writing this to say that I am going to shoot myself. The reason for doing so is obvious." This was the letter left by CAPTAIN THOMAS MEWBURN CHETWODE LLOYD, aged 25 years, of Buckland Crescent, Hampstead, and formerly of "Kiltrasna," Bideford, who shot himself in his bed. The evidence of Dr Norman Dalton, his cousin, at the Inquest was 21 months ago the captain had an illness while in India and had since been hopelessly paralysed from the waist downwards. A month ago he was upset by the death of a brother in France from spotted fever and is only other brother was a prisoner of War in Germany. Colonel FREDERICK CHARLES LLOYD said his nephew always seemed cheerful, although he regarded his case as hopeless. The other morning, said the housekeeper, the captain asked for his brother's kit which had arrived from France, and said that he wished to be left alone while he examined it. The revolver must have been in the kit. - "Suicide while of Unsound Mind" was the verdict.

TAWSTOCK - Fatal Accident At Tawstock. The Inquest. - On Monday an Inquest was held at Tawstock by Dr Ellis Pearson, Deputy Coroner, on the body of ARTHUR SMALLCORN, farm labourer, in the employ of Mr B. White, who was killed on Friday through the over-turning of a cart in Burring-lane, Tawstock. Mr John Dullam was Foreman of the Jury. - John Balch, brother-in-law, said deceased was 53 years of age. Witness last saw him alive about ten weeks ago, when he seemed in good health. As far as witness knew deceased had always been a strong and steady man. - George Alfred Smith, landlord of the New Inn, Fremington, deposed that deceased was working for him on Friday, April 28th. He came about 3.50 a.m., and left the Inn about 7.30 p.m. in a cart. - A Juryman: What was the cart loaded with? - Witness: A cultivator and a drilling plough tied on the top of the cart. - William Huxtable said he saw deceased pass Ley's Corner, Fremington, between 8.45 and 9.20 on Friday. Deceased was then sitting on the left hand side of the cart, facing the horse. The cart contained a cultivator and drilling plough. Another horse was attached to the rear of the cart. Deceased had no lights on the cart. It was dark at the time. - Herbert Davis said he was told by Mr Smith (his master) to look for the deceased on Friday about 10.30 p.m. He found the deceased some distance past Burring-lane. The cart was over-turned, the shaft horse was lying on its side, while the second horse was tied to the rear of the cart. The deceased was on the ground against the hedge, with the cultivator on top of him. Witness spoke to deceased, but received no answer; he thought he was dead. Not being able to lift the cultivator from the deceased himself he immediately went for help. - Dr Lemarchand (Barnstaple) said that on Saturday morning, about 2 o'clock he saw deceased, who was lying on his back against the hedge. The whole weight of the cultivator was resting on the lower part of his chest. Deceased had been dead some hours. He had made an examination, and found death was due to rupture of the liver and internal haemorrhage, due to being crushed by the implement. - Mr White added that a portion of the wheel of the implement was resting on deceased's throat when he arrived, and this was removed before the doctor came. - The Coroner, summing up, remarked on the fact that deceased was travelling at the time of the night stated in a very nasty, twisting lane, without any lights. He expressed the opinion that deceased must have taken a turning in the lane a little bit short and ran his cart into the bank and it overturned. His horses were quiet and the man was sober, but apparently could not see where he was going. Very likely if he had lights he might have seen his way a little better and the accident might not have happened. Apparently the reason of his not having lights was that he did not expect to be out so late, but even then he ought to have obtained lights from the New Inn before starting on his homeward journey. - Mr J. Dallam (the Foreman): It is not often a farm worker stays so late. - Mr Smith said they offered deceased some lamps, but he said he should be all right. - A verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned.

North Devon Journal, Thursday 11 May 1916
ILFRACOMBE - Fatal Burns At Ilfracombe. Old Lady's Sad Death. - Dr Ellis Pearson, Deputy Coroner for North Devon, conducted an Inquest at the Church Missionary Room, Ilfracombe, on Saturday afternoon, touching the death of MRS MATILDA HARRISON, aged 72, of 2 Brookfield Place, who died the previous day from the effects of burns. The deceased was the widow of MR ALBERT HARRISON, a pensioner of the Metropolitan Police Force. - Mr W. W. Tattam was chosen Foreman of the Jury. - The first witness was ADA HARRISON, daughter of the deceased. She said her mother had had bad health for the past two years, suffering from rheumatism, and for the past three months she had not left her room, which was downstairs. Deceased had been out of her mind for some time. About half-past five on Thursday afternoon witness left her for a few minutes in order to fetch some brandy. Witness said the brandy was for herself. Witness had left her mother for half an hour at a time on one or two occasions. She did not think her mother would have been able to get out of bed herself, as for weeks past she had had to be lifted out. Thursday afternoon she left her for about four or five minutes only. She was talking to a neighbour when she was told by a neighbour, Mrs Street, that someone was screaming in the house. Witness ran into the house, where she saw her mother kneeling before the fire with her clothing in flames. Deceased was wearing an under-vest, a flannelette nightdress, and a small shawl. The little son of Mrs Wybron, a neighbour, was with witness, and she sent him for his mother. Witness pulled deceased away from the fire and pulled off some of deceased's clothing before Mrs Wybron arrived. She also sent for the doctor. - The Foreman asked if the Jury understood that the deceased was an imbecile. - Witness said that her mother did not know her own son and daughter. At times her memory came back. - The Coroner: Had she been certified as being a lunatic? - Witness: She could not be a lunatic, as she was harmless. - Mr Richards (a Juryman) asked witness how many times a doctor had visited deceased during the past three months? - Witness: Once. - Mr Richards asked witness if she succeeded in getting the brandy she went out for. - Witness replied "Yes." - Mr Richards: You swear that? - Witness: Yes, I got it. - Mr Richards asked witness what she did when she went into the room and saw her mother in flames. - Witness said she did what she could and pulled off some of the clothing before Mrs Wybron came in. - Another Juryman asked where the brandy was obtained. - Witness: At the Wellington. - In answer to the Coroner, witness said she had half a noggin of brandy and it was put in a soda water bottle. - Asked why the doctor had only called once, witness replied: "He said her mind was a blank and that he could do nothing for her." - The next witness was Mrs Wybron, a neighbour, who said that at about 5.40 on Thursday her son Philip came into the house and said that MRS HARRISON was in flames. Witness at once ran in, and found that the clothing of the deceased was still smouldering. MISS HARRISON had pulled deceased away from the fire and had got her against the bed in a sitting position. - The Coroner: Had she her clothes on? - Witness said none of them had been taken off and they were still smouldering. Witness said she pulled the nightdress off and sent for the doctor. - The Coroner: When you got into the room who was there? - Witness: Her daughter was there. - The Coroner: Anybody else? - Witness: Another neighbour came in just as I went in and she was too frightened to do anything. - The Coroner: What was the daughter doing? - Witness: Her daughter had fallen back and collapsed on the bed. She was too frightened to do anything. - The Coroner: Did you do anything for the daughter? - Witness: The daughter came round after that. - The Coroner: Was she all right? - Witness: Yes, she was quite all right then. - The Coroner: Was she quite sober? - Witness: Yes, better than I have seen her sometimes. She was all right that day, because I know she had not the money to get it. I saw nothing in the house in the way of drink. - The Coroner: You think she was in a condition capable of looking after her mother? - Witness: Oh, yes, I had spoken to both only twenty minutes before that. Her mother was then in bed. - The Coroner: Was it you who sent for the doctor? - Witness: Yes. - Mr Richards: Your son fetched him, I believe? - Witness: Yes, my eldest son. - Mr Richards: You say you found no intoxicants in the house? - Witness: None whatever. - In reply to Mr W. C. Hutchings (another Juryman), witness said she had seen the deceased three or four times a day. - Mr Richards said he knew that Mrs Wybron had paid every attention to the deceased during her illness. If it had not been for Mrs Wybron the deceased would have fared very badly as regards food, fire and light. - The Coroner (to witness): You looked after her? - Witness: With my mother. - The Coroner: Was she a lunatic? - Witness: No, at times she knew. - The Coroner: Was she fit to have been left alone at all? - Witness said she thought she was fit to be left alone for a little while. They did not think she was able to get out of bed unaided. - Mr Richards: You have provided her with food, and if it had not been for you she would have had none. - Witness: She would have gone short, I suppose, sometimes. - Mr Shore, the landlord of the Wellington Arms, was next called. - The Coroner: Do you know ADA HARRISON? - Witness: Yes, sir. - Very well? - Yes, as a customer. - Did she come to your place on Thursday, May 4th. - Yes, sir. - What did she want? - She really did not ask for anything when she first came in. She came in to show me some articles she had got. - Witness went on to say that a man who was in the bar had a look at the articles. Witness believed they were tea spoons. After she had shown the things, MISS HARRISON said her mother was not so well and she asked witness if he would let her have some brandy to take home with her. MISS HARRISON had no money. As far as he knew she had no drink besides that, that day. In fact, he gave her the brandy as she said her mother was not so well. She was perfectly sober. In fact, if she had asked for drink he should have supplied her if she had had the money to pay for it. - Dr Osborne said he was called to see the deceased about six o'clock on Thursday evening. She was then in bed and was suffering from extensive burns on the whole of the right arm, and the right side of the chest, back and front. Of course, she was in great agonies of pain and was suffering from shock. - The Coroner: Did you anticipate she would die? - Witness: Yes, I was afraid she would have a hard struggle. - Witness added that deceased passed away about 1.30 p.m. on Friday. In his opinion death was due to the severe burns and shock. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death due to Burns." - Mr Richards said thanks were due to the neighbours for the help they had given the deceased. - A Juryman suggested that a rider might be added to the effect that there had been negligence on the part of the daughter. - The Foreman did not think that that negligence was contributory to the cause of death. They were thankful to Mrs Wybron for the services she had rendered. - The Coroner observed that although it appeared that the deceased was not looked after by her daughter in the way she should have been, she was looked after by neighbours. - The daughter, who was asked to leave the Court while the other witnesses were giving evidence, was recalled by the Coroner, who told her that when giving evidence again on oath, she should be careful as to facts. In her evidence she had stated, for instance, that she had asked for brandy for herself, whereas Mr Shore said she asked for it for her mother. - Witness admitted that she might have told Mr Shore it was for her mother.

BARNSTAPLE - Old Lady's Fatal Fall At Barnstaple. - MRS ELLEN LISTER, aged 84, fell at her lodgings, No. 1 Grosvenor-terrace, Bear-street, Barnstaple, on Monday morning and died in the evening as the result of the accident. The deceased was a lady of independent means, being the widow of MR ROBERT LISTER, a retired yeoman, who formerly farmed at Middlesborough. - At the Inquest conducted by Mr T. A. R. Bencraft, Borough Coroner, on Tuesday evening, Mr Charles Phillips, house decorator, stated that MRS LISTER had lodged with him for the past twenty-five years. At one time deceased was a great walker, but for the last three or four years had been confined to her room. Although very feeble, she could walk from her bedroom to her sitting-room, and it was no use suggesting that she should not walk or move about without assistance. She had fallen on three or four occasions. Coming home to breakfast about eight o'clock on Monday morning, witness heard a noise and having called his wife, rushed upstairs to find that MRS LISTER had again fallen. She said she had slipped and was afraid she had broken her leg. Deceased was very weak in one leg and he thought that this must have given way. With assistance he got her into bed and went for Dr W. J. Harper. Finding MRS LISTER in great pain, Dr Harper came two or three times during the day, but she died at 5.30 p.m. on Monday. - Dr W. J. Harper, who first saw MRS LISTER at eleven a.m. on Monday, deposed that examination revealed that she had broken her left thigh bone high up and had also sprained her ankle. MRS LISTER said she had fallen down two little steps on the landing leading from the bedroom. Deceased had every attention. In his opinion death was due to shock, the result of the accident. It was very seldom that a person of MRS LISTER'S age ever recovered from a broken thigh. - The Coroner thought it was a pure accident, no one being to blame in the matter. - The Jury, of which Mr D. Moxham was Foreman, returned a verdict in accordance with the medical evidence.

WINCHESTER, HAMPSHIRE - Death Of Bratton Fleming Soldier. - The circumstances attending the death of PTE. HAVELOCK WEBBER, stationed at Hursley, near Winchester, formed the subject of an Inquest held at the Hursley Camp Hospital. Evidence of identification was given by Pte. J. R. Bond, who stated that Pte. WEBBER was 38 years of age, and he enlisted at Exeter on April 7th. Witness had never heard deceased complain, but his work seemed to disturb him and he would occasionally say that he was not so active as a younger man. The battalion had been doing recruit work and marching, but no physical drill. On the previous Tuesday (May 2) deceased did not appear to be well, and he was seen by a doctor, who gave him some medicine, and he was ordered to stay in his hut. Subsequently the doctor, seeing that his temperature had risen considerably, took a serious view of the case, and deceased was sent to the Hospital. Lieut. H. S. Gillett, R.A.M.C., said he saw deceased on May 2nd, on his admission to the Hospital, when he was suffering from rheumatism. He was given proper treatment, but died the same night. Witness had since made a post-mortem examination and found that the cause of death was peritonitis. He had evidently suffered from it for some time, but the attack that carried him off was quite recent. There would be no outward sign of this unless deceased had complained. The Jury returned a verdict of "Death from Natural Causes." - It was with painful regret that the inhabitants of Bratton Fleming heard of the death of Private HAVELOCK WEBBER (of Bratton Fleming) who passed away at Hursley, near Winchester, on Tuesday in last week. On being called to the Colours a few weeks ago, he was attached to the 3/6th Devons. Previous to joining up he followed the occupation of a tailor and was also part-time postman. Deceased was well-known and highly respected. He was closely connected with every movement at the village Hall and was a member of the Committee of Management. The interment took place on Sunday last in the Parish Churchyard, the Rector officiating. At the service in the Church the hymn, "Nearer my God to Thee," was feelingly sung. The chief mourners were:- Miss Webber, (sister), Messrs. H. Webber and Robins (uncles), Misses E. and M. Webber (cousins), Mr J. and Miss Barrow, Mrs and Miss A. Barrow, Mrs Bale, A. and Gwennie Bale. The bearers were Messrs G. Ewens, F. Gill, G. Moule and J. and G. Lavercombe, A. Latham, S. Hill, C. Parkin, Sergt. A. Hill, W. H. Baker, W. Bale and G. Ware. The beautiful floral tributes included:- In loving memory, from Lizzie; from Postal friends; the Men's Club, the Girls' Club, little friend Gwennie, Mr and Mrs Quick. The funeral was attended by a very large number of sympathising friends.

North Devon Journal, Thursday 18 May 1916
BRATTON FLEMING - Sudden Death Of MR FREDK. TURNER, of Chelfham. - MR FREDERICK TURNER, of Chelfham Barton, near Barnstaple, died with tragic suddenness on Thursday. MR TURNER left the house shortly after tea in order to attend to a colt, and a little later he was found lying unconscious near the stable door. Dr W. J. Harper of Barnstaple, was summoned, but MR TURNER never rallied, passing away at 6.15 the same evening. The deceased was a son of the late MR WILLIAM TURNER, who farmed Chelfham Barton for a number of years. MR FREDK. TURNER took over the farm on his father's death and he was a most successful and greatly esteemed agriculturist, being a man of sterling character and most kindly disposition. His sudden death created a painful sensation in the district and profound sympathy is expressed for the widow and family in their bereavement. - The Inquest was held before Dr Elis Pearson, Acting Coroner for North Devon, at Chelfham Barton on Saturday. Mr John Baker being Foreman of the Jury. - MRS ELIZABETH TURNER, wife of the deceased, gave her husband's age as 39 and said he had not enjoyed very good health, suffering from a weak heart and indigestion. He left the house on Thursday after tea to tie up a colt and shortly afterwards Reginald Ley, aged 14, came and told her that deceased was lying in the stable doorway on his face and hands. She went out and found him as described. He was unconscious and was at once taken indoors and given stimulants, Dr Harper being also sent for, but her husband passed away about 6.15. - Miss Fanny Barrow also gave evidence. - Dr W. J. Harper, of Barnstaple, said there were no external marks on the body to suggest that deceased had been injured by the colt except a small scar on the forehead, but this, however, he thought had been there for two or three days. In his opinion death was due to rupture of the heart. - The Jury, in returning a verdict accordingly, expressed deep sympathy with the widow and relatives, the Foreman observing that the late MR TURNER was a much-respected farmer and well-known, not only at Chelfham, but in the neighbouring district. - The Funeral. - Amid every token of deepest sympathy and respect, the deceased was laid to rest in the Parish Churchyard of Bratton Fleming on Tuesday. Prior to leaving the house, a service was conducted by Mr L. H. Alford (Horridge). The Church was packed with sympathisers, many coming from a long distance to pay their last tribute to the deceased. the Rector, the Rev. F. R. Cobbold, officiated. The hymn, "None but Christ can satisfy," was sung. The immediate mourners were the widow; Mr Wm. Turner (London) and Mr James Turner, brothers; Mr and Mrs Hunt, Mr and Mrs H. Gould, Corpl. and Mrs Smith (Ilfracombe), Mr and Mrs Alfred Turner (London), Mr and Mrs Charley, Mr and Mrs Watts, Mr and Mrs Hill, Mr and Mrs Turner (Parkham), Mrs Hill (Bratton), brothers-in-law and sisters; Mrs George Turner, (sister-in-law); Mr Rudd (North Radworthy), Mr Sidney Rudd (Southmolton), Mr Nott (Yellaton); Mr Thomas Goaman, J.P. (Bideford), uncle.

North Devon Journal, Thursday 25 May 1916
PETERS MARLAND - MR THOMAS WOOLRIDGE, of Petersmarland, died suddenly while driving a motor car at Okehampton on Saturday. At the Inquest it was shown that death was due to heart failure and a verdict was returned accordingly.

North Devon Journal, Thursday 8 June 1916
BIDEFORD - Child Drowned At Bideford. - Dr Ellis Pearson held an Inquest at Bideford Town Hall on Thursday relative to the death of GEORGE HENRY GOSS, aged six, the son of a mason living in Torrington-lane, Bideford, who was drowned in the Torridge on May 30th. Alf. Symons, a little boy, said he was catching crabs with deceased on the foreshore near the L. and S.W.R. at East-the-Water. - Jesse Lee and Wilfred Beer deposed to hearing that GOSS had fallen into the river, they ran over and found the body floating in deep water. Lee waded in, but could not reach it and Beer took off his clothes and swam in and brought the body to the shore. Lee then pulled it in. By this time a bargeman, named Pile, had arrived on the scene, but although he tried artificial respiration, he considered the boy was dead before he arrived. Dr Grose said when he arrived a little time after the boy was dead. A verdict of "Accidentally Drowned" was returned. The Coroner commended the behaviour of the lads, Lee and Beer, who, he said, did not run away crying, but did all that was possible under such circumstances.

North Devon Journal, Thursday 15 June 1916
BIDEFORD - An Inquest was held last evening on FLORENCE EMILY RANK, draper, Mill-street, who was found dead on Monday evening. The evidence showed that deceased had recently been suffering from nervous prostration and heart trouble and among other medicine bottles in her bedroom, was a bottle of liniment, labelled poison. Dr Toye said he found in the stomach traces of irritant poison, similar to the liniment in the bottle. Knowing deceased well, he thought it quite possible for her to have been awakened from sleep and to have mistaken one bottle for another, discovering the error when it was too late. The Jury returned a verdict of "Death from Accidental Poisoning."

North Devon Journal, Thursday 29 June 1916
SOUTH MOLTON - On Wednesday Dr Ellis Pearson held an Inquest at Southmolton concerning the death of MRS ELIZABETH NOTT, dealer, of West-street, Southmolton. Mr Fred Pady was chosen Foreman of the Jury. - Mrs Daw, a niece, said that the deceased was 69 years of age. For the past twelve months she had been in failing health. - Mrs Robins, a neighbour, said she was called to MRS NOTT about 8.30 on the morning of June 2nd. She found her in bed and very poorly. Witness fetched some tea and remained in the house till dinner-time. Then she got tea again and stayed till 7 in the evening. On returning ten minutes later she heard groans and discovered that the bed was empty. She found MRS NOTT near the foot of the stairs. She said she had fallen down, but did not say that she fell down the stairs. - Dr Mortimer said he attended the deceased from June 9th. The left thigh was broken and she was in a comatose condition. There had been a bruise on the left side of the head and there was a bed-sore. The cause of death was shock and septic infection, following a fracture of the thigh. He regarded it as a bad case from the beginning. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death."

BUCKLAND MONACHORUM - WILLIAM HENRY TREASURE, well known as a former licensee of the Lopes Arms, Roborough, was on Saturday found hanging from a water tank at his home at Horrabridge, and at the Inquest subsequently held, a verdict of "Suicide during Temporary Insanity" was returned. Deceased, who was about 60 years of age, was a naval pensioner and before taking the license of the Lopes Arms was for some time steward of Plymouth Conservative Club.

North Devon Journal, Thursday 6 July 1916
BISHOPS TAWTON - Croyde Farmer's Sad End. Body Found In River Taw. - MR GEORGE H. TUCKER, a well-known farmer, of Coombas, Croyde, was missed from Barnstaple on Friday last, and the following morning his lifeless body was found in the river Taw between Bishopstawton and Newbridge by Thos. Light, a Barnstaple fisherman. The distressing affair caused a painful sensation in a wide district. MR TUCKER, who was 51 years of age, had successfully farmed Coombas for many years, whilst he was a man of most genial disposition - respected and esteemed by all who knew him. Sympathy for the bereaved widow and other members of the family is general. - On the sad discovery being made on Saturday morning, P.S. Bolt (County Constabulary) of Barnstaple, proceeded to Bishopstawton, and superintended the removal of the body to the Three Pigeons Inn, where the Inquest was held on Monday afternoon before Dr Ellis Pearson, Deputy Coroner for North Devon, and a Jury of which Mr J. Houle was elected Foreman. - MRS ANNIE TUCKER (deceased's wife) stated that her husband drove her into Barnstaple on Friday morning. Having removed the produce from the trap into the market he left; and she did not see him afterwards. Her husband was all right on the way in, and witness noticed nothing wrong whatever. Deceased was in good health, but had a fatty heart, although he did not know that. He had not complained of feeling unwell. Her husband had no financial trouble and he had plenty of everything. - The Coroner: You had no reason to suppose that he would take his life? - Oh no; far from that. - Has he had anything to worry him, or has he suggested anything? - No; he had no worry whatever. - MRS TUCKER, continuing, said her husband as a rule would come to her in the Market between one and two o'clock for dinner, although sometimes he remained with friends and would not come. On Friday he had not appeared up to nearly five o'clock and concluding something was wrong she made inquiries; but no one seemed to have seen him after about eleven o'clock. She (MRS TUCKER) remained in Barnstaple over night on Friday and she had called on one or two friends next morning, when she was told that the body of her husband had been found in the river. - J. Tanton, railway packer, deposed that about 11.10 on Friday morning he saw MR TUCKER go up the side of the river, cross a little bridge and proceed up the bank. They wished each other good morning. There seemed to be nothing peculiar about deceased whatever. Witness mentioned that it was not a public path, but people used it. - Thos. Light, fisherman, spoke to being on the river just below "Mousehole" on Saturday morning and seeing a body which he first thought was that of an animal. He passed it, but on second thought returned and saw that it was that of a man. Deceased was in a sitting posture. Witness reported the matter and the body was landed. Deceased was fully clothed with the exception of his hat. - Dr F. L. Thomas, of Barnstaple, who made a post mortem examination, attributed death to drowning. - The Coroner, summing up, recalled that MRS TUCKER had stated that her husband's general health was good and that he had no financial difficulties, and nothing to worry him. Yet in the evidence the Jury, he thought, must come to the conclusion that deceased committed suicide by drowning himself. - A Juryman: Do you think he was insane at the time? - The Coroner: We have no evidence to show. That was why I asked the wife if there was any reason to suppose he might do such a thing. - It was further remarked by a member of the Jury that deceased was out of his way altogether at Bishopstawton. - The Foreman expressed the opinion that deceased must have been temporarily insane. - MRS TUCKER, recalled, repeated that her husband was not worried about anything. - Q.: Did he go to the Tribunal about his boys? - A.: Yes, last Monday. - Q.: One got off and one has to go? - A.: ERNEST , our youngest has to go, but was given one month's exemption, which means six weeks and the other one was granted conditional exemption. - Q.: Did he worry about that? - A.: Well, no, he got what he asked for. He knew he could not keep the both. - Q.: He didn't ask for them to be exempted altogether? - A.: No. He knew he could not keep both. Of course we felt it, both of us, very much, but there was nothing to justify him doing anything rash. - Q.: It didn't seem to prey on his mind? - A.: It did on the both of us to a certain extent, but nothing to lead him to take his life. I know if he had felt anything like that he would have told me immediately. - A Juryman: He may not have shown it? - A.: We have been married 30 years and I could read him. - Mr Gibbs, who attended the Inquest mentioned that he saw deceased's hat on the edge of the bank, and three foot-track leading down from the bank to the river. The tracks looked as if deceased had first slipped for about two feet. He agreed with a Juror that if it had been dark when MR TUCKER was going along the bank it was quite possible that he could have fallen into the river. He was understood to add that if anyone fell into the river it would be impossible to get out again at the point in question. - Dr Thomas, in reply to a question, said that he thought deceased had been in the river at least twelve hours. - Mr Gibbs further said that the tracks led the reverse way to that in which MR TUCKER was going when the witness Tanton saw him. - The Coroner said that MR TUCKER had apparently no business at Bishopstawton. - A Juror: "Not so far as we know." He added that there was always a lot of cattle kept in the marshes and they did not know whether deceased had gone up there to see bullocks. - It transpired that another MR TUCKER rented the marshes, but it was stated that he was not related to the deceased. - Mr Gibbs further stated that deceased's hat was upside down on the bank and he thought it quite possible that he slipped off the bank into the river. - The Jury returned a verdict that deceased Committed Suicide by Drowning Himself while Temporarily Insane.

SOUTH MOLTON - Child Dies From Accidental Burns. Inquest At Southmolton. - Dr Ellis Pearson has held an Inquest at Southmolton Workhouse concerning the death of HILDA MINNIE BEARDON, the twenty-months' old daughter of JOHN BEARDON, agricultural labourer. Mr Attree Powell, Clerk, watched the proceedings on behalf of the Guardians. Mr Daniel Bennett was elected Foreman of the Jury. - JOHN BEARDON, father, said that about 4 o'clock in the afternoon of June 3rd, he was working in the fields when a little boy informed him that the child had fallen on the fire. A doctor was summoned. Witness's wife told him that she was out of doors fetching water when the accident happened. - The Coroner: Have you a fire-guard? - Yes. How long have you had it? - Ever since the Act was passed. - Was it on that day? - It had been on. - Do you know what time it was taken off? - No. - Was it on when the child caught fire? - It was near, but it could not have been on. - Did you ask your wife whether the fire-guard was on when the child caught fire? - No. - Did you ask her anything about the fire-guard? - No. - How many children have you got? - Eleven living now. - All at home? - No. - How many? There were eight at home. - How old is the oldest? - I think she is something about 12. - And the youngest? - 5 months. - Were they all in the room where the fire was? - Some were in and others were out playing about. - Did you know that other children have been burnt to death in this district through not having a fire-guard up? - I have heard talk of some falling in the fire. - Lately? - I couldn't say how lately. - Mr Bradford, a Juror: Was it a range or an open fire-place? - An open fire. The guard is not on when we are using the fire. - The Coroner: That is just when it is intended to be on. - MRS ELLEN BEARDON, mother of the child, said that in the afternoon of June 3rd, she went into the garden to get water from a pump, leaving her daughter BEATRICE, aged nine, in the kitchen. There were no other children there. Five others were "out at the back at play." - The Coroner: Where were the other two? - One was splitting wood. - Of those who were playing how old was the eldest? - I think he is about seven. - And the youngest? - I think he was three years old last September. - Where were the others? - The baby was in the cradle in the kitchen and the boy was fetching wood. - How old is he? - Eleven last October. Proceeding witness said they had had a fireguard about eight years. When she went out to get water the guard was not on the fire. - Why did you not put on the guard? - I did not think of it, sir. - Do you often go out without putting it on? - Not often; sometimes I don't think of it. - Has it ever been brought to your notice that it is dangerous? - No. - Have you heard of children being burned to death? - Yes. - And yet you go away and don't put it on yourself? - When you have so many to look after it is difficult to think of everything. - The Coroner: That's just the reason why you should; you have to look after them. The witness said she returned to the house because she heard screams. The child was standing in the kitchen; her clothes were "simmering" and her hair was alight. She "dowted" the hair and ripped away the clothing. - The Coroner: Did you do anything before the doctor came? - Only put her on a night-dress. - You did not put on oil or anything? - Nothing, sir. - Replying to Mr Twells, a Juror, witness said the clothing was not burnt very badly. - The Coroner: Did the girl tell you how it happened? - No, she won't tell; she only cries. - Mr Twells: She is only nine years old. - Dr Seal, Southmolton, said he was called and arrived at the house about 5 o'clock. There were very extensive burns at the bottom of the back and over the buttocks and thighs; also over the lower part of the abdomen. There were burns on the left elbow and back of the neck and head. He attended to the wounds and brought the child to the Union Workhouse, where she remained practically a month. She was attended either by witness or his partner and received every attention. A night nurse was engaged. The patient developed septic pneumonia and died on July 1st. The cause of death was pneumonia, following burns. - Mr C. Tall, a Juror: Had first-aid been rendered and oil applied would the result have been the same? - Dr Seal: Yes. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death," and expressed the view that the parents should be warned of the danger of leaving an open fire unprotected.

SUSSEX - Death of MR THOMAS DALLYN, of Blackdown. - The farming community of North Devon will learn with much regret of the death of MR THOMAS DALLYN, of Blackdown, Surrey, which took place unexpectedly last Thursday. He had not been in good health of late years. The only son of the late MR WILLIAM DALLYN, of Challacombe, he started farming on his own account at Twitchen, in that parish. About thirty-five years ago he migrated to Surrey, being the first of many farmers who left North Devon at that time - which was one of great depression in agriculture - to pursue their avocation nearer London. The success which followed MR DALLYN'S pioneer venture was, indeed, the chief inducement which others had in following his example and among them, too, few have had cause to regret the change. - MR DALLYN continued to keep in close touch with his old friends in North Devon. Hardly a year passed in which he did not come down for the autumn sales, where he was a large buyer of Exmoor horn ewes for wintering in the milder climate of Surrey and Sussex; in fact, he was the first to open up this fresh outlet for this breed of sheep and his extensive operations, especially in the earlier years of his activity, stimulated the local sales immensely, for his neighbours in Surrey soon came to recognise the hardy merits and good paying qualities of the Exmoor breeding ewe, which has now secured an established place in the flock systems of that part of the country. - MR DALLYN'S first farm in Surrey was at Cotchet, and when he left Devonshire in the 'Eighties his father and mother went with him. They occupied Cotchet until their death, after MR DALLYN himself had left that farm for the larger, adjoining holding of Blackdown. He married the eldest daughter of MR WILLIAM BURGE, formerly of Leworthy, Bratton Fleming, and leave a widow and six children - one son, who is now serving in the Sussex Yeomanry, and five daughters, the eldest of whom is Mrs Percy May, of Tutshill, Pilton. North Devon Journal, Thursday 13 July 1916 SUSSEX - The Late MR THOMAS DALLYN. A Regrettable Gun Accident. - It now transpires that the death of MR THOMAS DALLYN, of Blackdown, Surrey, which was noted in last week's "Journal", was caused by the accidental discharge of a shot-gun whilst he was shooting rooks. According to evidence given at the Inquest, MR DALLYN had just been conversing at his farm with Mr Boaz. Shortly afterwards Mr Boaz heard the discharge of a gun and going to the spot from whence the report came, he found MR DALLYN apparently dead. There was a very severe wound in the head, the charge having entered the throat and it emerged on the opposite side of the face. It was stated that MR DALLYN was in the habit when conversing of resting his hands and chin on the muzzle end of the gun. The view was expressed by Mr Boaz that on the present occasion MR DALLYN had sat upon a fence and the gun went off through being placed sharply on the ground. - MRS DALLYN, the widow, said that her husband had suffered lately from nervous trouble, but had never said or done anything which would lead one to suppose that he would take his life; he was not that sort of man. He had just had ten days' holiday, and was in his usual good spirits. - After medical evidence had been given, the Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death."

North Devon Journal, Thursday 27 July 1916
BARNSTAPLE - Young Barnstaple Hero Drowned Whilst Trying To Save Two Other Boys. - FREDERICK SHOBBROOK, aged 14, of Vicarage-street, Barnstaple, lost his life near the drawbridge in the river Taw on Tuesday evening as the result of one of the most conspicuous acts of heroism ever recorded in the annals of the Borough. Six boys (including deceased) were bathing, when two of the number got into difficulties, SHOBBROOK succeeding in saving one, but being himself drowned in a gallant attempt to rescue the other. The deceased, a former pupil at St. Mary Magdalene School, was apprenticed to Mr Kingdon, saddler, of Boutport-street and he was a lad of the greatest promise. General admiration is expressed throughout the Borough and district at the bravery displayed by the deceased, coupled with profound sympathy for the parents - Sergt. ALBERT ERNEST SHOBBROOK (22nd Royal rifles), now on active service and MRS SHOBBROOK, in their peculiarly sad loss. We are asked to state that the funeral will take place on Saturday. - At the Inquest at the residence of the deceased's parents lat (Wednesday) evening, the Borough Coroner (Mr T. A. R. Bencraft) first remarked on the very distressing event and then called MRS SHOBBROOK, deceased's mother, who tearfully spoke to last seeing her son alive in the dinner hour on Tuesday, his lifeless body being brought home about 10 p.m. - Archibald Ford, of Lower Maudlin-street, stated that six lads were bathing, four being good swimmers, he (witness) and a boy named Passmore not being very good. He (Ford) went across the river all right, but in returning he felt a bit giddy, and SHOBBROOK, remarking "I will come back with you, Arch," helped him across. Passmore, who was in deep water about four feet out from one of the posts at the bottom the river bank, then shouted for help. Other boys were now dressing, and, leaving him, SHOBBROOK at once went out to Passmore and caught hold of his arms. They were struggling together and Passmore "went under again." SHOBBROOK then shouted that Passmore had got hold of his legs and he too disappeared. They did not again see the deceased. Passmore, however, rose again and, giving a spring, caught hold of the post previously referred to, being rescued by Mr Stribling about two minutes later. Subsequently, Mr Parminter recovered SHOBBROOK'S body by means of a pole. - Questioned, witness said they went to the spot because there was "no other place to bathe." - The Coroner remarking that it was a dirty and dangerous spot, and The Foreman of the Jury, Mr D. Moxham, adding that there was a similar occurrence there two years ago. - The Coroner thought it would be of no use calling Passmore, who seemed to have no recollection of the matter. - Wm. Stribling, a pilot, was near Castle Quay, when, at about 8.45 p.m., some boys ran up shouting that others were drowning. Witness found Passmore clinging to the post exhausted and rescued him just as he let go. - Joseph Parminter, fisherman, told how, after unsuccessful attempts by others with nets, he, at about 9.50 p.m. found the body in a pit about 8ft. deep. Life was quite extinct. - The Coroner here said the directions of the Royal Humane Society were that no matter how long a body had been in the water - three-quarters of an hour or anything like that - artificial respiration should be resorted to at once and continued until the arrival of a doctor. - P.C. A. Hill, who removed the body with the assistance of P.S. Braund, was also called. He mentioned that the sergeant telephoned for a doctor, who, however, thought he could not be of any service. - Summing up, the Coroner again referred to the dangerous nature of the spot, probably the most dangerous in the whole river. He believed a notice board had been placed there, and in fact boys were not allowed on the railway at all. SHOBBROOK had given his life in a brave effort to save two of his friends and he merited the description of a "very gallant young gentleman." - The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidentally Drowned " and expressed their deepest sympathy with the bereaved family. - Calling MRS SHOBBROOK before him, the Coroner gave suitable expression to the Jury's message. England could ill afford to lose such a brave boy and the parents' only consultation was that after rescuing one boy he died in a gallant effort to save another. "The whole Borough, the whole countryside and the country itself will sympathise with you and your husband and family in your great distress."

North Devon Journal, Thursday 3 August 1916
BIDEFORD - MRS ELIZA DARK, aged 86, widow of a farmer, of Clovelly-road, Bideford, accidentally scalded her hand when taking a kettle off the fire a fortnight ago. Blood poisoning set in and she died on Wednesday. At the Inquest on Thursday Dr E. J. Toye said her age had been greatly against her recovery. She had a life interest in a number of small legacies, which now go to religious bodies and institutions.

North Devon Journal, Thursday 7 September 1916
LYNMOUTH - Sudden Death of Colonel WILLIAM F. BRANSTON. - The Inquest on COL. WILLIAM F. BRANSTON, who passed away with tragic suddenness on Thursday last at Vellacott's Pool, was held by Dr Ellis Pearson (Coroner), at Sunny Corner, the Colonel's residence, on Saturday afternoon. Mr W. H. Northcott was chosen Foreman of the Jury. - MISS AMY BRANSTON, daughter, said her father left home on Thursday morning about 9, to go salmon fishing and appeared to be in very good health. He was 64 years of age. - Phillip Laramy, river watcher, deposed that he was on duty on Thursday, and when at Vellacott's Pool, saw beside it on the shingle, COL. BRANSTON'S coat, fishing basket, gaff, rod and line, with a fish of abut 7lb. caught. The Colonel was lying on his left side, with his head a little in the water, which was only two inches deep. He at once lifted back the head and found her was quite dead, but warm. He was not wet. He ran to Mr Gaydon, of the Lyndale Hotel, for help and Mr Gaydon soon fetched Dr Bridgman. - Dr Bridgman deposed that he found deceased quite dead as Laramy had said. There was a cut above the nose, evidently caused by a fall, but the face was not wet. He had conducted a post-mortem examination and he found the brain intensely congested, but no actual haemorrhage. The heart was slightly enlarged on one side. One kidney was half as large again as it ought to have been. He was of opinion that the condition of the kidney and brain had brought on an ureamic convulsive fit - a similar condition to apoplexy - and that this was the cause of death. - The Jury brought in a verdict that "Death was from Natural Causes" and expressed deep sympathy with MRS BRANSTON and family. - COLONEL BRANSTON was an extremely soldier-like man - over 6ft. in height and upright as a bolt. He came to Lynmouth some six years ago from London, where he had worked up a very efficient battalion of Territorials. The present smart V.T.C. at Lynton was brought about to a great extent by his efforts and he gave unstinted time and effort to the drills, being commandant. He was also a prominent member of the Constitutional Club at Lynton and an esteemed sidesman of St John's Church, Lynmouth. At this church on Sunday morning the Rev. E. C. Treadwell, before commencing service, feelingly referred to the fact that the deceased was present at both services the preceding Sunday, and asked for the prayers of the congregation for the bereaved family, who had had dire trouble in the past five years. the only son died in Glasgow just four years ago last January. Soon after MRS BRANSTON had a long and serious illness, from which, however, she has happily recovered. Her mother, Mrs Mooyer, still lies very ill and now has come the crowning sorrow. All flags are at half-mast and deepest sympathy is felt by all. The Colonel was a fine sportsman and one who commanded the respect and esteem of the whole community.

North Devon Journal, Thursday 14 September 1916
GREAT TORRINGTON - Fatal Accident To A Torrington Mason. - On Monday Dr Pearson, Deputy Coroner, held an Inquest at the Cottage Hospital, Torrington, touching the death of SAMUEL PARKHOUSE, of Mill-street, who died on Saturday afternoon as the result of an accident the previous evening. Mr John Copp was chosen Foreman of the Jury. - Evidence of identification was given by MR JOHN PARKHOUSE, of New-street, the father of the deceased. His son, who was 46 years of age, was a mason and worked for Lord Clinton. He had not seen him for some little time before the accident. He saw him at the Hospital on Friday about 8.30 or 9 o'clock and he said: "Oh, father, I am going to die"; but said nothing about the accident then. - On Saturday, about 1 o'clock, he said in answer to his sister, "I must be dozing, and I slipped right off." He was a married man, with three children. - John Allen, of 62 Mill-street, stated that he had been working with the deceased at Huish. They left work about 5 o'clock and started for home, but waited for the lorry. They usually travelled by the Claymoor Railway, but if they had a chance to get a lift home earlier they embraced it. They had such a chance on Thursday and again Friday. There were two trucks, and he was on the last one. The deceased was sitting on the front corner and he was sitting on the hind corner. The trailer was laden with hay, but it was only two bundles high. When they had got about three miles on he saw the deceased lying in the road and the trailer go over his both legs. He did not actually see him fall, nor did he hear a cry - no voice whatever. There was a Belgian on the truck with whom he was talking as well as he could and they shouted, and the driver stopped. A car came up and they brought deceased to the Hospital. - Asked by the Coroner if deceased was sober, the witness replied yes. - James Newman Brock, driver of M.3043, for Messrs. Baker and Son, Bideford, said that they left Huish at 5 o'clock or 5.10 and that William Parsons was on the engine and the Belgian on the trailer. They were travelling at the time of the accident about 2 ½ miles an hour. The road was not rough and he knew the men were on the trailer. They often gave men a lift when they were out, but always told them that it was at their own risk. Mr Baker was very particular about this. The load was two bundles high and there were six ropes; they told them to hold fast. He did the best he could for the man. He sent for water and had a couple of towels and bound his legs. He was unconscious at first, but when they were lifting him into the car, he asked them "to lift up his left leg." - Dr Mortimer stated that he was called at 8 o'clock. The patient was suffering from severe shock, consequent upon compound fractures of both thigh bones. The fracture of the left thigh was extremely bad and there had also been bleeding from two wounds behind the thigh. The circulation had stopped to the feet - that of the left must have stopped almost at once. An operation was out of the question from the first. They did what they could; it was impossible to do anything further for him. He died on Saturday afternoon at 3.30. The immediate cause of death was shock, following a compound fracture of both thighs. - The Coroner reviewed the evidence and the Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death." - The Foreman, on behalf of the Jury, stated that they attached no blame to the driver for taking the men up.

North Devon Journal, Thursday 21 September 1916
BARNSTAPLE - Sad Tragedy At Barnstaple. - MR FRANK FRAYNE, stonemason's labourer, of 17 Reform-street, Barnstaple, made a sad discovery on Sunday afternoon, when he found his wife hanging to the bed post by means of a handkerchief. Dr J. R. Harper was summoned, only to find, however, that the poor woman was beyond human aid. The deceased, who had been in ill-health and under medical treatment for some weeks, was fifty years of age. - At the Inquest, held before the Borough Coroner, Mr T. A. B. Bencraft, and a Jury of which Mr D. Moxham was Foreman, at the Wesleyan Schoolroom on Monday evening, FRANK FRAYNE, deceased's husband, stated that he had only been married about four months, his wife (previously a MRS ABBOTT) having been a widow with some children by the first marriage. Her soldier son was at present home on sick leave. She was in good spirits up to about ten weeks ago, since which she had been suffering from nervous debility, being attended by Dr W. J. Harper. Had never heard her say she would do away with herself, and there was nothing to lead him to suppose she contemplated such a thing. His wife had a dinner on Sunday and about 4 o'clock went upstairs to clean. The daughter came in about ten minutes to five and asked for her mother. He (witness) told her where she had gone and going upstairs just afterwards, he found his wife practically kneeling at the foot f the bed, her head being in the loop of a handkerchief attached to the bedpost. In his opinion she was then dead. Having lifted her up he rushed downstairs and sent for medical aid, Dr J. R. Harper arriving within a few minutes, to find life extinct. - By the Foreman: There had been no quarrel of any sort. - Mr Mitchell, a Juror, remarked that he had seen MR and MRS FRAYNE on several occasions and they appeared to be most happy and comfortable. - Surgeon-Major J. R. Harper (who is home on leave from the Front) informed the Jury that his brother, Dr Walter Harper, had been attending MRS FRAYNE for nervous debility and general weakness for some weeks past. Summoned just before five o'clock the previous afternoon, he found MRS FRAYNE partly dressed and lying on the bed quite dead. In his opinion life had been extinct about an hour and a half. There was a mark round deceased's throat, consistent with having been caused by the handkerchief produced, and death was due to suffocation. Witness should say that at the time she was not responsible for her actions. - The Coroner thought it perfectly clear that the poor woman took her own life in the way stated, and that at the time she was suffering from temporary unsoundness of mind. - A verdict of Suicide whilst Temporarily of Unsound Mind was recorded and sympathy expressed with the bereaved husband.

BIDEFORD - Found Drowned At Bideford. - Dr Ellis Pearson, the Deputy Coroner, held an Inquest at Bideford on Saturday, on the body of WILFRID CHARLES COPP, 19, the son of a mason, with whom he lived at Sunnyside, Bideford, whose body was found in the river Torridge the previous day. - FRED J. COPP identified the body as his son, who had been in ill-health for three years, suffering from fits. He was usually bright and cheerful, and never threatened to take his life. - HARRIET COPP, mother, said deceased went out about noon and said he was going into the garden, and would be back soon. He did not come in at dinner-time and she went out, but could not find him, and throughout the afternoon she was looking for him with others. - John Hele, platelayer on the railway, deposed to seeing the deceased come up and cross the railway about a quarter of a mile from the iron bridge which takes the railway across the River Torridge, above Bideford. He then went on to the beach and walked along and disappeared from view. - P.C. Wilde deposed to having received a message that the driver of the 3.17 train from Bideford to Torrington had seen a man's body in the river near the bridge. He went to the spot and found deceased lying in a pool of water. With assistance he took the body out and removed it to the shore. Deceased was quite dead and he had traced the footsteps to where the deceased had apparently gone in where there were about 7ft. of water at the time. - Dr Toye said deceased had been under his continuous care for three years suffering from severe epileptic fits. It was quite possible that he had one and fell into the river, or else was suffering the effects of one at the time he entered the water. Deceased had apparently been drowned. - The Jury, of which Mr L. W. Carpenter was Foreman, returned a verdict of "Found Drowned."

North Devon Journal, Thursday 5 October 1916
ASHFORD - Tragedy At Ashford. Suicide Of A Labourer. - A tragedy occurred at West Ashford on Tuesday, when WILLIAM MOCK, farm labourer, was found hanging from a beam in the back kitchen of his residence. The deceased, who was married and aged 55, was a highly respected workman in the employ of Mr William Dunn of Ash Barton, Ashford, but formerly worked for Mr Pym, of Winsham. On Tuesday morning about 8.30, P.C. James Gully, of Braunton, received a message from Mr Dunn's son, stating that MOCK had been found hanging from a beam. Dr A. K. Trail was summoned and arrived at West Ashford as soon as possible, to find the body lying on the floor in the back kitchen. The doctor and the constable examined the body and tried artificial respiration for some time without avail. The body was still warm. - The Inquest was conducted by Dr Ellis Pearson, Deputy Coroner, at the deceased's residence yesterday afternoon. Mr L. H. Alford was elected Foreman of the Jury. - MRS MOCK, the widow, stated that the deceased had been in good health for a considerable time. On Monday dinner-time he was in a very bad temper and they had a slight controversy. In the evening, as she was afraid to stay with him, she went to her son's house at Braunton. She told her son about her father's temper and asked him to go and try to pacify him. As her husband was still in a bad temper, she stayed the night with her son at Braunton. Deceased was constantly worrying about his three sons, who were in the Army and Navy. She knew nothing more about him, until she heard of his death in the morning. This was the only time she had left him. - In answer to a question, MRS MOCK said it was only a slight argument. Deceased was always a hot headed man, but had never threatened to take his life. - The twelve year old son of deceased deposed that he retired to bed about 8 o'clock on Monday night. His father who had already gone to bed, seemed all right and never said anything to him. He, witness, heard his father get up at six o'clock on Tuesday morning. On going downstairs an hour later he saw his father hanging by a rope from a beam in the back kitchen. He immediately informed their neighbour, Mrs Tucker, who sent her son to see Mr Dunn. - Questioned by Mr Alford, witness stated that he did not hear his father make any noise in the night. - Mr W. Dunn stated that about seven o'clock on Tuesday morning Mrs Tucker's boy came to him and informed him that the deceased was hanging in the back kitchen. He went into the house and found the deceased suspended from a beam by a rope (produced) which had a slip-knot in it. His feet were about seven or eight inches off the ground. There was a stool close beside him. He found a hatchet by the fireside and immediately cut the body down. After staying with him for about five or ten minutes he was convinced he was dead. During that time he unloosed the clothing and felt that the heart had stopped beating. Deceased had been in his employ for about eighteen months. He knew he was considerably worried about his sons, especially when he did not receive any letters regularly. Deceased's son came to him on Monday night and asked him to go and reconcile him. MOCK was very unreasonable and ordered his son out of the house. The son did not provoke him in any way. Witness wanted him to allow his wife to return, but he insisted he would not have her back. When he left he was very much quieter. Deceased was a steady workman, and he (Mr Dunn) had found no fault with him whatever. - Dr A. K. Trail informed the Jury that when he saw deceased on Tuesday morning he was quite dead. In his opinion death was due to strangulation. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Death due to Hanging whilst Temporarily Insane," and gave their fees to the widow.

North Devon Journal, Thursday 19 October 1916
CHITTLEHAMPTON - Farmer's Suicide At Umberleigh. - At Chittlehampton on Thursday, Dr Ellis Pearson, Deputy Coroner for North Devon, held the Inquest on the body of RICHARD HOWARD, farmer of Nethercleave Farm, who was found dead the previous day with a double-barrelled gun by his side. Mr Vickery was Foreman of the Jury. - MARY ANN HOWARD, the widow, said her husband, 69 years of age, had been in poor health of late, suffering from chronic rheumatism, which necessitated his using crutches for walking. On Wednesday morning, about 10.5 deceased was sitting in his chair by the door in the kitchen, and asked her for his glasses and newspaper, which she handed to him. He was, seemingly, all right and she left him. On her returning to the house a few minutes later he was not there and she sent the farm boy to look for him. The boy called her attention to blood under the front door, and it was then discovered what had happened. As far as she knew her husband had had nothing to worry about, and she never thought he was likely to take his own life. She mentioned that his affliction had caused him a lot of pain at times and that several years ago he fractured the base of his skull as the result of an accident, and had suffered a good deal in his head ever since. - ARTHUR HOWARD, deceased's nephew, spoke to being called in from the farm after the occurrence was discovered, and to finding one empty cartridge in the gun. Deceased appeared to be in his usual health the same morning. - Dr Good, of High Bickington, said death was due to gunshot wound in the head, and expressed the opinion that deceased put the muzzle of the weapon to his mouth. He saw the deceased on July 30th and again on September 25th last, on account of his depression; he was worrying about trifles, without cause. Witness advised his being kept as cheerful as possible and that an eye should be kept on him, but said there was nothing definite to certify. - The Foreman said he had known the deceased all his life and that he must have been temporarily insane at the time the act was committed. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Suicide during Temporary Insanity" and expressed their deep sympathy with the widow and relatives. The mortal remains of MR RICHARD HOWARD, of Nethercleave, were laid to rest in the Churchyard on Saturday. There was a very large assembly of relatives and other friends, deceased having been greatly respected. The cortege was the longest that had been seen at Chittlehampton for many years and reached from the Lych Gate to the end of the village. All the bearers were well-known yeomen - Messrs. T. Harris, H. Waldon, J. Crocker, W. Woolaway, H. Huxham, and A. E. Arscott. The service was conducted by the Rev. C. W. Bate. The relatives present were MRS HOWARD (widow), MR A. HOWARD (nephew), Mr Ephraim Howard (brother), Mrs Mitchell (sister), Mrs W. Murch (sister), Mr Wm. Murch and Mr Alfred Eyres (brothers-in-law). There was a large concourse of the general public. - Wreaths were sent as follows:- In loving memory, from his sorrowing wife and nephew; From his loving brother and sister, Ephraim and Bessie, and his niece, Annie; In loving remembrance of a kind master, from George and Bert; In ever loving memory of dear uncle Richard, from Bessie and Ellen; Mr and Mrs Wallace Cook; Mr and Mrs G. Harris; Mr and Mrs Cocks; Mr and Mrs Woollaway; Mr and Mrs Sid. Murch; the Misses Huxham; From Will; From Willie and Lily Stevens; To our kind master, from the boys at Nethercleave; Mr and Mrs Tapscott; Mr and Mrs Spiller, Exeter; From all at 74 Boutport-street; From A. and R. White; From H. C. and W. Watts; Mr and Mrs Crocker, Nethercleave. - The coffin was of polished oak, supplied by Murch Bros., Umberleigh, and the funeral arrangements were carried out by Mr W. Manaton, of Braunton.

North Devon Journal, Thursday 2 November 1916
RATTERY - Former West Buckland Valet's Sad Death. Lance-Corporal W. H. COUNTER. - On Monday evening, at an Inquest at Rattery, Mr S. Hacker, Coroner, Inquired into the circumstances attending the death of Lance-Corpl. W. H. COUNTER, who was found dead on the railway. Lance-Corporal COUNTER, whose sad death will be regretted by a large circle of friends, was for some years a valet at West Buckland School, whilst in local Rugby football circles he will be remembered as a prominent forward, having been accustomed to play for the old Barnstaple Club and Devon County. - Evidence of identification was given by FREDERICK COUNTER, of Alphington, Exeter, who said his brother was thirty-four years of age. The family considered his death was due to an accident and there was no reason why he should take his life. - Second Lieut. Dening, Devonshire Regiment, said deceased was previously a valet at West Buckland School. On Friday he was given leave to go to Plymouth. He was a very valuable N.C.O., seemed a steady man and his conduct was good. - The brother produced a postcard bearing the London postmark of Saturday, which deceased sent to his sister, saying he was quite well. - Henry Sweet, signalman, Rattery, said the midnight express from Paddington stopped there on Saturday morning to take off an engine. When it proceeded, two minutes later, he saw a corridor open and sent a message to Brent to stop the train. There was nobody about to see COUNTER if he alighted. - William Harris, the front guard of the train said he did not know if COUNTER travelled by it or not. - The Coroner observed that the man's hat had not been found and witness said that it was not left in the train. In the compartment opposite the open door, a soldier, sailor and female were asleep. - Charles Stacey, the rear guard, was also unable to say if COUNTER was in the train. He did not know the door was opened until told by the previous witness after leaving South Brent. - Dr F. W. Style gave evidence that the deceased's skull was crushed and the brain lacerated. Death must have been instantaneous. - The Coroner observed that there was no evidence of suicide and no evidence to support the theory that death was due to accident. the man might have tried to go between the carriages, but it seemed hardly probable. - The Jury found that death was due to a fractured skull, caused by being crushed by a railway train, but that there was no evidence of the circumstances under which COUNTER met his death.

North Devon Journal, Thursday 9 November 1916
BARNSTAPLE - Sad Tragedy At Barnstaple. Man In Ill-Health Commits Suicide. - MRS DELL, of 20 Sunflower-road, Barnstaple, made a shocking discovery early on Friday morning, when she found her husband, MR WILLIAM H. T. DELL, suffering from a terrible wound in his throat, with a razor lying by his side. Assistance was summoned and Dr Walter Harper was promptly on the scene, but death occurred before his arrival. MR DELL, who was 56 years of age, was a painter by trade, but by reason of ill-health had been unable to do any work for several years. MR DELL, who will be remembered as having been a prominent member of the Barnstaple Nigger Troupe that gave performances in the borough about 25 years ago, was ordinarily very bright and cheerful; but his enforced inactivity had of late evidently preyed upon his mind. A large circle of friends heard of his sad death with great regret and general sympathy is expressed for the widow in her bereavement. - The Borough Coroner, Mr T. A. R. Bencraft, conducted the Inquest on Friday evening, Mr D. Moxham being the Foreman of the Jury. - The widow, MATILDA BEATRICE DELL, said her husband worked for Mr Phillips, painter, &c., of Bear-street, for nearly thirty years. He was always quite well until about four or five years ago, when he was taken ill. Her husband underwent an operation and after a while went back to work again. But he then had a seizure and had not worked since. Since then his state of mind had been very depressed. She had never heard him threaten to take his life, but the firm of Messrs. Harper, Jonas and Gibbs, who were attending her husband, advised her to be very careful with him, and she had hid his razor after he used it. When he put it in his drawer she would take it out and put it away, but in order not to arouse suspicion in his mind she always managed to replace it in the drawer before he again required to use it. Her husband was not worried by any financial trouble and in fact, had everything he wished for. He went to the lavatory just after seven o'clock that morning and hearing noises two or three minutes later, she found him kneeling on the floor bleeding profusely from a terrible wound in the throat. The razor was lying near by. She immediately ran for a towel and wrapped it around her husband's neck, then went to her neighbour, Mrs Mayne, and asked her to send for someone. Another neighbour, Mr Slocombe, came in accompanied by another gentleman, and, with their help, her husband was put into bed. When she first saw her husband she exclaimed, "Oh dear, whatever have you done?" Her husband just turned, but could say nothing. - George Henry Slocombe, clerk, of 21 Sunflower-road, said he was called by Mrs Mayne's daughter at 7.30. He found MR DELL in the lavatory, with pools of blood around him. Witness should think life was extinct when they put MR DELL into bed. He had known deceased for the last three years, and he had noticed he had been greatly depressed for a considerable time, being worse during the past month. - Dr Walter Harper (of the firm of Messrs. Harper, Jonas and Gibbs) said the firm had been attending MR DELL for several years for chronic kidney disease. He had lead poisoning at one time and kidney disease came on. Deceased had been depressed for a considerable time and the depression had been aggravated by a seizure he had had. He thought the wife had watched him to the best of her ability. Arriving just about 8 o'clock he found deceased in bed, and he appeared to have been dead a few minutes. He had a towel around his neck, and on removing it witness saw a large transverse wound, four or five inches in length, the arteries of the windpipe having been severed. Witness considered that he had been quite irresponsible owing to the depression and that at the time he committed the act his condition amounted to temporary insanity. - P.C. John W. Newcombe, who had a telephone message from Dr Harper at 9.15 p.m., produced the razor which he found on the right hand side of the lavatory. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Suicide whilst of Unsound Mind," and expressed sympathy with the widow and family.

North Devon Journal, Thursday 16 November 1916
BERRYNARBOR - Fatal Accident At Berrynarbor. Infant Drowned. - An Inquest has been conducted at Berrynarbor, North Devon, concerning the death of SIDNEY JAMES DOWN, aged two years, the infant child of MR and MRS ERNEST DOWN, of Hill Farm, Berrynarbor. Evidence was given to the effect that the child went into the farmyard with his brother, aged four years and while they were walking along the parapet of the wall enclosing the pond the baby fell in. His little companion went into the house and called the mother, who rushed to the spot and saw the baby's body floating on the top of the water close to the wall. She recovered the body and P.C. Bradford, who was summoned, tried artificial respiration and also made use of a hot bath, but it was of no avail. The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death from Drowning."

BARNSTAPLE - Lady's Death From Misadventure At Barnstaple. - Barnstaple Borough Coroner, Mr T. A. R. Bencraft, conducted an Inquest last evening concerning the death of MISS EMILY HAWKENS, who died at Grenville House, Boutport Street, Barnstaple, on Tuesday morning. - Mr D. Moxham was chosen Foreman of the Jury. - The Coroner said MISS EMILY HAWKENS was a lady well connected and of independent means, and she had been lodging at the residence of Mrs Downing, Grenville House, for some months past. Unfortunately, she had given way to the very bad habit of taking the drug chlorodyne, which was similar in its effects to laudanum. Her legal adviser, Mr Frederic Hannam-Clark, knew this and warned her of its evil effects. She travelled all over the country and it was with the greatest difficulty that her friends and Mr F. Hannam-Clark could keep in touch with her. The deceased lady was a sister of the first wife of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, the celebrated author. In August she went to Mr Shepperd's for some chlorodyne, and offered as an excuse that she suffered from indigestion. Mr Shepperd, greatly to his credit, then took an unnecessary precaution and asked MISS HAWKENS to sign her name in the drug-book, kept for the purpose and later when he ascertained that she had endeavoured to procure the drug from other chemists, the private chemists of the town agreed to refuse to supply her with any more. - Mr Frederic Hannam-Clark, solicitor, Gloucester, said he had been the family solicitor for a number of years, and he had known the deceased for about thirty years. She was 62 last August, and had a settled income. She was a woman of strong character, was clever and possessed an extremely strong will. Sir Conan Doyle and himself had had trouble in keeping in touch with her, and no one - not even her brother - except her Bank, knew she was at Barnstaple. - Mr William Shepperd, chemist, of Boutport-street, Barnstaple, bore out the Coroner's opening statement. He said he afterwards informed Mrs Downing that the deceased took drugs. - Mrs Clara Downing, the deceased's landlady, said MISS HAWKENS came there the second week in July. She was a lady in every way, but seemed very eccentric and was very unapproachable in conversation. Four weeks ago was the first time she found any signs of the deceased having indulged in the habit, when she found that three or four empty drug bottles had been thrown into the grate. The same thing occurred a week later. The deceased always seemed "dreamy" and once or twice she found her crying. She was often depressed. She had never said she suffered from indigestion. She was all right the last thing Sunday evening, but on entering her room on Monday morning she found her unconscious. Dr Jonas was at once sent for. - Miss Marie A. Evans, a trained nurse, of the Park-lane Nursing Home, spoke to being called by Dr Jonas, and being the only person present when MISS HAWKENS died at 9.25 on Tuesday morning, without regaining consciousness. - Dr H. C. Jonas, of the firm of Messrs. Harper, Jonas and Gibbs, said the deceased undoubtedly died of opium poisoning. He found inside her nightdress a bottle, which was nearly full of chlorodyne. the nurse and he made a search in the room and in a trunk they found 55 empty bottles, which when full of drugs would cost from 1s. to 4s. 6d. She had evidently taken one whole bottle and part of the one which he had found in her nightdress. - The verdict returned by the Jury was "Death from Misadventure through taking an Overdose of Chlorodyne, which was self-administered." - The Coroner and the Jury expressed sympathy with the relatives and friends. - Mr F. Hannam-Clark warmly thanked, on behalf of the relatives and friends, Mrs Downing, the nurse and Dr Jonas for the prompt efforts made to endeavour to save MISS HAWKENS'S life.

North Devon Journal, Thursday 23 November 1916
SOUTH MOLTON - Dr Ellis Pearson, Deputy Coroner, has held an Inquest at Wolland Cottage, near Southmolton, concerning the death of a child of seven months, JOHN MORELAND WOOLLACOTT, son of JOHN WOOLLACOTT, who is now serving in Egypt with the North Devon Hussars. MRS WOOLLACOTT, the mother, said that on Thursday in last week she got up about 10.30 a.m., leaving the child in bed asleep. A quarter of an hour after she found the child under the bed-clothes dead. Dr Seal, Southmolton, was sent for but he could only pronounce life extinct. The doctor, who had made a post-mortem examination, said that death was due to suffocation, the child having been smothered by the clothes. The Jury, of whom Rev. W. Joyce was Foreman, passed a verdict of Accidental Death and expressed their sympathy with the parents.

North Devon Journal, Thursday 30 November 1916
NORTHAM - Appledore Fatality. - At Appledore on Thursday evening, owing presumably to no lights, MRS ELLEN EVANS, of Irsha-street, fell off the Royal George slip, sustaining injuries to her head, which resulted in her death two hours after. It appears that deceased left home about 6.30 to go to Mr Heywood's farm (which is on Western Quay) for milk, and expecting her son in by one of the small vessels, most likely walked to the edge of the slip, which commands a view of the estuary. A sailor, hearing groans, found her lying on the beach underneath and with assistance carried her to her home. Dr Cole found that her skull had been fractured, and she passed away the same night as stated. - Dr Ellis Pearson, Deputy Coroner, conducted the Inquest on Saturday, a verdict of "Accidental Death" being returned.

SOUTH MOLTON - An Inquest has been held by Dr Ellis Pearson, Deputy Coroner, concerning the death of JOHN GAMMON, an agricultural worker employed by Mr James Pike, of Westacott Farm, near Southmolton. It was stated that on Wednesday the man was engaged in hauling mangolds. He came in about 5 o'clock in the afternoon and went to a roothouse for the purpose of feeding the horses. Half-an-hour later he was discovered dead by Percival Pike, son of the employer. GAMMON had not been attended by a doctor. After the body was found, Dr Seal, of Southmolton, was summoned. He made a post mortem examination. Death was due to natural causes. The Jury, of which Rev. E. C. |Harries, Headmaster of West Buckland School, was Foreman, returned a verdict in accordance with the medical testimony.

North Devon Journal, Thursday 28 December 1916
CROYDE - Fatal Accidental Fall At Croyde. - The Deputy Coroner for North Devon, Dr Ellis Pearson of Bideford, held an Inquest on Friday at Croyde on the body of ESCOTT WILLIAMS, widower, aged 78, a labourer, of The Cross, Croyde. - Mrs E. Miles, who resides next door, on failing to see the deceased on Wednesday, reported the matter and the house was broken into. The deceased was discovered lying at the bottom of the stairs with his head bent under him. She last saw him the previous day, when he was quite well. - Dr Wright, of Braunton, who was immediately sent for, also gave evidence. Death, he said, must have been instantaneous. - MR WILLIAMS, of Barnstaple, son of the deceased, said the last time he saw his father alive was eighteen months ago. Since his mother died, he added, his father desired to live alone. - Constable Palmer also gave evidence. - The Coroner said he was of opinion that through old age the deceased slipped and fell over the stairs; and a verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned.

ILFRACOMBE - Tragic Death Of MR T. S. COLWILL. - We regret to record the death under tragic circumstances of MR TOM COLWILL, the well-known coach proprietor of Ilfracombe, the only son of the late MR SAMUEL COLWILL, the famous "whip." - MR COLWILL was engaged on Wednesday morning to drive Mrs and Miss Openshaw, of Preston House, Kentisbury, (who had been staying at Combe Martin), to Kentisbury. The roads were in a very slippery state and the journey took over two hours. On going up the hill, towards the house, Miss Openshaw noticed that MR COLWILL did not get off the box, as he usually did and on reaching the gate, she offered to get out and open it. He thanked her, and she went on to the house, COLWILL following with the carriage. Miss Openshaw heard something fall and on turning round found that he had fallen off the box, with his head dangerously near the horse's feet. Miss Openshaw, her mother and her sister, who was in the house, carried the unfortunate man into the house and laid him on the hearth rug. As he had apparently ceased to breathe, Miss Openshaw sent for the Police and her brother, who is Rector of Kentisbury. The latter telegraphed to deceased's sister at Ilfracombe. Just as she received the telegram, Mr R. J. Lees of the Hollies, who was passing, hearing her cry out, went into the office and at once offered to go out to Kentisbury. Before doing so he went to MR COLWILL'S residence in Greenclose-road and prepared MRS COLWILL and her daughter for the sad tidings. He then, having been kindly offered the use of a motor-car by Mr E. Pascoe (of Messrs. Mansfield's, High-street) set off for the scene of the occurrence, picking up the doctor, who had been sent for, on the road, his motor being unable to negotiate the slippery roads. On arrival the doctor found MR COLWILL had been dead some time. He found that deceased had received a terrible bruise behind the ear; his felt hat was smashed and the knees of trousers covered with mud, and cut, showing that he had fallen heavily. - In succession to his father, (who was a great favourite as driver of one of the coaches to Lynton for many years), MR TOM COLWILL handled the ribbons with the greatest skill and his fund of Devonshire stories gave the greatest pleasure to the visitors who shared the box seat with him. We are sure that his sudden death will be a cause of genuine sorrow to all those who knew him as one of the outstanding townsmen during the visiting season. - MR COLWILL leaves a widow, a daughter and two sons, both of whom are serving. The elder, Lance-Corpl. A. R. COLWILL, now under orders for the Front, was formerly on the staff of the "Express and Echo," Exeter, and the other MR A. B. COLWILL, is head schoolmaster on H.M.S. "Leviathan." Much sympathy is felt with deceased's sister, the widow and family, in their tragic bereavement. - The Inquest - The Inquest was held at the Tyrrell Cottage Hospital, Ilfracombe, on Saturday evening, the body having been brought from Kentisbury to the Hospital mortuary for the purpose of a post mortem examination, which was performed by Dr Osborne. The Deputy Coroner for North Devon, Dr Ellis Pearson, of Bideford, conducted the Inquest and Mr W. M. Tattam was chosen Foreman of the Jury. - The first witness was CORPL. REGINALD COLWILL, son of the deceased, who said his father was 60 years of age. He last saw his father alive on December 13, when he was in excellent health. His general health was fairly good. - Miss Openshaw of Preston House, Kentisbury, was the next witness. She stated that on the previous Wednesday, the deceased drove them to Kentisbury in a carriage. He seemed quite all right when he left Ilfracombe. - The Coroner: Was there any mishap on the journey? - Witness: No. - The Coroner: There was nothing peculiar about the driving? - Witness: I did not notice anything. - And you arrived at your destination in good time? - Yes. We arrived about one o'clock. - Was that about the usual time the journey would take? - Yes. - Proceeding, witness said at Preston Gate she got out and opened the gate. Before she got out she told deceased she would do so and he replied: "All right, Miss." Witness got out and ran on to the house. Deceased drove the carriage up to the door. Witness was busy getting parcels out of the carriage and she did not notice MR COLWILL. She then heard a thud, and she afterwards saw deceased lying on the ground. She did not see him tumble off the box of the carriage. Witness's sister went for some brandy and witness held the horse's head, as deceased was lying close to the animal's feet. - The Coroner asked witness if she thought deceased was dead when he fell. - Witness: No, not when he fell. When he was on the ground he gave a little groan. He appeared to be dead afterwards. Witness added that they carried deceased into the house. - The Coroner, addressing the Jury, said that was just the history of what happened and he did not think it was necessary to call anyone else to corroborate it. - The Foreman of the Jury (to witness): You state you distinctly heard deceased groan? - Yes. - So he could not have been dead then. - In reply to a question by Mr W. J. Richards, (a Juryman) witness said they left Ilfracombe about a quarter past eleven o'clock and arrived at Kentisbury about one o'clock. - What was the usual time it took to drive to Kentisbury? - About two hours I think. - Mr R. M. Rowe, (solicitor, representing the widow) asked witness in what position the body was lying when she first saw it. - It seemed to be straight out. He fell on his face. - Mr Rowe: As if he had fallen from the box seat? - Yes. - And you distinctly heard the fall? - Yes, I distinctly heard it. - Dr Osborne then gave evidence as to the post mortem examination he had made. As regards external marks, there was an abrasion near the region of the left ear, and small cuts. There were no bruises. He should say that probably death was so rapid that there was no time for diffusion to take place. He found no trace of blood from the nose or ears, and no bones were broken. - The Coroner: No bones at all? - Witness: No bones of the skull. - Dr Osborne proceeded to describe in detail the results of his examination. There was no haemorrhage of the brain, and the heart was not enlarged. The valves were slightly thickened, but were competent and acting well. The lungs were fairly normal. The stomach, which was quite empty, was healthy. - Witness said he then examined the back of the neck and found that the spinal processes, at the second or third vertebra, were markedly out of line, about three-quarters of an inch. - The Foreman: Were they dislocated? - Witness: The inference is that they were dislocated. - In answer to the Coroner, Dr Osborne said there was no valvular disease of the heart. The atheromatous condition of certain arteries might have caused a more or less irregular action of the heart and cause him to readily faint, especially in cold weather, or after exertion. - The Coroner: If death had been due to the heart you would have found more indications? - Witness: I should have thought so. - The Coroner: So that from the post mortem you would not be willing to say that the heart was the cause of death? - Witness: I think one might safely say that. If might cause him to faint. - Referring to the fact that the spinal processes were out of line, the Coroner asked if that pointed to dislocation. - Witness said that was his opinion. He added that in order to obtain a lay opinion, he had asked the officer who assisted him at the post mortem to examine the spinal processes and he was also of the opinion that they were considerably out of line. - The Coroner: If they were partially dislocated, would that be sufficient to cause death? - Witness: That would be sufficient, undoubtedly - instant death I should say. - The Coroner: In your opinion, then, death was due to dislocation of the neck? - Witness replied in the affirmative. - The Foreman: Would the injury have been sufficient to cause death? - Witness: Oh, yes, in anybody. - The Foreman said that in that case he did not think the Jury would have any difficulty in arriving at a verdict. - Witness added that no man could live with the spinal processes twisted round as he saw it. - The Coroner, addressing the Jury, said that after hearing the evidence of the doctor, he thought they would have no difficulty in bringing in a verdict of "Death from Accidental Causes." - The Foreman subsequently announced that the verdict of the Jury was that death was caused by the deceased falling from the box seat of his vehicle. The Jury were unanimous. - Vote of Condolence. - Mr Tattam moved that the condolence of the Jury be tendered to the widow and family in their affliction. MR COLWILL was highly respected wherever he was known and he was very popular throughout the town and neighbourhood. - Seconding the vote of condolence, Mr J. Woodward referred to the kindly disposition of the deceased. Personally he had received many kindnesses from MR COLWILL. Of his uprightness of character there was no question. - Hear, hear). He (Mr Woodward) had been associated with MR COLWILL in the V.T.C. and he was sure the Corps would miss him very much. He was sure the relatives had the sympathy of the - generally. The vote was carried in silence by the Jury standing. - CORPL. COLWILL, on behalf of himself, his mother and other relatives, thanked the Jury for their kind sympathy. Everybody had been exceedingly kind to them and he should like to take that opportunity of thanking them for trying to make their affliction less hard to bear. - The funeral which took place on Tuesday, was one of the most largely attended known in the town for many years.