Inquests Taken Into Suspicious Or Unexplained Deaths

For the County of Devon

1920-1921

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: Ambrose; Barrow; Bassett; Blight; Box; Bracher; Brook; Burrows; Cardell; Carter; Clark; Clayton; Clements; Coles; Colwill; Corney; Cowler; Dalling; Darvill; Dayman; Deakin; Denford; Easterbrook; Easton; Falcon; Featherstone; Fellows; Fieldus; Fishwick; Ford; Froude; Gardner; Gould; Grant; Gregory; Grills; Guard(2); Hallinan; Hamlyn; Handford; Harris(2); Heard; Hearn; Hill(2); Holland; Hurdle; Hutchings; Ireland; Jenkins(2); Jones(2); Jury; Kingdon; Lerwill; Lewis(2); Lock; Locke; Lyddon; Mair; Martin; May; Mildon; Miles; Moyse; Northey; Oke; O'Leary; Parker; Pedlar; Phillips; Pinckstone;  Pope; Prouse; Read; Reed; Ridge; Roberts; Rudland; Shapland; Short; Slade(2); Smale(2); Smith; Stevens; Tapp; Thorne(2); Tithecott; Trace; Waggers; Vodden; West; Westcott; White; Williams; Yeo; Younan.

North Devon Journal, Thursday 8 January 1920
BIDEFORD - Appledore Woman Dies From Burns. - The North Devon Coroner, Mr G. W. F. Brown, returned a verdict of "Accidental Death from Burning" at an Inquest at Bideford on Saturday on MRS ELIZA GRACE STEVENS, aged 59, of 33 New-street, Appledore. On August 30th, whilst putting on some fuel the deceased fell on the fire and set alight to her clothes, sustaining very severe burns. Peter Ralph ran to her assistance on hearing her calls and extinguished the flames with a mat and sent for a doctor. Dr Valentine attended to the burns and ordered the woman's removal to Bideford Hospital, where she remained until December 7th, when she was removed to the Union Infirmary, where she died on New Year's Day. Dr Grose said everything possible was done for the deceased, who succumbed to exhaustion and inflammation following extensive burns.

North Devon Journal, Thursday 15 January 1920
COMBE MARTIN - A Combe Martin Landlady's Death. - The death of ELLEN LOUISE PINCKSTONE, landlady of the Castle Hotel, Combe Martin, formed the subject of an Inquest conducted by Mr G. W. F. Brown, County Coroner for North Devon, at Combe Martin on Tuesday. The deceased, who was the widow of MR GEORGE H. PINCKSTONE, was 46 years of age. - Mrs Evans, sister, having given evidence of identification, Mrs Julia Whiting deposed that on 17th Jan., 1919 she was at the Castle Hotel staying, and about 7 a.m. she heard moaning in the deceased's bedroom. She went up and found her lying on the bed, partly dressed, with her hair on fire. Witness threw a rug over her and put the fire out. The deceased was badly burnt about the neck, head and face. Deceased told her she was reaching across the dressing table to get some hairpins, and caught her hair alight in the candle. Dr Manning was sent for and attended her, the deceased being quite incapacitated for five months. Then she seemed to get better and resumed her household duties and witness left. - Ruth Rook, a domestic servant at the Hotel, said on the morning of January 8th last she saw her mistress in the kitchen, about 9 o'clock, apparently quite well. A few minutes afterwards she heard a fall and on going in found MRS PINCKSTONE on the floor. She was quite unconscious and with help deceased was got to her room. She never recovered consciousness. - Dr Manning spoke to having attended the deceased for about five months following her burning accident last year. He said that although deceased got better, the burns never really healed up. He had spoken to her concerning her drinking habits and she promised on several occasions to give it up: he also advised her to leave the business, as it was a temptation to her. On January 8th last he was called to see her again; she died on the 10th inst. without having regained consciousness. In a post mortem examination he found a large haemorrhage on the right lobe of the brain, and considerable effusion at the base of the brain. All deceased's organs were healthy and normal and the cause of death was haemorrhage of the brain. - The Coroner returned a verdict of "Death from Natural Causes."

ILFRACOMBE - Ilfracombe Child's Death. - At Little Town Cottage, Ilfracombe, Mr G. W. F. Brown, North Devon Coroner, held an Inquest concerning the death of EVA MAY THORNE, a six weeks' old child. - The mother stated that on the night of the 8th inst. she fed the child before going to sleep and then laid it in the bed on her right side. About 3 a.m. she awoke and was going to feed it again, when she found the child dead. It was lying in the same position as where she placed it. - Dr Soltau attributed death to suffocation, either the mother overlaying it or being a heavy sleeper breathing on its face. - The Coroner returned a verdict of Accidental Death, namely, Suffocation by Over-Laying and commented on the very dangerous practice of taking infants in bed with parents, especially where the mother was deaf and could not hear if the child cried.

North Devon Journal, Thursday 29 January 1920
BISHOPS NYMPTON - MR THOMAS KINGDON, rabbit trapper, aged 65, was sitting by the fire after tea on Sunday, when he complained of pains in the head. Just afterwards he fell on to the floor and passed away almost immediately. At the Inquest on Tuesday, Dr W. G. Mortimer attributed death to apoplexy and the Coroner, Mr G. W. F. Brown, returned a verdict of "Death from Natural Causes."

North Devon Journal, Thursday 5 February 1920
GREAT TORRINGTON - An Inquest was held at Torrington Workhouse on Monday on JOHN HILL, a casual labourer, of no fixed abode. On the 28th January, John Harris, employed by Mr John Ashplant, of Winkleigh, was in his master's yard about 8 p.m., when he heard a shout and on going with a lantern he found deceased on his hands and knees in the gutter. He had apparently been drinking and they got him into a barn and witness informed his master. - John Ashplant said he went to the barn with a Constable and fetched Dr Clements. They gave him some hot drinks and visited him two or three times up to four o'clock in the morning. - Dr J. H. Clements said the man was drunk and suffering from acute alcoholism. He wished to contradict the wild rumours circulated in Torrington that the man was stripped naked. - Replying to the Coroner, Mr G. W. F. Brown, witness said his clothes were muddy, but not wet through. He was laid on some straw, and covered with sacks and when next day he was able to say where his other clothes were they got him a hot bath and he changed his clothes and in the evening he was brought to the Torrington Workhouse. - Dr N. F. Pridham, who saw deceased next evening, said the man was in bed, propped up, in a most natural condition with his eyes open, but he had then apparently been dead a quarter of an hour. It was the most extraordinary case he had ever seen. Death was due to heart failure, brought on by a chill, through a weakened physical condition due to alcoholism. - A verdict was returned accordingly.

BIDEFORD - Sudden Death AT Gammaton Farm. - Much sympathy is expressed with MR and MRS JOHN CLEMENTS, of Gammaton Farm, and family, in their sudden loss of the eldest son, WALTER JOHN, who was found dead in bed on Friday morning last. The family is held in high respect and expressions of condolence are being received from all sides in their bereavement. - The evidence given at the Inquest, opened on Saturday, failed to throw any light on the mystery whatever. The farm work was attended to as usual on Thursday, supper had at 6 o'clock and the cows milked. Between 8 and 8.30 deceased and his brother JOHN went out to see if the ewes wanted attention and having been up late that morning attending a party, deceased and CHARLIE went to bed about nine o'clock, deceased not having had anything to eat since 6 o'clock. Just after 6 a.m. CHARLIE thought he heard his brother give a slight moan, but this was rather discounted by the doctor, who considered MR CLEMENTS had been dead some hours before this. Deceased had appeared in his normal health and not complained of anything and was not known to have any trouble whatever. Dr Littlewood, who was fetched from Bideford, said when he saw deceased about 8 o'clock, he considered he had been dead about five hours. The heart and other organs were healthy and his post mortem examination did not show or suggest any cause of death. - The Coroner, Mr G. W. F. Brown, adjourned the Inquest to the 14th inst. for a re[port from the County Analyst on the contents of the stomach. - The funeral took place at Alverdiscott on Monday.

North Devon Journal, Thursday 12 February 1920
BIDEFORD - The North Devon Coroner, Mr G. W. F. Brown, held an Inquest at the Convent, Bideford, on Friday, on SISTER NORAH O'LEARY, a nun, 51 years of age, who died suddenly on Wednesday night last. Deceased came from another Convent on December 27th last for the benefit of her health and to help. She had a cold eight or ten days ago, but did not complain of being seriously unwell until a quarter to ten on Wednesday night, having gone to bed about eight. - Dr Ackland, who was sent for and came at once, said the Sister passed away just as he entered the room. He had made a post-mortem examination and found that death was due to extensive heart disease of long standing. There were also symptoms of previous severe chest trouble, and it was surprising that deceased should have lived so long. - The Mother Superior mentioned that deceased , who was a native of Ireland, was in Belgium for four years during the German occupation, and underwent severe privations and hardships. - The Coroner said the evidence was quite satisfactory, and returned a verdict of "Death from Natural Causes."

HARTLAND - Mr G. W. Brown, North Devon Coroner, on Thursday, held an Inquest on AUSTIN SHORT, aged 3 ½ years, who was accidentally knocked down by a motor car while playing in the roadway, succumbing to the injuries. A verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned.

PARRACOMBE - Sudden Death At Parracombe. - On Tuesday Mr G. W. F. Brown, North Devon Coroner, held an Inquest at Lorna Villa, Parracombe, on ALEXANDER MAIR, aged 25, son of MR ROBERT MAIR, who died suddenly on Saturday. - MR R. MAIR stated that his son had been suffering from tuberculosis for some years and had been under treatment in various sanatoria in Devon. He was advised to take his son to Parracombe, where they had resided about two years. On Saturday morning the deceased was bright and cheerful. A few minutes before one o'clock, he went to the bottom of the garden in order to take some oil from a tradesman, and on the way back to the house he collapsed and died almost immediately. - Dr Shaw (Messrs. Harper, Jonas and Gibbs), who made a post-mortem examination, said both lungs were affected and there was severe haemorrhage of the left lung, which caused asphyxia. - The Coroner returned a verdict of "Death from Natural Causes." - Prior to proceeding to Parracombe, the deceased resided at Barnstaple with his father, who for many years carried on business in High Street as a boot dealer. A young fellow of great promise, he was very popular. While at Barnstaple he was, before his illness. a prominent worker in connection with the Cross Street (Congregational) Sunday School. In his bereavement MR MAIR has the sympathy of a wide circle of friends.

North Devon Journal, Thursday 19 February 1920
BIDEFORD - Farmer's Death Near Bideford. - At Bideford on Thursday, Mr G. W. F. Brown, County Coroner, held an adjourned Inquest re: the death of WALTER JOHN CLEMENTS, 24, eldest son of MR J. CLEMENTS, Gammaton, Bideford, who died a fortnight ago. The Inquest had been adjourned to enable an analysis of the stomach to be made by Mr Tickle (the County Analyst). The Coroner now stated that Mr Tickle had made a careful analysis of the small intestines of the stomach, but he could find no trace of poison of any sort. It was stated that the deceased had been working an oil engine for some months past and Dr Littlewood said he had seen the analyst's report, and the only suggestion he could make was that death might have been caused by carbon monoxide (the gas from the oil engine). There was nothing to show it, but it was possible for carbon monoxide to have been absorbed very slowly and as deceased had been working the engine in a somewhat enclosed place it was possible the carbon monoxide had affected his heart. - The Coroner: It may have been gradually absorbed? - Dr Littlewood: Gradually absorbed, without leaving any signs which could be discovered by the post-mortem. - The Coroner: As to the cause of death? - Dr Littlewood: It is a purely theoretical suggestion. I cannot find any post-mortem signs of it, but it appears to me to be the only theory possible. - The Coroner: It is a case of considerable rarity and the only verdict I can return is that of "Accidental Death," that was of syncope accelerated by carbon monoxide poisoning. - The father of deceased said his son had complained of shortness of breath lately, but it is understood that he was working the engine the evening previous to his being found dead in bed by his brother, with whom he was sleeping.

North Devon Journal, Thursday 26 February 1920
TWITCHEN. - Mr G. W. F. Brown, Coroner for North Devon, held an Inquest at Twitchen on Thursday on the body of FRANK TAPP, infant son of WILLIAM TAPP, farm labourer. - MRS TAPP, the mother, stated that three weeks ago she was confined of twin boys, one of whom died three days after birth. The other, the deceased, seemed to be going on all right up to Monday last, when it appeared to get weak and she sent for the District Nurse, also for Dr Baker, both of whom came and saw the child, which, however, died on the afternoon of the 17th. She stated that she was the mother of nine children, and had lived in that cottage for eleven years. For two years there had been a large hole in the roof, through which the rain had poured into the upper rooms. The cottage had never been lime-washed, or had anything done to it during the eleven years she had been there. - Answering further questions by the Coroner, she said that although she was confined only three weeks ago, she had been for the last week doing the whole of the housework and looking after the children. - Miss Beatrice Mildon, District Nurse, of Northmolton, stated that she attended the mother in her confinement and had visited her since and seen that she was provided with necessaries. She gave evidence as to the feeding of the child and added that the mother had done her best under the circumstances for all her children. - Dr Baker attributed death to syncope from malnutrition. He attached no blame to the mother, as he had known her for many years, and she had always done well with her other children under most trying circumstances. In his opinion, the cottage was absolutely unfit for human habitation. - The Coroner commented strongly on the condition of the house, which he said was absolutely disgraceful. There were only two bedrooms for the man and his wife and nine children. In returning a verdict of "Death from Natural Causes," he exonerated the mother from any blame, sympathised deeply with her in her plight and promised to do his utmost to get matters remedied.

North Devon Journal, Thursday 4 March 1920
BIDEFORD - Tragic Death Of A Braunton Master Mariner. The Late CAPT. F. C. CORNEY. - General sympathy is felt in Braunton and district with the relatives of CAPTAIN FREDERICK CHARLES CORNEY, who resided in Wrafton Road, Braunton, and who met his death on Monday under tragic circumstances. It appears that CAPTAIN CORNEY, a well-known master mariner, was at work on board his vessel, "The Four Brothers," of which he was part owner, at Appledore, in connection with the installation of a motor engine by Messrs. P. K. Harris and Sons, shipping engineers. In the course of the operations a part of the engine struck CAPT. CORNEY violently on the thigh, causing a fracture. The injured man was quickly taken ashore and first aid was promptly rendered by his eldest brother (MR ALFRED CORNEY) and others, assisted by a doctor who happened to be passing in his car at the time, after which CAPT CORNEY was removed to the Bideford Infirmary, where further medical attention was at once given. So serious, however, was the case that it became evident that there was little hope of recovery. The relatives at Braunton were immediately telephoned for and his brothers and sister were enabled to arrive at the Hospital some little time before CAPT. CORNEY passed away at about eleven p.m. Deceased, who was 32 years of age, was the third son of the late MR and MRS WILLIAM CORNEY, of Wrafton, and was unmarried. He leaves four brothers, MESSRS. ALFRED, ERNEST, BERT and FRANK CORNEY and three sisters, MRS WILLIAMS and MISSES EDITH and LILY CORNEY, to mourn his loss. During the war CAPT. CORNEY did important work in connection with shipping and was in the prime of health at the time of the unhappy accident which ended in his untimely death. A young man of charming disposition and exceptional ability, he had a host of friends in shipping and other circles in North Devon. His loss will be keenly felt in the neighbourhood and the utmost sympathy is extended to his bereaved relatives. MRS CORNEY, deceased's mother, died only quite recently. - The North Devon Coroner, Mr G. W. F. Brown, held an Inquest on the deceased at Bideford Hospital yesterday. Deceased was a single man living with a brother at Tyne Holm, Braunton, and was well-known and held in high respect by the sea-faring fraternity of North Devon. In connection with the placing of a new motor in the vessel, the bed of the engine was being moved with tackle over the keelson and it was while this was being done that the accident happened. Evidence was given by Messrs. Reginald Isaac, and John Mitchell, Braunton, Robert Parkhouse, Wrafton, and Mr Sidney George Harris, Appledore, who, with the deceased, were all engaged in shifting the engine bed, which weighed ten hundredweight. None of them actually saw what happened, but it was considered deceased must have thrown his weight on the engine-bed while it was being got over the keelson, and that this threw it out of balance and it fell on his left thigh. He was got out within a couple of minutes and immediately after Mr Harris had rendered first-aid to arrest the haemorrhage, Dr Marshall of Bideford, who happened to be passing, was in attendance and CAPT. CORNEY was subsequently removed to the Bideford Hospital, where he died at 11.30 the same night. Dr Marshall, who with Dr Toye also attended deceased at the Hospital, said the thigh was crushed to pulp, the bone being reduced to little bits. The shock was so great that amputation was then out of the question. Deceased was not a strong man, but very few men would survive the shock of such a severe accident. CAPT. CORNEY told him it was a pure accident. - MR ERNEST CORNEY, brother of deceased, said the latter told him while in Hospital "It was my own fault. I could have avoided it if I had only thought." - The tackle and everything in connection with the work was stated to be in excellent order and nothing broke. - A verdict of Accidental Death was indicated, but the Enquiry was not formally closed pending an intimation from the Factory Inspector as to whether he wished to be represented. - Covered with the white ensign, the body was after the Inquest removed by motor to Braunton, where the funeral takes place this (Thursday) afternoon.

North Devon Journal, Thursday 11 March 1920
SPAXTON, SOMERSET - Suicide Of Retired Farmer. - A verdict of "Suicide whilst of Unsound Mind" was recorded by the Coroner for West Somerset at an Inquest held at Spaxton, near Bridgwater, on Friday, on WILLIAM GEORGE JONES, 55, retired farmer, late of Barnstaple. - The evidence showed that deceased, when at Barnstaple, suffered from a nervous breakdown, and his doctor advising a change, he went to reside with Mr T. W. Southcombe of Cowit Farm, Spaxton. On Tuesday Mr Southcombe found deceased lying dead with a gun in his hand, the muzzle being close to his forehead, in which was a shocking wound. Deceased had never said or done anything to suggest he would take his own life.

North Devon Journal, Thursday 18 March 1920
PARKHAM - At Melbury Farm, Parkham, on Saturday, Mr George Brown Enquired into the circumstances attending the death of CHARLES THORNE, aged 56, farm bailiff, in the employ of Lord Clinton, who died a few days ago. It was stated that deceased badly crushed a finger while engaged in motor tractor ploughing last July and had never recovered from the effects of the accident. After hearing medical evidence, the Coroner returned a verdict of "Accidental Death," namely toxaemia of the wound resulting from the accident.

WEYMOUTH, DORSET - Sad Misadventure At Weymouth. Death Of MR P. WESTACOTT, Junr. - A terrible bereavement is that of MR PERCY WESTACOTT, of the British Construction Co. (which has branch works at Barnstaple) in the loss of his eldest son, PERCY, who was found shot in his bedroom at Weymouth on Wednesday in last week. Aged 18, and born in Plymouth, he had enjoyed good health in every way. He had been working with him since he left school at Blundell's, Tiverton. The Coroner: Was he in good health in every way? - Witness: Yes. The Coroner: When did you hear from him last? - Witness: The day before yesterday. The Coroner: Was it an ordinary letter? - Witness: It was acknowledging a letter from me in regard to getting some catalogues of motor bikes which I promised to consider and on my next visit to purchase one for him. - The Coroner: And everything was perfectly all right? - Witness: Perfectly all right. The Coroner: As far as you knew, he had nothing on his mind and nothing to worry him in any way? - Witness: Nothing. - The Coroner: Did you know that he had a revolver? - Witness: No, sir. - The Coroner: Did you know at all whether he was accustomed to using one? - Witness: No, he had no revolver to my knowledge. - The Coroner: You can give no explanation at all as to the cause of his death; what is your own opinion? - Witness: That it was an accident. - Evelyn James, 2 Bournemouth-terrace, said that the deceased lodged with her, and came about a fortnight before Christmas. On Wednesday he got up as usual, having his breakfast about nine o'clock. He went out after breakfast, and returned at 9.40, going straight upstairs to his bedroom. Not more than ten minutes afterwards she heard the loud report of a shot. She called out three times to the deceased, but got no reply. She then got the coal man, who was next door, to go up and see what had happened; there was no one else in the house but her. The coal man went up and, coming down, said "He has shot himself, Mrs James. Don't go up and I will telephone to the Police for you." She had never seen deceased with a revolver. He seemed perfectly happy and contented and the evening before he came in whistling and wished her good-night. - William Boughton, 18 Holly-road, coal deliverer for Mr T. J. Clarke, said that Mrs James called to him, "For God's sake come quick! I think that the young man has shot himself!" He went up to his bedroom and found the deceased lying on the floor in a pool of blood. He saw that he was practically dead and went to the nearest telephone and told the Police and Dr Heath. There was no one else in the house but Mrs James. The boy had the revolver partly in his hand. There was no evidence of any struggle in the room, and everything was in order. - Dr Devereaux said that Mrs James, who seemed very distracted, said that something awful had happened upstairs. He found the deceased on the floor. He was fully dressed, lying with his head towards the door. There were a pillow and one or two other articles on the floor. The man was quite dead. He saw the revolver, which was lying partly under his right thigh. His hand was touching it, but not clenching it. The wound was a gun-shot wound in the right temple, just above the ear, and the bullet had passed right through. Death would be instantaneous; there was no sign of any struggle in the room. He thought that he was standing up, facing the window, as there was a bullet mark on the wall about eight feet from the floor. (P.C. Pugh produced the revolver, a "6 Webley," an ordinary service revolver). Witness was there when the Police came. He found some cartridges on the dressing table, some loose in a cardboard box (the cartridges were produced.) - P.C. Pugh said that the revolver was loaded in five chambers. - Dr Devereux said it was clearly a self-inflicted wound; there was no one else in the room. It might have been an accident, and another possibility was whether the mirror was used. - P.C. F. W. Pugh said he found the deceased on the floor, and the revolver was lying on his right side. With assistance he removed the body to the mortuary; it was lying between the bed and the chair. He made a thorough search of the room and found the spent bullet on the chair; it must have rebounded off the wall. The doctor drew his attention to a cigarette which was burning on the sheet when he arrived. It was then still burning. There was blood on the mirror and on some of the cartridges. When he arrived there was less than in inch of the cigarette left. Witness said he had known Mrs James for 17 years. The Coroner: You are absolutely convinced in your own mind that there was no one else there? - Witness: I am perfectly satisfied on that point. Witness said that the mat was by the side of the bed. The Coroner suggested that the mat might have slipped away from under him. - JOHN WESTACOTT, uncle of the deceased, Heathfield, Stavordale-road, said that the boy was working with him on the bridge construction. He last saw him at ten o'clock the night before. The Coroner: Was there ever the slightest idea in your mind that he meant to do this? - Witness: No. - The Coroner: No care and no trouble of any sort? - Witness: No. - The Coroner: You fell certain in your own mind that it was an accident of some sort; you have no doubt about it? - Witness: No. - Stanley Henman, clerk in the employ of the Company, said that last week the deceased showed him the revolver in the office. The Coroner: Did he say anything? - Witness: Yes; first of all, before he fetched the revolver in, he asked me how much a service revolver was worth. I thought he was going to buy it. I do not know where he got it from. He was telling me that when he was down at Barnstaple he had a Winchester repeating rifle, and used to do a bit of shooting. He last saw alive at about two minutes past nine outside the office; he was just crossing over the railway line and said "Good morning." He seemed just the same as usual. He seemed always in good spirit, and was hoping to have a motor bike. He was perfectly happy with everybody. - The Coroner said that the whole of the evidence pointed to its being an accident of some sort; there was no reason at all why this young man should take his own life. The Coroner expressed deep sympathy with the father. - A verdict was returned that death was due to Misadventure. - The funeral took place at Weymouth on Saturday, the interment being made in the Cemetery. MR and MRS PERCY WESTCOTT (parents), their two children and other family mourners were joined by a large number of sympathising friends, together with the staffs of the British Construction Co. from London, Weymouth and Barnstaple. There was a large number of beautiful floral tributes.

North Devon Journal, Thursday 25 March 1920
CROYDE - The Croyde Tragedy. Buried At Sea. - At Porthpean, a seaside resort near St Austell, Cornwall, a singular ceremony took place on Thursday afternoon, this being the burial at sea, under the quaint provisions of her will, of MISS MARGERY DEAKIN, a lady of independent means, a member of an old Liverpool family, who met with a tragic end at Croyde, North Devon, a week previously. The body was discovered, as the tide receded, lying face downwards on some pebbles by Mr Frank Carder, who had traced her footsteps down the cliff path at Baggy Point, a lonely spot which she had been known to visit while engaged in painting. There was a deep wound over the left eye and it was apparent that deceased had fallen from the path at a point where it terminated 12 feet above the sea, the intervening portion of the cliff being rocky and irregular. At the Inquest, conducted by the North Devon Coroner, Mr G. W. F. Brown, a verdict was returned of "Death from Shock resulting from the injury sustained to the head, there being no evidence to show how she received the injury or how she got the place where she was found." - An examination of the body led to a remarkable discovery. Underneath deceased's clothing, and tied round her waist with tape, were some certificates (including her birth certificate) and some brokers' notes to the value of about £2,000; also attached to the tape was an old kid glove containing a quantity of jewellery, including eight gold rings, set with precious stones, four brooches, a necklace and a gold locket. - The remarkably worded will, which had been drawn up by deceased in 1916, during her stay in Cornwall, stated she was in a perfectly sound state of mind. She expressed the wish to die quietly, her body to be placed in a lead coffin, and buried at Porthpean, "where she had spent many happy days." She named two fishermen named Axford, whom she decided should take her body out to sea in their fishing boat and as they were going fishing, "without any gaping crows or any relatives or hypocrites expressing false sorrow." She directed that her money should be held in trust for a niece. - The news of the unusual form of burial and the extraordinary conditions contained in the will had spread far and wide and by the time (2.30) the motor-car containing the coffin arrived at Porthpean the cliffs overlooking the St. Austell Bay were dotted with sightseers. None of the relatives of the deceased lady were present, the only official attending being the North Devon Coroner, Mr Brown, who had obtained the sanction of the Public Trustee to the unusual request, and who was present to see that all arrangements were complete. - The coffin, consisting of a lead shell with outer casing of plain elm, weighed 5 cwt. It bore the inscription: "MARGERY DEAKIN, died March 10, 1920, aged 39 years." The two boatmen named in the Will, Charles and William Axford, superintended the removal of the coffin to their small rowing boat. The boat was rowed out to a waiting motor fishing lugger and the coffin was hauled aboard. The lugger then conveyed its strange freight six miles out and three miles from the nearest land to comply with the regulations governing burial at sea. Arrived at its destination, the coffin was placed on a couple of planks and slid into the sea, finding its last resting place on the sea bed between rocks out of reach of disturbance by trawling nets. The whole proceedings were reverently carried out, but, in compliance with deceased's wish, no religious service was held, and no clergyman officiated. - The brothers Axford, in an interview, stated that MISS DEAKIN used to spend several months of the year at Porthpean up to 1916. Apparently of a retiring disposition, she used to become more communicative when out on the water, enjoying one of the sailing trips around the coast, which seemed to appeal to her and for which she engaged the services of the Axfords. She often, in fact, remained out in the bay for hours in a rowing boat by herself. Another person who was well acquainted with the deceased said she was fond of roaming around the beach and cliffs and sketching and her fascination for this class of occupation was believed to have led her to attempt dangerous climbs in rocky places.

North Devon Journal, Thursday 8 April 1920
BARNSTAPLE - WILLIAM HENRY JONES, who had been employed as a labourer at the Tannery, Swimbridge, passed away at the North Devon Infirmary on Saturday morning, death being supposed to be due to anthrax. The deceased, a married man, was 59 years of age. The Borough Coroner, Mr T. A. R. Bencraft, after taking formal evidence on Saturday afternoon, adjourned the inquest until tomorrow (Friday) at four o'clock.

North Devon Journal, Thursday 15 April 1920
BARNSTAPLE - Swimbridge Man's Death From Anthrax. The Inquest. - At the North Devon Infirmary on Friday afternoon, Barnstaple Borough Coroner, Mr T. A. R. Bencraft, resumed the Inquest on WILLIAM HENRY JONES, labourer, aged 59, who had been employed at Swymbridge Tannery, and passed away at the Infirmary on April 3rd. Mr Joseph Owner, H.M. Inspector of Factories, Plymouth, attended, as well as Mr C. E. Roberts Chanter (representing the Amalgamated Tanneries, Ltd.) who at the outset expressed, on behalf of the Company, keen regret at the sad occurrence, with sincere sympathy for the bereaved family. - MISS ANN JONES stated that her brother (for whom she acted as housekeeper) worked in Swymbridge Tanneries as a fleshing machine minder. On Wednesday, 31st March, when deceased came home to dinner, she noticed blood on his neck and in answer to her question, he said that it was nothing serious, he had merely caught it in a belt. In the evening he complained of a little pain and witness washed the injured part in clean water and rubbed a little turpentine into it. Deceased went to bed and in the morning complained of feeling very unwell and told witness that he thought he had blood-poison or something equally serious and had decided to go to Barnstaple to consult a doctor. The last time she saw her brother alive was between 5 and 6 that afternoon in the North Devon Infirmary, when he praised the treatment he was receiving. - In answer to Mr Joseph Owner, H.M. Inspector of Factories, Plymouth, MISS JONES said that she noticed a kind of boil on the neck of deceased when he complained of the pain. He had never had any kind of rash and had always been very healthy. - Mr Samuel Lamington Evans, managing director of the Amalgamated Tanneries Ltd., of Swymbridge, said that on the day of the accident the deceased was minding a fleshing and a hairing machine, and witness could not understand how the accident could have occurred, as all the bands, except those which were out of reach, were guarded. Another curious point was that none of the men working in the same room as the deceased knew anything about the accident. They were working on a consignment of dry bullock hides from Abyssinia and Mombassa, but on the day in question they had only touched the hides from Abyssinia. The men were provided with rubber gloves, for the protection of their hands against the chemicals used in tanning processes. The gloves came into contact with the hides, and infection of an anthrax nature might be communicated to the gloves. There was no means of telling whether there was any infection in the skins. Witness had tanned over a million hides in 40 years and had never come across a case of the kind in England. Before deceased got hold of the hides they were soaked in pits of lime and sulphate of sodium. The factory was not like a drawing-room by any means, but it was kept as clean and sweet as possible. Witness was away at the time of the accident, but met at the Station MR JONES, who told him he had cut his neck and was going to the doctor at Barnstaple. He had closely cross-examined the men working in the same room as the deceased, and could find out nothing. - In answer to Mr Owner, witness said the Abyssinian skins were badly flayed by the natives, but there was no evidence amongst them to show that any were "fallen" hides - that is, hides of animals that had died, not been killed. There were no bad patches on the skins. On a bad run of hides sometimes 20 per cent was lost, but these were a particularly good lot, which they were tanning for a London firm on commission, and not 2 per cent, were bad. The men were not periodically inspected by a foreman to see if they had any open wounds which might take in disease. Witness promised the Inspector that, in view of the sad occurrence, he would ask his foreman to keep the men under strict observation and send any suspected cases to the Infirmary. Answering Mr C. E. Roberts Chanter, Mr Evans said the apparatus for dealing with cuts and wounds was kept at his house, which was on the works. Cuts, etc., were dressed, while serious cases were immediately sent to the North Devon Infirmary by car. - Dr F. L. Thomas, one of the consulting Physicians at the Infirmary, said that on the morning of the 1st inst., deceased came to him suffering from a yellow postule on the neck and a big red swelling down to the collar-bone. Deceased told witness he had scratched it on the previous day. Witness diagnosed it as a case of anthrax, treated him for the same and sent him to the Infirmary. As there was no anti-serum in the Hospital, some was telegraphed for. Witness attributed death to poison through anthrax, through an abrasion on the neck. Answering the coroner, Dr Thomas said the anti-serum, if there had been any in the Hospital, would have been very useful, but could not have saved MR JONES'S life. A supply was not kept at the Infirmary, as they had not had a case of the kind for ten years. Moreover, anti-serum gradually lost its strength when kept. - The Coroner returned a verdict of Death from Anthrax, the result of an abrasion to the neck, Accidentally sustained whilst at work.

North Devon Journal, Thursday 22 April 1920
BIDEFORD - Appledore Captain's Death. - At Bideford Hospital on Monday afternoon Mr G. W. F. Brown, North Devon Coroner, held an Inquest on CAPT. JOHN YEO, 41, of Myrtle Street, Appledore, master of the ketch "Renown," abandoned in a gale after her masts had been carried away in the Channel, off the "Hangman," while on a voyage with gravel from Appledore to Bristol, on March 25th. The evidence showed that deceased's right leg was caught between the vessel and the boat which was launched and although the skin was not broken, he suffered great pain. With the other members of the crew, he was picked up by a passing steamer and landed at Ilfracombe. When the weather moderated another steamer succeeded in taking the "Renown" to Cardiff and deceased went there, returning to Appledore a week later. He was then found to be suffering from the effects of exposure and a swollen leg. He was removed to Bideford Hospital and an operation gave some relief, but showed that the shin bone had become acutely diseased owing to the severity of the inflammation. Septic poisoning set in and although the leg was amputated as a last resource this proved unavailing and death took place from septic poisoning. The Coroner returned a verdict of "Death from Accidental Causes."

BUCKLAND BREWER - Tragedy At Buckland Brewer. - At Lower Wrangworthy, Buckland Brewer, on Monday evening, Mr George Brown, Coroner, held an Inquest on HENRY BLIGHT, aged 20, son of a farmer, who was found dead, with a gun by his side, on Sunday evening in a field. - The father, HENRY BLIGHT, said he was away from his farm on the previous day and knew nothing of the occurrence until he returned on Sunday night. Deceased had complained of faintness, but had not been depressed, and there was nothing to worry him. He had never threatened to take his life. Witness could not suggest anything that would make deceased commit such a rash act. - William Thomas Marshall, neighbour, said on Sunday evening deceased's aunt told witness she did not know where her nephew was. Witness made a search and found the dead body about 100 yards from the deceased's home. There was a double-barrelled gun close by, and a forked stick and witness was of opinion that deceased had released the trigger of the gun by means of the stick. Between eleven and twelve on Sunday morning witness heard the report of a gun from the direction of the place where the body was found. - P.C. Hurford produced the gun and forked stick. There was a discharged cartridge in one barrel, while the other chamber was loaded. There was nothing on the body , or in the man's room, to throw any light on the occurrence. - The mother of deceased stated that she was also away during a portion of Sunday. At the time she left, deceased was in bed, not very well. He was delicate. She missed the gun from its accustomed place and it being Sunday, it struck her as being strange that the weapon was missing. She knew no one had borrowed it during the day. - Dr Betts described the wound in the stomach and said there were extensive internal injuries. Death was due to shock, caused by gunshot wounds. He had known deceased ten or eleven years, and had attended him for epileptic fits. - The Coroner entered a verdict of "Suicide while Temporarily Insane."

BARNSTAPLE - Little Boy's Fatal Scalds At Barnstaple. - MR WILLIAM SMITH, journeyman baker, of 8 Union-street, Barnstaple, has lost his son, DOUGLAS KITCHENER SMITH, under most distressing circumstances, the little fellow sustaining accidental scalds on Saturday evening which ended fatally on Monday morning. Expressions of sympathy with the bereaved family are general in the district where the deceased was a great favourite. - At the Inquest before Mr T. A. R. Bencraft, Borough Coroner, on Monday afternoon, MR SMITH stated that he and his family spent Saturday evening at the house of his father-in-law, MR WM. OVEY, 10 Union-street. They returned home just before 9.30, when the little boys aunt (MRS MAUD HOOKWAY) undressed him to put him to bed. MRS SMITH was sitting near the fire-place and the little boy was jumping into his mother's arms to kiss her before going upstairs when, in trying to catch him in her arms, she upset the kettle of boiling water on the fireplace, with the result that deceased was severely scalded on the arm and shoulders, the mother being also scalded on the arm. He (MR SMITH) at once took off the child's night-shirt and sent for Dr Gibbs. The doctor came and did all that was possible, but his son passed away from convulsions, following shock, at 1.30 that morning. - MRS MAUD HOOKWAY (deceased's aunt) and Dr S. R. Gibbs also gave evidence, the latter stating that the scalds extended from the shoulder downwards, nearly one-third of the body being affected. The District Nurse also dressed the injuries, but the shock to the system was so great that he was not at all surprised at the child's death. - The Coroner returned a verdict of "Accidental Death", and voiced general sympathy with the parents in their loss.

BARNSTAPLE - Extraordinary Fatality At Barnstaple. Boy Accidentally Strangled. - Under unusual and tragic circumstances, the death occurred at Barnstaple on Tuesday afternoon of HECTOR MACDONALD PEDLAR, aged 16, son of MR and MRS WM. PEDLAR, of the Rock, Pilton. PEDLAR was apprenticed to Messrs. E. G. Dart and Son, painters and house decorators of High Street and about 4.45 his body was found with feet touching the floor, hanging by a rope at the foot of the back storeroom. Help was at once forthcoming, and medical aid summoned, but life was found to be extinct. The body was subsequently removed to the North Devon Infirmary. - The Inquest was held yesterday afternoon, before Mr T. A. R. Bencraft and a Jury of which Mr J. R. Ford was Foreman. - EMMA PEDLAR, deceased's mother, who wept bitterly whilst giving evidence, said her son was home at dinner-time the previous day, when he was in his usual good health. He had never threatened to take his life - he was not that sort of boy; and she knew of nothing to lead her to suppose that he would do away with himself. He was not an excitable boy. He used to go to picture shows, like other boys, but passed no remarks afterwards about the performances. - Jas. Nuttall, an apprentice in Messrs. Dart's shop, stated that about 4.30 the previous afternoon he went to the loft, where he saw PEDLAR, who was then all right. The bell ringing, he had to go back to the shop to attend to a customer, and when he returned to the loft a quarter of an hour later, he found PEDLAR hanging by a rope, with his feet touching the floor. The rope was around PEDLAR'S face under the chin and he appeared to be dead. Witness ran and informed Mr Gilbert, who was working at the other end of the loft. Mr Gilbert lifted PEDLAR'S head out of the loop and placed him on the floor and witness was sent to fetch the Police. A doctor was also summoned. - The Coroner: Might PEDLAR have put the rope round his chin, to frighten you, for you, on your return? - He might have. - If conscious, he could have got up from that position? - I should think so. His knees were almost touching the floor - about two inches away. - Witness further explained that the rope was attached to a beam in the roof, and served the purpose of a hand-rail in getting downstairs. He believed the second loop in the rope from the bottom was around deceased's neck. Witness had seen PEDLAR swinging on the rope several times. - MR PEDLAR, deceased's father, here suggested that in coming down over the steps his son slipped, his head being caught in the rope. - Dr J. R. Harper, who had arrived on the scene about 5.5 p.m., said PEDLAR, who was then lying on the ground, had apparently been dead some little time. Witness tried artificial respiration, but there was no response. Under the chin was the mark of a rope, which could be caused in the way described and blood was coming from the nose and mouth. The boy died from asphyxia, produced by strangulation from the rope. If PEDLAR put his head in the loop for a lark, it was possible that he accidentally strangled himself. The circumstances did not in any way suggest that the boy attempted to take his life; indeed the whole thing suggested an accident. Dr Harper pointed out that deceased had not altered the usual method in which the rope was tied; and had no hesitation in saying that it was an accident. - Wm. R. Gilbert, an employee, stated that he was working in the loft, about 25 ft. from where the body was found. There were a door and partition between and witness previously shut the door in consequence of the high wind prevailing. PEDLAR was a very lively boy and there was nothing to lead anyone to suppose he would take his life. He heard the two boys playing about 4.30 and afterwards heard PEDLAR brushing up the place with a big broom. Witness heard no call for help, until Nuttall came. The rope was under PEDLAR'S chin, behind his ears; and witness lifted him up and sent for help. He agreed that PEDLAR might have got his weight on the rope and then slipped backwards, and failed to recover himself. - By the Coroner: It was very difficult to say whether PEDLAR got his head accidentally into the rope. Witness thought he must have put his head in, perhaps to frighten his chum, and then lost his balance. PEDLAR was full of spirit and when last he heard him he was laughing. - Chas. E. Dart, a member of the firm of E. G. Dart and Son, stated that PEDLAR was quite a good boy, and no one would expect him to take his life. Everything was satisfactory so far as he knew and PEDLAR was looking forward to an advance in wages in a few weeks' time. The rope was hanging on the left of the opening up to the loft and it was absolutely impossible for anyone to catch his head in it accidentally. If a handrail was placed there instead of the rope it would lessen the width of the opening to the loft, which was very small. The rope had been used for many years by the workmen and others, and there had never previously been an accident. Witness believed that PEDLAR opened the loop of the rope, and with his head in waited for Nuttall to come up and that he then accidentally slipped with fatal results. - One Juror thought PEDLAR might have had a fit, and another that he put his head in the loop of the rope "just for a game." - P.C. Taylor, who removed the body to the Mortuary, was also called. - MR PEDLAR, the deceased's father, said his son was a very good boy, and he was certain that it was a pure accident. - The Coroner also recalled that Dr Harper had expressed the same view; but he left it to the Jury to balance the evidence. - The Jury were unanimously of opinion that it was a pure accident, and the Coroner returning a verdict of "Accidental Death" voiced the general feeling of sympathy with MR and MRS PEDLAR in their sad bereavement.

North Devon Journal, Thursday 29 April 1920
SOUTH MOLTON - Southmolton Tragedy. - Mr G. F. Brown, North Devon Coroner, held an Inquest on Monday at Menagerie Cottage, near Southmolton, on the body of HENRY HOLLAND, aged 68, a rabbit trapper. - Mrs Bessie Bryant deposed that she had acted as housekeeper to the deceased since 1918 and had arranged to be married to him. On Friday last she went to Southmolton to purchase some clothes for the wedding, which was to have taken place on the following Saturday. When she left the cottage, deceased was very cheerful, wished her goodbye and asked her how long she would be. When witness returned about 6 o'clock deceased was not at home, and witness enquired of her daughter and son-in-law, who lived with her, if they had seen him, but they had not. Deceased could not be found. Witness knew no reason to cause deceased to take his life. He was very cheerful and very desirous of getting married. - James Bradford, son-in-law of the last witness, also spoke as to the deceased's cheery disposition, and to his looking forward to the wedding which, he said, was with their full approval. When Mrs Bryant informed him that deceased was missing he (the witness) went to a shed where deceased usually sat and smoked and there saw deceased's coat and hat, together with a note addressed to witness, which referred to other notes which were found in his pocket. Witness informed P.C. Harris as to deceased being missing and handed over the letters to the Constable. - P.C. Harris told the coroner that he found the dead body of deceased in a disused quarry near the house in about six feet of water. Among the notes was one addressed to J. Bradford, stating "I have given you all my clothes and watch. Goodbye and God bless you." Another note addressed to "My Darling Bessie Bryant," said "I have given you £100 and the remainder to my daughter and son John. God bless you, good-bye. No blame to Menagerie." There was another note addressed to his "Darling Bessie Bryant," in which deceased spoke of her as being "a friend" to him. - Dr Seal, Southmolton, said there were no marks of violence on the body and he attributed death to drowning. - The Coroner said it was a most extraordinary case. Evidently deceased would have been happy married to Mrs Bryant who was about his own age. There was no blame to be attached to anyone. He returned a verdict of "Suicide."

North Devon Journal, Thursday 6 May 1920
PETERS MARLAND - Clayworker Killed. Fatality At Petersmarland. - FREDERICK HUTCHINGS, aged 39, clay miner, of New-road, Merton, in the employ of the North Devon Clay Co., was killed by a fall of clay on Saturday. HUTCHINGS was engaged with three other men in taking out timber from the pits, when a large fall suddenly occurred, HUTCHINGS being practically buried. The other men escaped the fall and at once proceeded to dig out HUTCHINGS, whilst Dr Morse, of Torrington, was sent for and arrived with P.S. Bromell. HUTCHINGS was badly crushed and was dead when taken out. - Mr G. W. F. Brown, the North Devon Coroner, held the inquest on Monday. Among those present at the Inquest were Mr E. H. Frazer of Truro, H.M. Inspector of Mines, Messrs. G. W. Vincent and W. H. Turrall, directors of the North Devon Clay Company and Mr H. Holwill, secretary. - MRS FRANCES MARY HUTCHINGS, widow, who gave evidence of identification, was asked by the Inspector if her husband had ever complained of any danger concerning his work and she replied in the negative. - William Dunn, foreman of the miners at the clay pits, said deceased, who had been employed by the Company for nine years, was, about noon on Saturday, engaged with two other workmen in digging overhead to ease a prop which they desired to knock out in the cutting, when, without any warning, a lump of clay, weighing about two or three tons, suddenly fell and partly buried the deceased. His head and shoulders were visible and witness and the other men there at once dug him out, but on doing so found that life was extinct. Deceased had been engaged on this kind of work many times before, and the men were removing the props in the customary way. - The Inspector inquired of witness what precaution was taken when supports were being removed from the roof? - Dunn replied that workmen always kept under the timber and he did not think deceased was beyond them on this occasion. The fall of clay struck deceased behind the head, and threw him forward. - Is there any apparatus by which you can draw the timber in any safer manner than that employed? - I don't think so. - What objection is there to using the safety appliance - a chain with a lever attached to it? - Witness replied that that had been tried and not found to answer. Often the timbers were very tight. - Answering further questions, witness said deceased was a very good workman, and thoroughly experienced. - The Coroner: He did not disobey any rules? - Witness: Oh, no. - John Balch, clay miner, who was working close to deceased when the accident happened, corroborated the statement that the fall occurred without any indication whatever. - John Martin, manager of the mine, said he inspected the pit in which the men were working about 7.40 on Saturday morning, and everything then was in perfect order, save for one "shaked" timber, which was not where the accident occurred. He had been employed at the mines for 45 years, and had only known one fatal accident there previously and that about 25 years ago. - The Inspector: Seeing this work is a necessity, and there is risk attaching to it, can you suggest anything by which it might be done with more safety? - A: I cannot. I always warn the men to be careful, and to keep under the timber. The only thing I can suggest in this case is that deceased, being left-handed, was working with his head a little beyond the timbers and the clay struck him. It may have been a matter of inches only. - Dr Morse, of Torrington, attributed death to compression of the brain, due to haemorrhage, consequent on deceased being crushed by the weight of the clay. There were no fractures. - Asked if he had any recommendations to make, the Inspector said if deceased met with his death through having his head out a little too far, it was the sort of thing anyone might do. - The Coroner, in summing up, remarked on the sadness of the occurrence and said Inspector Frazer, who had inspected the mine, was satisfied with its working, and that there was no negligence on anyone's part in connection with the accident. Mr Brown remarked that it was satisfactory to think that that was the first fatal accident they had had for so many years. It was a case of purely Accidental Death, no blame attaching to anyone, or to the works and he returned a verdict accordingly. - Mr Vincent expressed the deep regret of the Company at the fatality and their sympathy with the widow in her bereavement.

North Devon Journal, Thursday 13 May 1920
LITTLE TORRINGTON - A verdict of "Death from Natural Causes," pulmonary tuberculosis, was returned by Mr George Brown, North Devon Coroner, at an Inquest held by him on Monday at Cleave, Little Torrington, on the body of MARGARET ELIZABETH AMBROSE, widow of DR AMBROSE, of Bristol. Deceased, who was 45 years of age, formerly resided at Bristol, and about two years ago at Torquay and Paignton. She came to North Devon in April last.

North Devon Journal, Thursday 20 May 1920
LYNTON - A sad case of sudden death took place at Lynton on Saturday morning. MRS RIDGE, wife of MR TOM RIDGE, of Orchard-terrace, after getting up and preparing breakfast, felt unwell and going to her bedroom lay down. Some time after, not hearing her moving, MR RIDGE went upstairs when he found she had passed away. Doctors Faulkner and Comings could only pronounce life to be extinct. Mr G. W. F. Brown, Coroner, held an Inquest on Saturday evening, when the medical evidence, after a post-mortem, showed death to be due to natural causes. Deceased was 64 years of age. Much sympathy is felt for the family.

North Devon Journal, Thursday 3 June 1920
GREAT TORRINGTON - Fatality At St. Giles. Torrington Man Killed While Felling Trees. - A verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned by Mr George W. F. Brown, North Devon Coroner, at an Inquest held by him on Saturday at the Cottage Hospital, Torrington, on the body of THOMAS JURY, aged 52, a woodman, of Torrington, who met with an accident while working in Dadscott Wood, St. Giles, the previous afternoon. - Laurence Lock said he was working with deceased at the time, cleaning off a fir tree which they had felled about an hour previously. Whilst so engaged, a large bough of an oak tree, which had been partly broken off by the other tree in falling, came down unexpectedly, striking deceased on the head. The bough fell from a height of about 35 feet, and was estimated by Robert Baker, a foreman, to weigh about two cwt. The latter witness said about ten minutes before the accident happened he observed the oak bough hanging, and told the men he thought it was quite safe for them, as it seemed to have been only half broken off. - Dr Pridham said deceased sustained a fracture of the base of the skull, from which he died. The Coroner considered it was a pure accident, and returned a verdict accordingly.

BRATTON FLEMING - Bratton Labourer Accidentally Drowned. - The lifeless body of JOHN HUTCHINGS PARKER, labourer, employed at Spreccott Farm, Bratton Fleming, was found in the mill pond on Tuesday afternoon. Deceased was 41 years of age. - At the Inquest yesterday, MR ALFRED GILL, farmer, of Spreccott, spoke to PARKER being in his usual health at 2 o'clock the previous day. Witness was passing the mill pond at the back of the house about 5.30 when he saw deceased in the water. With the help of his father and Mr Gammin, witness got the body out, life being extinct. PARKER was subject to fits and would often fall and become unconscious. The pond was about 4 ft deep. - Dr F. B. Manning, who had attended PARKER for about twenty years, said he suffered from epileptic fits and was paralysed up the right leg and arm. When summoned the previous evening, he found PARKER quite dead and in his opinion death was due to drowning. - Mr Samuel Gill stated that PARKER had a fit about a week ago. - Mr Coroner Brown returned a verdict of "Accidentally Drowned, through falling into a pond in an Epileptic Fit."

North Devon Journal, Thursday 17 June 1920
NORTH MOLTON - Northmolton Tradesman's Sad End. - Very deep and earnest was the sorrow expressed on every hand at Northmolton on Sunday, when the news became generally known of the untimely death of MR W. J. LOCKE. As was his usual custom on Sundays, he had remained in bed longer than the rest of the family, and was found about 12 noon on the floor of the room with his throat cut, the wound apparently having been self-inflicted. His son, DAN, who was at home, at once called in P.C. Holman and then motor-cycled to Southmolton for Dr Baker, who was soon present and on examining him pronounced life extinct. MR W. J. LOCKE, who possessed a large general stores, including grocery, drapery, tailoring, and furniture business - had greatly felt the strain of carrying on business during the trying times of the past few years, and this combined with letters from Canada announcing the tragic death of his youngest sister, EVA (MRS W. LOOSEMORE) by burning, had evidently preyed upon his mind, though no one had the least suspicion that there would be such an end to his life.. He was greatly respected by his many customers, and was kind and smiling to his tiny patrons; while his sympathetic ears were always pen to those who found times hard. Any deserving cause found a ready helper in him and his cheery and kindly smile and word will be greatly missed in the village. He leaves a widow and family of three sons and four daughters to mourn their loss and the deepest sympathy of residents in a wide district will be extended to them in their bereavement. - At the Inquest on Monday, conducted by Mr G. W. F. Brown, County Coroner for North Devon, DANIEL LOCK stated that he saw his father (who was aged 51) in bed at 11.45 the previous morning. He was quiet as usual and said he was going to get up. Going upstairs a little later, witness found his father lying on the floor on his face and hands, having cut his throat with a razor. Witness called for help, but he believed life was extinct. His father had recently had a letter informing him that his sister had been burnt to death in Canada, and he was also worried about taking stock for income-tax purposes. - Wm. Trebble, who was called in the previous day, said deceased had a razor in his right hand, and there was a lot of blood about. There was a deep cut right across the throat, and death occurred within a few minutes. - P.C. Holman deposed that there was an incised wound from ear to ear, the carotid artery being severed. A note in deceased's trousers pocket read: "I am worried to death with trade prices, &c., The shock of my poor sister's death is terrible." The note added that Mr Dobbs had his will and instructions were given as to the disposal of the property. - The Coroner did not think it should have been a tremendous thing in a small place like Northmolton for a man to go through his stock. In returning a verdict of "Suicide," the Coroner mentioned that several years ago he held an Inquest on one of deceased's sons, who met with his death by hanging.

North Devon Journal, Thursday 15 July 1920
BIDEFORD - Found Drowned At Bideford. - At Bideford, on Saturday, Mr Coroner G. W. F. Brown held an Inquest into the cause of death of LEWIS ROBERTS, 42, a fireman employed on the s.s. "Glen Doon," now working for the Hansen Shipbuilding Company, Ltd., Bideford. - The Captain of the "Glen Doon," John Clements, of Bideford, said the deceased was married and his home was at 4 Trelissick-terrace, Hayle. On Thursday last witness left the ship at 10.15 p.m., having drawn her five or six feet from the jetty and put down the ladder for getting aboard which was fastened to the ship. - By the Coroner: He had never seen deceased the worse for drink. - By Mr H. R. Bazeley (representing the Company): Deceased was out of his control from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. - Jas Ryan, of Cardiff, a sailor on board the steamship, said with the deceased they left the vessel between 4 and 5 o'clock on Thursday afternoon, and went to Bideford, where they visited several public-houses, and stayed until closing time. - Q: What was your condition then? - I must admit I was not sober. Witness could not remember what was the last time he saw deceased, but he thought he said he should go down to the boat. Witness got down there, and as the boat was swung off and there was no ladder there, he could not get aboard, and he slept in the boiler house at the works. He believed he left deceased in Cooper-street, when he said he was going to get some lodgings. - William Yarnold deposed to the men finding the body just after they had started work on Friday morning. It was about 45 feet away from the vessel. - Thomas Shute, night watchman, said he found Ryan asleep in the furnace house and he was under the influence of drink. He took him to the jetty to put him aboard, but the ladder which was there when he visited the spot an hour earlier was missing and he allowed Ryan to sleep where he was. - Robert Lishman said he was in company of deceased and left him after closing time, when he said he was going down to go aboard the ship and was going to take Ryan down. - The Coroner: It was a case of the blind leading the blind. - Witness: No, not at all. - P.C. Wills said the deceased's watch had stopped at 11.58. - The Coroner said the men had evidently been drinking together, but how deceased came into the water no one could tell. The verdict would be one of "Found Drowned."

LYNTON - London Lady's Sad Death At Lynton. - Late on Saturday afternoon COL. YOUNAN, late Indian Army, accompanied by his wife, left Bevan's Hotel, Lynmouth, for a walk and proceeded to Lynton. The Colonel left his wife to go to a chemist's, promising to met her at another shop, a jeweller's. She, however, walked on through the Valley of Rocks and was seen going to the North Walk, a cliff promenade 300 ft. above the sea. Being soon missed, search was made, and Capt. Crocombe, accompanied by Messrs. Bevan, Groves and Burgess, in a motor boat, found the body of MRS YOUNAN at the foot of the North Walk below Model Gate. She was terribly mangled and every bone broken. the body, lying across a rock, was removed with great difficulty, owing to heavy sea. Deceased was 32 years old. The Colonel and his wife, a devoted couple, frequently visited the locality, but lived at Bayswater, London. The last cliff fatality was also to a London lady, and occurred in August, 1918, when the Hon. Mrs Egan died at Wringcliffe, lower down the coast. - The sad affair was inquired into at Lynton on Monday afternoon by Mr G. W. F. Brown, County Coroner for North Devon. - Mr Alfred T. Rutter, a visitor, spoke to being in the Valley of Rocks about 4.30 on Saturday afternoon, when he met MRS LISBETH YOUNAN, the deceased lady, walking towards the Model Gate. - P.C. J. W. Perriam stated that about 4.15 he saw MRS YOUNAN going towards the Valley of Rocks; she appeared to be quite normal in her manner. Later he received the body from Mr Bevan, and conveyed it to the Mortuary. Examining the cliff below the Model Gate, he had since found some of deceased's property, including a brooch which was caught in the heather and by the edge of the cliff two gloves. The deceased must have fallen clean over the North Walk. - Dr Henry G. Falkner informed the Court that since he had been to Lynton, deceased had been attended by him for catalepsy. Witness last saw her alive on Saturday about 12.30. She was in bed and talked to him, but her eyes were strange, looking dull and dead. An examination of the body in the Mortuary showed that MRS YOUNAN had sustained extensive injuries, evidently caused by a fall on the rocks. The cause of death was fracture of the base of the skull. - Mr Cecil N. Bevan, who after the occurrence went in his motor boat under the Model Gate, stated that he found the body on the rocks there, in a very shattered condition. Deceased had no shoes or hat on at the time. Witness brought the body to Lynmouth and handed it over to P.C. Perriam. - LIEUT-COL. ARTHUR CHAS. YOUNAN, husband of deceased, stated that they had been staying at the Lyn Valley Hotel since July 1st. His wife had been unwell, being attended by Dr Falkner; recently she had undergone an operation and was suffering from nervous shock. On Saturday she remained in bed until about 2 p.m., when she got up and they went to Lynton to do some shopping. Witness went into a chemist's shop, and his wife said she would go to Mr Blackford's, the jeweller. About five minutes later, he went to Mr Blackford's, to find his wife was not there. He then walked on towards the Valley of Rocks, but could not see his wife; and inquiries proved futile. Later he again went towards the Valley of Rocks, to be told by some people that they had seen a lady walking there at a rather fast rate. His wife had not told him she was going that way. Her body was recovered on the seashore later. He never knew his wife had any suicidal tendencies, but two members of her family had taken their own lives. - The Coroner returned a verdict of "Suicide during Temporary Insanity."

North Devon Journal, Thursday 5 August 1920
BIDEFORD - The North Devon Coroner, Mr G. W. F. Brown, on Friday held an inquest at Bideford concerning the death, the previous evening, of MRS SUSAN VODDEN, 52, wife of JOHN VODDEN, of 21 Bull Hill, Bideford. It appeared that on March 29th, while apparently in a momentary fainting fit, the deceased fell against a stove and ignited her clothing. A neighbour, Emily Jollow, promptly took off her apron and extinguished the flames, and deceased was taken to the Hospital. There she remained about two months and then returned home, but never appeared to have recovered from the effects of the accident. The Coroner returned a verdict of "Accidental Death."

North Devon Journal, Thursday 26 August 1920
BIDEFORD - A verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned by the Coroner, Mr G. W. F. Brown, at an Inquest held yesterday on MRS EMILY TRACE, 68, a widow, of 6 Geneva Place. MRS TRACE broke a thigh by a fall at the back of her house in January last, and was treated at the local Hospital, returning to her home on 14th April. Bronchitis supervened and she passed away on the 23rd inst.

North Devon Journal, Thursday 2 September 1920
KENTISBURY - At Wistland Pound Cottages, on Thursday, while the children of MR and MRS SMALE were swinging, the rope broke and RACHEL SMALE, aged 7, fell to the ground. Dr Manning of Combe Martin, was soon in attendance, but the little girl passed away during the night. It transpired at the Inquest that the child sustained a fracture of the skull. The funeral took place on Monday, when the interment was made in the Churchyard. Many friends gathered to show their sympathy with the bereaved family. The school children affectionately lined up the way and carried bunches of flowers as the cortege came to the church gates, and they also sang at the close of the funeral service. The Rector, Rev. J. O. Openshaw, officiated.

North Devon Journal, Thursday 16 September 1920
ABBOTSHAM - Bathing Fatality At Abbotsham. - A sad fatality occurred at Abbotsham Beach on Sunday afternoon, when ELIZABETH GRANT, aged 18, domestic servant, in the employ of Mr Skidmore Ashby, of Rixslade, Abbotsham, was drowned while bathing. At the Inquest on Monday it transpired that deceased was invited to bathe by Miss Stevenson, a visitor occupying one of the huts near the beach. Two minutes after they went into the water, a wave knocked them off their feet. Miss Mary Stevenson did her best to keep up the deceased, and Mr Hearn, of Lamerton's Place, Bideford, jumped into the sea and swam to their assistance, but against the strong under-current could do nothing. Miss Stevenson, who cannot swim, did not leave the girl until she appeared to be drowned. When Hearn was got out of the water he was unconscious and artificial respiration had to be resorted to. Miss Stevenson was also much exhausted when assisted to the shore by Mr S. Prance, of Bideford. The body of deceased was not recovered until twenty minutes had elapsed and Dr Toye, who arrived just afterwards, tried artificial respiration without avail. The Coroner, Mr G. W. F. Brown, returned a verdict of "Accidentally Drowned," and paid a tribute to the gallantry of those who tried to rescue the deceased. He wished Mr Hearn had been present so that he might compliment him on his plucky action. A brother of the deceased expressed appreciation of the efforts of Miss Stevenson, Mr Hearn and Mr Prance.

North Devon Journal, Thursday 23 September 1920
BRISTOL, GLOUCESTERSHIRE - Ashford Man's Death At Bristol. "Found Drowned." - The Deputy City Coroner of Bristol, Mr Frank Richardson, has held an Inquest at the Merchant Street Court, touching the death of WALTER JOHN EASTERBROOK (26), late of West Ashford, Barnstaple, who had been a seaman on the s.s. "Wells City." A brother of deceased stated a postcard was received from him on Monday stating that he had signed on another ship. John Collier, ferryman at Guinea Street, said he saw the corpse floating, head out of the water, in the harbour and recovered it. He had never seen a body float like it before. According to the medical evidence the appearances of the body were consistent with death from drowning, the body having been in the water about 10 days. Deceased had plenty of money on him and a bank book showed a considerable amount of money in the bank. Verdict of "Found Drowned" was returned, the Coroner intimating that there was no suggestion of foul play.

GREAT TORRINGTON - Fatal Accident At Torrington. - There was a sad accident at Mount Quarry, St. Giles, near Torrington, on Friday last, CHARLES SLADE, quarryman of Calf Street, in the employ of Torrington Town Council, sustaining, as the result of a piece of rock suddenly falling on him, injuries from which he died at the Torrington Cottage Hospital on Monday. The deceased was 59 years of age, and the deepest sympathy is expressed with the family in their bereavement. - The County Coroner for North Devon, Mr G. W. F. Brown, opened the Inquest at the Hospital yesterday (Wednesday). - Chas. E. Irish, deceased's son-in-law, having given formal evidence, Dr Edgar F. Mortimer stated that when he saw SLADE at the Hospital about 1.30 on Friday, he was suffering from a very bad compound fracture of his right thigh bone and shock. The bone was crushed into small pieces. SLADE was treated, but never recovered from the shock and died on Monday A post-mortem showed contusions at the back of the right lung, and death was due to shock, the result of a compound fracture of the right thigh. - Harold Settle, Borough Surveyor, spoke to being at the quarry about 11.30 a.m. on Friday; saw deceased helping to drill a hole, which was charged with gelignite and fired. They all went away to a safe distance when the hole was fired and came back afterwards. Deceased and another man then started to lever down the loose rock, when a piece of loose rock at the rear of deceased suddenly fell. Weighing about 10 cwt. it fell across SLADE'S leg and going to his assistance, he found the leg badly crushed. SLADE was removed to the Hospital by car, arriving about three-quarters of an hour after the accident. Before the work of levering out the stone, witness looked around with SLADE, and thought all was safe to work. The stone which fell was only a foot or two above SLADE, who had been working in quarries about five years. - At this stage the Inquest was adjourned to Monday next, for the attendance of H.M. Factory Inspector.

ILFRACOMBE - Ilfracombe Fatality. The Danger Of Running Behind Vehicles. - At the Tyrrell Cottage Hospital, Ilfracombe, on Saturday, Mr G. W. F. Brown, Coroner for North Devon, held an Inquest relative to the death of KENNETH SLADE, the nine-year-old stepson of MR WM. HENRY JEWELL, of 24 Horne Road, Ilfracombe. The boy died soon after admission to the Hospital on Friday afternoon, from injuries received through being knocked down by a motor-car belonging to Ilfracombe Autocars Ltd., and driven by Wm. Alfred Ernest Osborn. - Osborn stated that the previous afternoon he was driving a touring car along Hillsborough Road, when he saw a motor 'bus in front going in the same direction. He noticed two or three children hanging on to the 'bus, and as witness was about to pass, deceased jumped off right in front of his car. Witness pulled up as soon as he saw the boy jump, but it was quite impossible to avoid the accident. - Evidence was given by Geo. Bowden, conductor of the 'bus, to the effect that he warned the children and told them to get away. Just as the touring car was about to pass witness saw the deceased run backwards towards the approaching car. - Percival Summerwill, who was riding at the rear of the 'bus, corroborated. When the boy let go his hold of the 'bus he ran backwards straight into the car. Both wheels went over him. Immediately after the car had passed over him the boy jumped up, ran a few yards and collapsed. - Dr Salston said the boy died shortly after admission to the Hospital. The cause of death was rupture to the spleen. No bones were broken. - P.S. Champion said visitors riding in the car at the time were prepared to give evidence that there was no negligence on the part of the driver of the car. - The Coroner said o blame could be attached to the driver of the car. The accident was absolutely unavoidable. It was a wonder to him there were not dozens of such accidents. Very frequently they saw children running behind motors and though they were warned by the drivers, the offence was repeated. The verdict was "Accidental Death." He did not think that Osborn could possibly have avoided the accident.

North Devon Journal, Thursday 30 September 1920
BARNSTAPLE - Welshman's Sudden Death At Barnstaple. - Mr T. A. R. Bencraft, the Borough Coroner, resumed at Barnstaple on Friday, the Inquest on WILLIAM GRILLS, aged 76, Swansea, who, as recorded in our last issue, expired suddenly on the Square on the evening of September 17th and whose identity was not established until several days later. - Mrs Malah Mills, 44 Meddon Street, Bideford, stated that she had seen the body at the North Devon Infirmary Mortuary that afternoon and had no doubt it was that of her uncle, WILLIAM GRILLS, of 51 Dyvatty Street, Swansea. It was seven years ago that she last saw her uncle, who had been an employee under Swansea Corporation. Witness was herself at Barnstaple Fair the previous Friday, but was not aware that her uncle was in the district. In a letter she had received from MRS GRILLS that morning, it was stated that her uncle came from Swansea to Ilfracombe by boat the previous Thursday. It was further stated that MR GRILLS had previously expressed a wish to come to Devonshire once more and that he had intended visiting witness at Bideford. By reason of advancing years, MRS GRILLS was unable to attend the Inquest. - The Coroner returned a verdict of "Death from Natural Causes" namely heart disease, in accordance with the medical evidence, previously tendered. It was very satisfactory that the identity of the deceased had now been established, thanks to photographs (taken after death) and a description circulated by the Chief Constable, Mr R. S. Eddy. He was very much obliged to the Chief Constable for the prompt and efficient way in which he had acted.

BIDEFORD - The sudden death of JOHN THOMAS HEARN, 37, mine shaft repairer of Pontypridd, was Enquired into by the North Devon Crooner, Mr G. W. F. Brown, at Bideford, on Tuesday. Deceased, who was on a visit to his parents in Old Town, had not been well, but on Sunday seemed particularly bright. After talking over the garden wall to a neighbour, however, he said he felt giddiness coming on again and would go in and sit down. About ten minutes later a neighbour found that he had apparently fallen from a chair and had a small bruise on the forehead. Medical aid was called but he died early the next morning. - Dr Wilson said the post mortem examination revealed a clot of blood on the left side of the brain. The cause of death was the rupture of a blood vessel on the brain following heart disease. - Verdict accordingly.

GREAT TORRINGTON. - Torrington Quarry Fatality. - Mr G. W. F. Brown, North Devon Coroner, resumed his inquiry at Torrington on Monday, into the circumstances attending the death of CHAS. SLADE, 59, of Calf Street, a quarryman, in the employ of the Town Council, which resulted from an accident while working in Mount Quarry, St. Giles, on the 17th inst. At the previous hearing the evidence showed that a charge of gelignite was fired in blasting operations and whilst deceased and another workman were afterwards levering out a piece of rock, a large stone weighing about 10 cwt. fell on his right leg from just above, badly crushing it. - On Monday, Samuel Hearn, who was working with deceased at the time, was called, and corroborated the evidence of Mr Harold Settle, Borough Surveyor, as to how the accident happened, and agreed with him that every precaution for safety was taken. He said there was no sign of any looseness of the stone above the tone being levered and it came down without any warning whatever. The accident was unavoidable. - The Town Clerk, Mr G. M. Doe, who represented the Council, and expressed their regret at the accident, and sympathy with the relatives, elicited from witness that the work was carried out under proper supervision by the Borough Surveyor. - The Coroner returned a verdict of "Accidental Death," mainly shock following compound fracture of the thigh, the accident being quite unavoidable. - Mr Owner, H.M. Inspector of Factories, Western Division, was present at the inquiry. - The funeral of the deceased took place on Thursday, the Vicar, Preb. F. Emlyn Jones, officiating. The immediate mourners were the widow, Miss A. Slade, Mrs W. Richards of London, Mrs Newman, of Romsey, Mrs C. Irish, of Oxford and Mrs J. Ware of Cardiff (daughters), Mrs Drayton, Mrs H. Gibbs (sisters), Mr W. Slade (brother), Mrs Pettyjohns, Mrs C. Drayton (nieces), Messrs. T. and V. Drayton (nephews), Mrs R. Vodden (cousin), Messrs. W. Newman and J. Irish (sons-in-law). Among others attending were the Mayor, Mr W. T. Luxton, and the Borough Surveyor, Mr Settle. The bearers were Messrs. S. Hearn, H. Easterbrook, T. Bennett, W. Davey, sen., and W. Davey, jun. There were numerous wreaths.

BIDEFORD - Bideford Fatality. Appledore Man Killed Whilst Unloading Spars. - The fatality which occurred at Bideford goods Station on Saturday afternoon, when ROBERT OKE, 53, of Geneva Place, Bideford, a skilled labourer in the employ of Messrs. Cock and Sons, shipbuilders, of Appledore, was killed whilst unloading timber spars from a truck, was investigated by Mr G. W. F. Brown, North Devon Coroner, at Bideford Town Hall, on Monday afternoon. Mr T. A. Goaman, solicitor, represented Messrs. Cock and Sons and Messrs. W. Trump and A. W. Pring, the railway authorities; Mr Owner, H.M. Inspector of Factories being also present. - Deceased's son, EDWARD ROBERT OKE, who was working with his father at the time of the accident, said deceased was on the truck levering the spars out with an iron bar. One pole got caught at the small end which deceased cleared, and was walking to the other end when suddenly the remaining pieces on the truck rolled down, knocking deceased off the truck. He could not save himself and fell on his head on the cement pitching beneath. Deceased had done this sort of work many times before, but not recently. Witness explained that he was on the beach, the logs being rolled down the embankment to be taken to Appledore by water. - Alfred Jas. Easterbrook, railway porter, said deceased appeared to be levering out a piece of timber which had caught, when three other pieces rolled off and caught deceased in the legs knocking him down. Witness saw the truck before unloading was commenced, and it was properly loaded and secured. It was the thirteenth piece which was being unloaded when the accident happened. - Asked if deceased could not have got behind the timer and pushed it away from him, witness replied: To do that would have required a man at each end of the poles which were about 40 ft. long and about a foot thick at the big end, weighing several cwts. - Witness added that there was very little room for anyone to have stood on the edge of the truck. It was a pure accident; the timber started rolling and deceased had no chance of getting out of the way. If there had been two men getting the timber out it would not have happened. He considered it was not one man's work. Witness explained that if there had been a man at each end they could have stood on the ground and levered the poles out. - Dr Ellis Pearson said deceased fractured the base of his skull and had three ribs fractured, besides other injuries. Death was instantaneous. - The Coroner thought it was quite clear as to how the accident happened, and said deceased was doing what Easterbrook had quite correctly described as two-men's job. It was not a job for one man to unload timber of the size mentioned and he could not do it without endangering his life. He returned a verdict of "Accidental Death," and recommended the employers when they had another such job to send two or more men to unload long lengths of timber.

North Devon Journal, Thursday 4 November 1920
BARNSTAPLE - Fatal Scratch At Chittlehamholt. - His many friends in the Chittlehamholt district will learn with painful surprise and regret of the death of MR JOHN GUARD, of Longwells, who passed away at the North Devon Infirmary early yesterday (Wednesday) morning. - The Borough Coroner, Mr T. A. R. Bencraft, held an Inquest relative to the death of the deceased at the Institution last evening. - MR ERNEST GUARD, son of the deceased, stated that his father was aged 64, and was a smallholder. On Saturday last, said the witness, deceased complained of feeling unwell and went to bed. On Monday, he (witness) called in Dr Good, of High Bickington, who found deceased was suffering from blood poisoning, brought about presumably by a scratch on his right forearm, which he had sustained whilst ploughing. He at once ordered his removal to the Infirmary. - Dr E. Briscoe, House Surgeon at the Infirmary, certified death to be due to blood poisoning. - The Coroner returned a verdict of "Accidental Death, due to Blood Poisoning."

North Devon Journal, Thursday 11 November 1920
NORTHAM - Fatal Accident At Appledore. - Mr Geo. Brown, North Devon Coroner, at Appledore on Monday held an Inquest concerning the death of MARY JENKINS, a widow, aged 90. Mrs Hammett, of Vernon's Lane, Appledore, said deceased was brought to her house on March 12th last, after having been taken out of her own house, which was on fire. She was very much burnt on the right arm. She informed witness that she had gone into the house with a lamp, intending to put it on the table, but let it fall, and it burst and set the room on fire. - John Mills spoke to rescuing deceased from the house, which was full of smoke and after taking her to the previous witness's house he helped put out the fire. There was a broken lamp lying on the floor at the end of the table. - Mrs Bowden said deceased came to her house to live about a week after the accident. She never seemed to recover from the shock of the fire, and died on the 7th inst. - Dr Marshall said when he saw deceased on 13th March last she was suffering severe burns on the right arm and from shock. She was a very active woman before the accident, but never got out of bed afterwards. He attributed death to shock and senile decay, and the Coroner returned a verdict of "Accidental Death."

BISHOPS NYMPTON - Child's Death At Bish Mill. - At Bish Mill, near Southmolton, on Thursday, the North Devon Coroner, Mr G. W. F. Brown, held an Inquest on the infant child of JAMES BURROWS, of West Mill Cottage. A sister of MRS BURROWS said when her sister was taken ill she immediately went for Dr Mortimer, but the child was born within a quarter of an hour. Her mother was in the house, but went downstairs with the other children and they did nothing else, thinking the doctor would come. The doctor arrived within a quarter of an hour, but the child was then dead. Dr Mortimer said the child had breathed, but was prevented from further breathing by reason of lying on its face. Death was due to suffocation. The Coroner asked the grandmother why she did not go upstairs to her daughter, and she replied she was rather nervous and thought the doctor would be there any minute. Also asked why she did not get the district nurse, she said she did not think it was necessary. - The Coroner returned a verdict of "Accidental Death from Suffocation through Inattention at Birth."

North Devon Journal, Thursday 18 November 1920
BARNSTAPLE - Elderly Woman's Fatal Fall At Barnstaple. - CHARLOTTE BARROW, widow, aged 75, died at the residence of her daughter, 12 Lower Maudlin-street on Wednesday in last week under circumstances which led to an Inquest by the Borough Coroner, Mr T. A. R. Bencraft on Friday afternoon. - James Hammett, baker's vanman, spoke to passing deceased's house, No. 1 Bull-court, about 10.20 a.m. on July 9th, when he heard MRS BARROW groaning. The door was open and going into the house, he found MRS BARROW lying on her side on the floor. By her side was a truck with a bag of coal in it. Witness lifted MRS BARROW up and found she was in great pain. She was conscious, however, and said she could not make out what made her fall down. There was no one else in the house and witness at once sent for MRS CASANELLI, MRS BARROW'S daughter. - MRS CASANELLI stated that her mother was the widow of RICHARD BARROW, formerly a general labourer. After being called to the house on July 9th, witness summoned Dr Manning, who was then doing the work of Dr Thomas, her mother being subsequently removed to the North Devon Infirmary. Her mother, who had been very feeble in her legs, complained of an injury in the thigh and leg. It was only after considerable difficulty that she (witness) was able to obtain an ambulance in order to take her mother to the infirmary, the ambulance used being lent by the Y.M.C.A. Having been in the infirmary eight weeks her mother was discharged and after being in her own home a week, came back to live with her, Dr Thomas attending her until her death on Wednesday. - Dr F. L. Thomas stated that Nurse Haynes had also attended deceased. An X-ray photograph at the infirmary showed there was no fracture, but deceased's right thigh was dislocated. Death was due to general syncope the result of the accidental dislocation of the thigh. - The Coroner asked if witness knew anything about the arrangements for an ambulance. - Dr Thomas replied that the motor ambulance connected with the Infirmary had, by reason of being too heavy and cumbersome, been sold, and the authorities were getting a lighter ambulance. It was not, however, the Infirmary's work to collect patients. MRS BARROW'S daughter could, had she known, have obtained a hand ambulance at the Infirmary or Y.M.C.A. - The Coroner asked the Press to kindly note this fact. He returned a verdict of Death from Syncope, the result of Dislocation of the Right Thigh, brought about by reason of an Accidental Fall. - The funeral took place on Saturday, Rev. R. C. W. L. Lamplugh, Vicar of St Mary's, officiating at the interment, which was made in Barnstaple Cemetery. The immediate mourners were Messrs. William, John and George Barrow (sons), Mrs Trute and Mrs Casanelli (daughters), Mrs P. Barrow, Mrs C. Barrow and Mrs T. Barrow (daughters-in-law), Mr G. Casanelli (son-in-law), William and Ernie Barrow, Bessie, Polly, and Maud Barrow, Lily and Clara Barrow, Fred, George and Dick Barrow, Florrie and Charlie Barrow, and Miss Casanelli (grandchildren), Mrs Ellen Cann, Miss Nellie Cann and Messrs,. George and William Cann (nieces and nephews), Mr G. Barrow, Mrs F. Barrow, Mrs Hooper, Mrs E. Barrow, Mrs Ford, Mrs Norman and Mr Taylor. The sons and grandsons acted as bearers. Beautiful floral tokens were sent from all the relatives, and from neighbours and friends,, Mrs Barrow, Mrs Ford, Archie and Bert.

WEST BUCKLAND - West Buckland School Assistant Master's Death. - Mr Geo. W. F. Brown, North Devon Coroner, held an Inquest at West Buckland School on Monday evening, relative to the death of HUGH DOUGALS DARVILL, 32, an assistant master at the school. - Rev. E. C. Harries, headmaster at the school, said deceased had been there since 1914, and was a keen master and good disciplinarian up to about 1916, when he became very reserved and often locked himself in his rooms after school hours and would see no one. Later on this year he noticed deceased was getting more peculiar and on Thursday, 4th November, he was not in school; he stayed shut up in his room. Witness saw him the next afternoon, and he then thought there was something peculiar about him and sent for Dr Seal. - Dr Seal said he saw deceased on November 10th. He was then in his bedroom, in bed, suffering from acute alcoholism. He saw him again subsequently, and thought he was getting a little better, but he died on the morning of the 13th. A post mortem examination revealed the fact that deceased's heart was very much diseased and dilated and full of clots of blood, and the liver was fibrous and fatty. There was no sign of deceased having taken any drug or poison. In his opinion, the cause of death was heart failure, due to chronic alcoholism. - The Coroner returned a verdict of "Death from Natural Causes" as certified by the doctor.

BARNSTAPLE - Barnstaple Tradesman's Sad Death. Verdict of "Found Drowned." - The circumstances connected with the death of MR JAMES EASTON, silversmith and jeweller, of High Street, a highly respected tradesman for many years, were on Thursday Inquired into at the North Devon Infirmary (whither the body had been removed after being found in the river) by Mr T. A. R. Bencraft Borough Coroner. - Dr A. W. Lemarchand spoke to having attended MR EASTON for depression. At first they thought it best to get him away to another house, under the care of a nurse and as the result he appeared to get better. In the last two days before he did, MR EASTON seemed very much more himself and expressed himself as feeling less depressed. All through MR EASTON had complained of pains in his head, and his general state of health was somewhat feeble and weak. An examination showed death to be due to drowning. - The Coroner asked was it likely that deceased got giddy in walking along and fell over the Quay? - It is possible and would be likely. - LIONEL J. P. EASTON, stated that his mother died a few weeks ago and this had no doubt depressed his father very much. On Monday, however, he seemed very much better, signing some cheques and seeming to take an interest in things. He went for a walk with his daughter in the afternoon, and saying after tea that he felt a lot better in the open air, went out for another stroll about 5.10 p.m. Just before, his father asked him if he thought he should be all right in the street, saying he suffered from giddiness and in walking along felt as though the ground was lifting under him. His father had often gone to Castle Quay, taking a great interest in the building of ships on the opposite side of the river and enjoying a chat with fishermen. Witness thought it quite possible that, going to the Quay, his father became giddy and accidentally fell into the river. - J. W. Jarman, postman, informed the Court that just before 5.30 p.m. on Monday he saw MR EASTON walking down the middle of Castle Quay. The tide was ebbing at the time. - Henry A. Howard spoke to going along Commercial Road, about 7.40 a.m. on Tuesday, when he noticed a bowler hat (since identified as belonging to deceased) on the edge of the Quay The coping stone close by was higher than the ground, and witness thought it quite possible that MR EASTON might have caught his foot in the stone and fallen into the river, the sudden jerk at the same time causing his hat to fall on the Quay. - Thos. Sadd, fisherman, stated that he was fishing in his boat near the Sports Ground about 11 a.m. on Wednesday, when someone directed his attention to something in the river on the Seven Brethren's bank side. At first he thought it was only an accumulation of leaves, but subsequently he found (at low water mark) that it was the body, surrounded by leaves. Witness sent for the Police, and after P.C. Gammon came, with the assistance of Mr Bert Songhurst, they got the body into the boat and removed it to the Mortuary. - P.C. Gammon gave formal evidence. Deceased's watch stopped at 5.59; there was no letter or note of any kind on the clothing. - The Coroner said that, having called all the available evidence, it appeared to him that the most probable explanation was that MR EASTON accidentally fell over the Quay, but as there was not enough evidence to justify a verdict of "Accidental Death," the verdict would be "Found Drowned." The Coroner went on to express his deep sympathy and sorrow with MR EASTON'S family in their loss. MR EASTON was a great personal friend of his and a friend, he thought, of everybody who knew him. Of a most genial and kindly disposition, he was a general favourite, and he believed he was expressing the feelings of the whole of his fellow townsmen when he said how deeply they sympathised with the family in their bereavement. - The mortal remains of MR EASTON were laid at rest in the same grave as that of his wife in Holy Trinity Churchyard on Saturday. The first part of the service was held in St. Mary Magdalene Church, the Vicar (Rev. R. C. W. L. Lamplugh) officiating, and Mr Courtney Williams (the organist) sympathetically playing appropriate music. - The principal mourners were Mr L. J. P. Easton (son), Mr and Mrs E. R. Jewell (son-in-law and daughter, Exeter), Mr and Mrs R. J. Lemon (son-in-law and daughter), Mr and Mrs S. Channon (brother-in-law and sister), Miss P. Easton (niece), Mr and Mrs W. H. Northcott (Lynmouth), Mr J. Flew, sen., Mr J. Flew, jun., and Miss Lemon. Fellow tradesmen and other friends present were also present at the funeral. Covered with a purple pall, the coffin (of solid, polished oak, with brass mountings) bore the inscription: "JAMES EASTON, died November 8th, 1920, aged 61 years." - Choice floral tributes were sent including those bearing the following inscriptions: "With undying affection, from his loving son and daughter-in-law, Jack and Bess, "Father in Thy gracious keeping leave we now Thy servant sleeping": In ever loving memory of dear Daddy and Granpy, from Dolly, Pete, Gloria and Ivor "May his soul in Thy safe keeping rest in Peace." - In loving memory of a dear father, from Ray and Jim. "Lord all pitying, Jesu blest, grant him Thine eternal rest"; To dear Jim, never to be forgotten by his sorrowing sister Em, "Thy will be done"; To dear Granpy, from Kathleen and Joan; With deepest sympathy, from Lucy, Will and Jack Bond; With deepest sympathy from Annie; In kind remembrance and with deepest sympathy, from A. and N. Lemon; With sincere sympathy, from Mr and Mrs F. G. Smyth; With sincere sympathy, from Mr Gard and family; In kind remembrance from Mr and Mrs H. Mitchell; With deepest sympathy from Mr and Mrs A. Brackenbury; With sincere sympathy, from Lieut.-Colonel and Mrs Poynder (Bickington Lodge); With sincere sympathy from D. R. Carr (Exeter). - Messrs. Cater and Son, of Victoria-road carried out the funeral arrangements.

North Devon Journal, Thursday 25 November 1920
EAST DOWN - Eastdown Farmer's Sudden Death. - On Monday afternoon last, whilst going to Kentisbury Post Office with some letters, MR JOHN DAYMAN, aged 68, of Northcote Farm, Eastdown, died in the roadway with tragic suddenness. A well-known farmer, he was held in the highest esteem throughout the district. - At the Inquest yesterday, before Mr G. W. F. Brown, County Coroner for North Devon, MR FREDERICK W. SYMONS, son-in-law, stated that MR DAYMAN left home with the letters shortly after 4 p.m., and when he saw him in the roadway, about 4.30 he appeared quite well. A few minutes afterwards he was informed that his father-in-law had been found in the road, and running to the spot he found him lying on his face. Death occurred within a few minutes. Mr Thos. Hockridge spoke to first seeing MR DAYMAN lying on his right side in the roadway, with his stick in his hand. Deceased had evidently fallen down. He could not speak, and died shortly afterwards. - Dr N. S. Manning, of Combe Martin, who had made a post-mortem examination, said the heart was very much diseased and in his opinion death was due to sudden heart failure. - A verdict of "Death from Natural Causes" was returned.

North Devon Journal, Thursday 16 December 1920
SHEBBEAR - Suicide At Shebbear. - JOSEPH JAMES IRELAND, aged 56, who was 25 years a member of Devon Constabulary, from which he was invalided in 1918, was found by his daughter dead in bed with his throat cut at his home at Shebbear on Wednesday morning. At the Inquest, the daughter said her father had worried a lot concerning his pension, and P.S. Bromell, of Torrington, said apparently deceased came out on a smaller pension than existed now. He had made application for an increase, and there was every possibility it would have been granted him. - Dr Smith said he had been attending deceased for some time. - A verdict of "Suicide whilst Temporarily Insane" was returned.

North Devon Journal, Thursday 30 December 1920
SOUTH MOLTON - Deep sympathy is expressed with MR JOHN FORD, posting master, of East Street, in the death on Sunday of his wife, after a short illness, at the age of 56. At the inquest on Tuesday, Dr Mortimer stated that a post mortem examination disclosed a cancerous growth in the abdomen, death being due to syncope. - Lily Galliford, domestic servant, and MR FORD having also given evidence, Mr G. W. F. Brown, County Coroner for North Devon, returned a verdict in accordance with the medical evidence.

North Devon Journal, Thursday 13 January 1921
WEARE GIFFARD - SARAH ANN RUDLAND, an octogenarian spinster, of Weare Giffard, has met with her death under peculiar circumstances, for at an Inquest conducted by Mr G. W. F. Brown, county Coroner, on Saturday, it was stated that whilst bedridden she by some means fractured both bones of her right leg just above the ankle. It was surmised that she got her leg twisted, and in turning in bed it snapped, her bones being brittle. It was also mentioned that she fractured a leg some ten years ago. - Dr Wilson, of Bideford, attributed death to shock and exhaustion, following the accident, and the Coroner returned a verdict of "Accidental Death."

FRITHELSTOCK - Frithelstock Tragedy. - Mr George Brown, North Devon Coroner, opened an Inquest at Frithelstock, on Wednesday, touching the death of EUNICE MAUD HARRIS, aged 31, wife of MR W. J. HARRIS, farm labourer. The evidence showed that deceased had been ill for some days and Dr Mortimer, who was called in, found her depressed and complaining of pains in her head and stomach. Dr Mortimer examined her and thought the pains due to neuralgia of the nerves. On January 1st she seemed better, but she said she wished she were dead. The medical man remonstrated with her, telling her that she would be all right in a day or two. - Deceased's husband said on the night of December 29th deceased walked about in a demented condition, but was quieted by a neighbour, Mrs Mogford, who said deceased was very excited and threatened to throw herself out of the window or fetch her husband's razor. Mrs Mogford remained with deceased until the next morning. - BERTHA SANDERS, deceased's sister, spoke to having looked after MRS HARRIS since last Wednesday. On Monday deceased seemed brighter. Witness subsequently heard a noise upstairs and on investigation found that deceased had cut her throat. She died in a few moments. - The Coroner adjourned the case in order that a post-mortem examination might be made. - At the resumed Inquest on Thursday, Dr Mortimer said a post-mortem examination made by him revealed all the organs of the deceased quite healthy, and there were no signs of any growths, such as the deceased had feared by reason of the pains she had complained of in her stomach. He was still of opinion that these pains were due to neuralgia of the nerves of the spine. - Fredk. Osborn, farmer, gave evidence as to having been sent for on Monday evening, and to finding the deceased lying on the floor of the bedroom covered with blood, an open razor being on the bed. She was quite dead. He had known her for some considerable time, and never thought she was of weak intellect or would commit any rash act. - The Coroner, in returning a verdict of "Suicide whilst Insane," thought it was unsatisfactory that deceased's sister, BERTHA SANDERS, did not find out whether deceased had been to the cupboard where her husband's razor was kept when she was told by deceased's little boy that his mother had been downstairs in the kitchen whilst she (the sister) was outside hanging up clothes on Monday.

North Devon Journal, Thursday 20 January 1921
LYNTON - The North Devon Coroner, Mr G. W. F. Brown, conducted an Inquiry at Lynton Town Hall on Monday, concerning the death of WILLIAM GARDNER, 75 farm labourer, of the Caffyn's Cottages. Evidence was given by deceased's married daughter, MRS STILING, with whom he resided, to the effect that her father had been under the care of Dr Cummings for about two months, suffering from a septic ulcer on the left foot. On the 8th inst. witness left him sitting downstairs in front of the fire smoking his pipe and went upstairs. Shortly afterwards she heard the children calling out, and, running down, found that deceased, while apparently walking across the kitchen, had fallen, his head coming into contact with the wall and rendering him unconscious. The doctor ordered his removal to the Hospital, where he died the previous morning. Dr Cummings attributed death to the effects of the septic ulcer, combined with heart failure, the result of the fall, and a verdict was returned accordingly.

North Devon Journal, Thursday 27 January 1921
BARNSTAPLE - Barnstaple Boy's Sad Death. - THOMAS BOX, aged 15, of 11 Carlyle Avenue, Yeo Vale, Barnstaple, has died under peculiarly sad circumstances. Employed at Taw Shipyard, the lad on December 18th sustained a slight injury to one of his fingers as the result of a file dropping upon it. Two days later he went to the first-aid department at the yard, and after the injury had been treated he was advised to go to the North Devon Infirmary, where the injury was subsequently attended to. As the result the wound healed, but fits developed on Wednesday morning last, and the boy passed away in the evening. BOX was a member of the local Boy Scouts and a very bright lad, and general regret at his death is expressed by all who knew him. - At the Inquest before Mr T. A. R. Bencraft, Borough Coroner, and a Jury, of which Mr D. Moxham was Foreman, on Saturday, CHARLOTTE MATTHEWS stated that deceased was the adopted son of her husband, WILLIAM H. MATTHEWS, the boy's mother being, she believed, dead. BOX, a healthy lad, went to the Shipyard to work about six months ago and witness first knew of an injury to his finger some time before Christmas, when one evening he came home and said he had knocked it with a file whilst at work. There was a black spot on the finger and witness told him to have it attended to; and he had the finger bound up. BOX first went to the Infirmary about three weeks ago, having then a bladder on his finger. He attended the Infirmary right up to the previous Tuesday, his finger appearing raw at times. BOX worked for about a week after the accident, and had not done anything since Christmas. Witness last saw the finger about a week previously. Could not say if it was getting better; she noticed that he had a lump under his right arm. BOX was up on Tuesday, but he got so bad on Wednesday morning that she sent for Dr Thomas. The doctor came and treated him and paid another visit in the afternoon. The boy had fits on Wednesday morning, these continuing until about three o'clock in the afternoon, death occurring about a quarter to six. BOX had never previously had epileptic fits and she did not now that he suffered in the kidneys. - Harry Ball, an employee at Taw Shipyard, stated that he was the first aid officer, and kept the appliances for accidents - antiseptics, &c. On December 20th BOX came and showed him an injury to his finger, on which there was a head. Witness said it was blood poisoning and advised him to go to the Infirmary for treatment. The boy said he would not do so, adding that it would be all right in a day or two. Witness attended to the injury, which at last got to a blister and burst. When witness found that the trouble was not going on properly, he again told BOX to go to the Infirmary. Witness attended to the injury up to the Christmas holidays; did not see BOX afterwards and heard that he was at home. When the boy first came to him, he said the injury had been caused two days before, but he did not mention in what way it was caused. - John C. McKean, Engineer, deposed that he was employed by a Glasgow firm in connection with work at the Shipyard and BOX was "told off" to him as an office boy. A number of files were kept in the office and BOX'S duty as store-boy was to hand out files to the workmen and take them in again and store them. There were no handles to the files. About 18th December, the lad told him a file had fallen on his hand - witness said he thought it was the edge of the file. The files were used on all sorts of metals, and there was not much chance of verdigris. BOX did not show witness the abrasion and treated it more as a joke. Witness advised him to go to Mr Ball for treatment; he noticed that the finger began to swell after a few days. - Dr F. L. Thomas stated that on being called to the house on Wednesday morning he was told the boy had been having fits. An injury on the middle finger of the right hand was nearly healed, but witness saw that the boys face, neck and feet were swollen, and thought this was due to kidney trouble. The fits came on again in the afternoon and there was a lot of fluid from the lungs, which indicated kidney trouble. He saw BOX again about four o'clock and death took place just before six. The swelling under the arm was consistent with blood poisoning. The boy was conscious on Wednesday morning and said he had no pain. Witness could not connect the fits and kidney trouble with the injury to the hand, and he might have had these things without any injury to the finger. On the other hand the injury to the finger might have caused loss of vitality. He did not think the boy developed kidney disease by blood poisoning. Had examined the wound on the finger since death and had found no tetanus germs. In his opinion death was due to convulsions, consequent upon kidney trouble. - The Coroner, summing up, strongly emphasised the danger of allowing any wound or even a small abrasion, to remain unattended to. He pointed out that tetanus and anthrax germs were sometimes carried about by people and these were likely to get into a wound of the sort described, especially if a wound did not receive immediate attention. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Death from Natural Causes, accelerated by Blood Poisoning through the injury to the finger." - Amid every sign of sympathy and respect, the funeral took place on Sunday, the interment being made in Barnstaple Cemetery. A short and impressive service was first held in the Rackfield Mission Hall, conducted by Mr W. H. Stranger, assisted by Mr Frayne. The immediate mourners were MR and MRS MATTHEWS (father and mother), Mr and Mrs S. Gould (sister and brother-in-law), Beatie, Bessie and Fred (sisters and brother), Mr and Mrs A. Allen (grandfather and grandmother), Mr and Mrs C. Ridd (uncle and aunt), Mr A. Allen (uncle), Mr and Mrs H. Allen (uncle and aunt), Mr and Mrs E. Allen (uncle and aunt), Jack, Ivy, Bob, Alice, Fred, Ethel (cousins). - Members of the Wesleyan, Congregational and Parish Church Troops of Boy Scouts attended, and also members of the Rackfield Senior and Junior Bible Classes, and boys of the Brethren Sunday School. The bearers were Messrs. F. Ridd. A. Sanders, J. Stevens, J. Peake, F. Knill, and W. Jones. Mr J. Rice was the undertaker. There was a wealth of beautiful floral tokens, the inscriptions being as follows: - In loving memory of our dear TOM, from his broken-hearted dad and man; Bessie, Harry, Fred and Joan; With deepest sympathy, from Ethel, Sid and Babs; With deepest sympathy, from uncles and aunts, Mr and Mrs W. Lewis and Mr and Mrs A. Clark; In loving memory, from Aunt Beatie, Uncle Charlie and cousins; In loving remembrance of dear TOM from Uncle Ern, Aunt Polly, Gladys and Gwen; In loving remembrance of our dear nephew, from his Aunt Flo and Uncle Alf (South Wales); In affectionate and living remembrance, from Aunt Gertie and Doris; In fond remembrance of dear TOMMY, from Cousins Reggie and Laurie; In loving member of dear TOMMY, from neighbours and friends; From little Betty Sanders to TOMMY, with love; With deepest sympathy from his fellow-workmates; From Ivy, Beattie and Phyllis, with love; With deepest sympathy from Mr and Mrs Palfreman and Dorothy; With deepest sympathy and kindly remembrance, from Miss Young; With deepest sympathy from Mr and Mrs R. Darch; With deepest sympathy from Miss Elsie K. Cox; In loving memory of dear TOM, from Mr and Mrs Stanger and J. Ovey and the Members of the Senior Bible Class, Rackfield Mission; With deepest sympathy from Scoutmaster H. Allen and the Scouts of the 21st North Devon (Wesleyan) Troop; With deepest sympathy from Scoutmaster H. Ashton and 30th North Devon Scouts (Congregational Troop. - The deceased boy was a great favourite at Taw Shipyard and the sympathy of the employees for the bereaved family has taken practical form, a collection made during the week yielding the sum of £19.

PLYMOUTH - Appledore Skipper Drowned At Plymouth. - An Inquest was held at Plymouth on Monday on the body of A. E. FISHWICK, aged 25, late master of the Appledore Ketch "Clara May," who lost his life on December 21st, through the capsizing of a boat in the Cattewater. FISHWICK, with two other men, were proceeding up the Cattewater when deceased, leaning over the boat, caused the craft to capsize, all three being thrown into the water. The other two men were rescued, but deceased was not again seen. - MR WILLIAM FAIRFAX FISHWICK, deceased's father, told the Coroner that his son was an excellent swimmer. The father handed the reward of £10 offered to the finder of his son's body, over to a man named Tucker. The body has been conveyed to Appledore.

North Devon Journal, Thursday 17 February 1921
MERTON - Child's Death From Burns At Merton. - At Merton on Monday an Inquest was held on LESLIE THOMAS DALLING, aged 2 ¼ years, son of THOMAS DALLING, small holder of Mousehole, who died on Saturday from the effect of burns. According to the mother the child was left sitting in a chair near the kitchen fire playing with a piece of paper whilst she went for some sticks. She was not absent half a minute, but on her return the child was coming away from the hearth with its clothes in flames. She put out the fire and applied oils. She had not a proper fireguard, but improvised one with a table board when she went out, but it was not in use on this occasion. - Dr Mortimer (Torrington) said the child's face, head, neck and arm were burnt, and death was due to heart failure following septic absorption from the burns. - A verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned, and the Coroner, Mr G. W. F. Brown, pointed out to the parents that their duty was to have a fireguard, but the father said he did not know there was any law about it.

BIDEFORD - Extraordinary Fatal Accident At Bideford. - A sad and remarkable case was investigated at the Town Hall, Bideford, on Monday, when the North Devon Coroner, Mr G. W. F. Brown, and a Jury of which Mr R. E. L. Brayley was chosen Foreman, Enquired into the circumstances attending the death, on Friday last, of LEONARD WALTER BRACHER, the eleven years old son of MR CHAS. BRACHER, plumber, and his wife, of Braunton. For the past 14 months he had been living with his uncle, MR PASSMORE, upholsterer of Allhalland Street, Bideford, and his aunt. - MR BRACHER said he last saw his son in Christmas week, when he was quite well. He had always been a boy of cheerful disposition and was quite happy and contented at Bideford, which he called his home. - Dr Toye asked if he had ever had fits of any sort? - Witness replied in the negative, but mentioned that the boy was always fond of playing planks. - MRS PASSMORE, aunt, said the boy got home from school at 12.30, and went upstairs to the lavatory, his usual practice. He did not come down, and, going to see the cause, found him hanging by a strap to the lavatory door. The boy was fond of lassoing. He had had no trouble and had not been punished. - GEORGE PASSMORE, of Allhalland Street, husband of the last witness, said that when he was called by his wife he immediately went upstairs and cut the boy down and tried artificial respiration before Dr Toye came. He could not give any reason why the lad should take his life. He was happy and comfortable with them and there was o fuss or trouble whatever. The only reason he could assign was that the boy was very fond of lassoing, and frequently lassoed their cat. The day previous there was an exhibition on the Quay of a woman who was tied by ropes to the mast of a vessel and then suspended in mid-air, and from that position managed to get herself free. Witness had heard that some of deceased's fellow schoolboys had been practising that, and he did not know if that was what deceased might have been doing. The strap from which deceased was suspended was 3 ft. 6 in. in length and the handle of the door was 3 ft. 6 in. from the ground. Deceased was in a kneeling position when witness came up, but his knees were not touching the ground. Witness had used the strap as a razor strop. - Dr Toye said deceased was dead when he arrived. The cause of death was strangulation. He thought deceased got the strap around his neck and then got frightened when it tightened and had an attack of syncope, which prevented him from standing up so that the strap might be unloosened. All the organs were normal. There was no other explanation he could put on it. From the air in the lungs it was certain that good steps had been taken to endeavour to restore life by artificial respiration. - The lad's schoolmaster (Mr C. F. S. Harding) gave deceased a good character and said he was a bright, cheerful lad, whom he had commended for good work. There had been no cause at school to make him do anything. - P.C. Davis said it was between five and ten minutes past one o'clock when he reached 17 Allhalland Street. The body had been cut down and was on the lavatory floor. With Sergt. Broad he tried artificial respiration until Dr Toye arrived. There were no signs of returning life. The loop handle to door, to which the strap had been fastened by its buckle end, was three feet six inches from the floor, and the length of the strap was three feet four inches. The boy was four feet tall. - Sergt. Broad, who corroborated, said as far as he could gather from enquiries he had made, the boy probably never saw the performance on the Quay, and what he knew of it he would have heard from other boys. He was probably home at the time. The performance took the form of a woman being put in a straight jacket and chained up and she was supposed to liberate herself, a reward of £25 being offered to any person who could emulate the feat. - The Coroner reviewed the evidence at some length, and pointed out that deceased was a perfectly normal boy in mind and body, a very good boy with nothing to trouble him. Exactly how the occurrence happened he was afraid they would never know. The extraordinary part was that the strap was not tied tightly round his neck and if he felt the pressure round his throat one would have thought he could have stood up and released himself, his feet not being off the ground. As to why he did not do that the doctor had given them the possible explanation that he became frightened and was seized with a sudden attack of syncope. The boy was evidently extremely happy where he was living and had nothing to worry him either at school or at home. The Jury must consider their verdict and tell him whether they thought the evidence showed that the death was accidental or whether the lad intended to take his life. - Mr W. Beer, a Juryman and near neighbour, spoke of the kindness the deceased always received from his uncle and aunt. - The Jury at once returned a unanimous verdict that Death was due to Accidental Strangulation.

North Devon Journal, Thursday 3 March 1921
BARNSTAPLE - Georgeham Innkeepers Sad End. Suicide Whilst Temporarily Insane. - Found in his lock-up shop at Braunton with his throat cut on Saturday morning, WILLIAM THOMAS LOCK, licensee of the King's Arms Inn, Georgeham, was after treatment removed to the North Devon Infirmary at Barnstaple, where later in the day he did as the result of the injuries. Aged fifty-six, MR LOCK was the eldest son of MR WILLIAM LOCK, formerly boot merchant, of Barnstaple, for some years assistant overseer of Barnstaple. He leaves a widow and three daughters with whom in their bereavement at the sympathy of residents in a wide district will be expressed. - At the Inquest, conducted by Mr T. A. R. Bencraft, Borough Coroner, at the North Devon Infirmary, on Monday afternoon, George Carter, deceased's son-in-law, stated that the King's Arms Inn at Georgeham had been sold recently and MR LOCK was due to quit on March 25th, a fact which had troubled him a lot. His father-in-law had an old cottage let to him at Braunton, where he had been carrying out boot repairs, but he had been unable to get a house to live there, and this had also troubled him. He understand from MRS LOCK that her husband left home about 8 o'clock on Saturday morning, after having had a cup of tea. When witness last saw him on Friday evening he seemed a little low-spirited. - Fred Thorne, builder, informed the Coroner that on Saturday about 9 a.m. he was working in a cottage adjoining LOCK'S shop, when deceased came along and remarked "Good morning; I see you are busy." Witness replied, "Yes; how is it with you this morning?" to which LOCK answered "Oh, rather quiet," referring he supposed to business. About ten o'clock witness heard a noise and some shouting outside and going to the back of the cottage he saw LOCK lying on his back on the floor, with blood on his throat and on the floor, and holding a shoemaker's knife towards his neck. Witness said, "Don't do that, MR LOCK," but received no answer and took the knife from his hand. A neighbour, Mrs Stevens, tried to staunch the flow of blood with a towel and the Police and Dr Wright were sent for and were quickly on the scene. LOCK did not appear to notice anything and said nothing. The Police took charge of the case, and witness afterwards assisted LOCK into the car and into Dr Wright's surgery. - P.S. Hall spoke to finding LOCK with his throat cut and to Dr Wright treating him for the injury shortly afterwards. The doctor cleaned and inserted two stitches in the wound, LOCK being then removed to the North Devon Infirmary. LOCK, who was in a semi-conscious state, said nothing to throw any light on the matter. - The Coroner drew attention to a label, and witness said he understood LOCK called at a chemist's shop to buy some poison in the morning. - After a short chat with the Infirmary House Surgeon, however, Mr Bencraft said he did not think they need trouble about this, because there were no symptoms of oxalic poisoning. - Mr Carter, recalled by Mr Bencraft, said some years ago one of MR LOCK'S sisters went wrong mentally and was removed to a lunatic asylum. - Dr Robert Mackey, House Surgeon at the Infirmary, stated that on arrival at the Infirmary about 11 a.m. on Saturday, LOCK was in a comatose condition and pulseless, whilst his breathing was laboured. LOCK had five cuts in his throat, one (about 2 ½ or 3 inches long and half an inch deep)having severed the jugular vein. there were two stitches in the wound. As the result of a stimulant and oxygen given, LOCK rallied a little, but died at 1.20. A post mortem examination disclosed fatty degeneration of the heart, with chronic inflammation and the cause of death, following haemorrhage and shock, was heart failure, the result of the wound in the neck. There was no evidence of corrosive poisoning in the stomach, or anything to lead him to suppose that LOCK had taken poison of any kind. - The Coroner, summing up, said it was a very distressing case. He had known MR LOCK from a boy upwards and his father before him and his deep sympathy went out to the widow and family in their terrible trial. It seemed perfectly plain that the wound was self-inflicted and that his state of mind at the time amounted to temporary insanity. The verdict was therefore that of Suicide whilst Temporarily Insane.

North Devon Journal, Thursday 17 March 1921
RUMNEY, WALES - P.C. WILLIAM HENRY SHAPLAND, aged 36 years, of the Monmouthshire County Constabulary, who was the victim of a motor tragedy at Rumney on February 28th, was a native of Tawstock. The Constable was on duty when he was knocked down by a motor car, receiving injuries which proved fatal. At the Inquest a verdict of Manslaughter was returned against the driver of the car. There were impressive scenes at the funeral of P.C. SHAPLAND, who was very popular in the district. The mourners included MRS SHAPLAND, (widow), Mr J. Courtney Shapland (brother), Miss Agnes Shapland (sister), ex-Councillor James, Newport (father-in-law), Mr and Mrs E. Baker (brother and sister-in-law), Mr and Mrs W. James (brother and sister-in-law), Mr Higgins, Abergavenny (friend).

North Devon Journal, Thursday 7 April 1921
ILFRACOMBE - Tragedy At Ilfracombe. - A distressing tragedy was investigated at Ilfracombe on Tuesday, when Mr G. W. F. Brown, North Devon Coroner, held an Inquest on MISS JANE GWENDOLINE CARDELL, aged 24, (youngest daughter of MRS CARDELL, 92 St Brannock's Road, Ilfracombe, who was found hanging by a strap from a hook in the kitchen on Monday evening. - MRS CARDELL said deceased, who had always lived at home, was to have been married about the 20th of the present month to Frank Bernard Jones, at present living at Oxford. They had been engaged since October last. Deceased had looked forward to the wedding at times with pleasure, but at other times not so, occasionally thinking she would like to postpone it. She had been unwell since February - unlike herself, hysterical at times and also sometimes depressed. On Monday, after a poor night, she seemed fairly cheerful and went out shopping in the morning. At 4.40 witness and her married daughter went out, the deceased, who first said she would go with them, declining to accompany them. They returned shortly before seven, when her daughter found the deceased hanging in the kitchen. Help was at once obtained. Deceased had never threatened to take her life, but was sometimes despondent. On the previous day she received a letter from Mr Jones, agreeing to the postponement of the wedding until she was better. Deceased had no trouble she knew of and she could in no way account for the act. - Mrs Violet Dorothy Rudder, sister of the deceased, stated that her sister's attitude to the marriage varied; so far as witness knew, she did not want to break it off. The marriage was a desirable one. As Dr Langridge advised a change, deceased had decided to go to her (witness) and they were to have left Ilfracombe on April 8th. When she and her mother left the house on Monday afternoon, her sister was quite normal and witness had no suspicion of anything about to happen. On finding her sister in the kitchen she fetched assistance. - Mr W. D. Finch, retired Inspector of the Metropolitan Police, who lives in the adjoining house, said when called he at once went to MRS CARDELL'S house. He found deceased hanging by a strap fastened to a hook in the ceiling. A chair had apparently been kicked away by the deceased. Life was extinct when he took the body down. - Dr Langridge said he had attended deceased for general indigestion and dyspepsia. She was suffering from sleeplessness. She had been depressed and in consultation with Dr Soltau, a change was advised. Deceased had said she did not think her health good enough to be married, but said she did not want it broken off. There was nothing he knew of to cause the act. He had never any suspicion of suicidal tendencies. - Dr Soltau gave corroborative evidence and Mrs Hammett, who was working at the house on Monday, said when she left at 20 minutes to five deceased was quite normal in her manner and cheerful. - The Coroner returned a verdict of "Suicide while of Unsound Mind." - The deceased young lady was of very prepossessing appearance and was well known in the town. She had been one of the staff of nurses in the V.A.D. Hospital during the War.

North Devon Journal, Thursday 14 April 1921
BIDEFORD - Bideford Chauffeur's Fatal Bicycle Accident. - An Inquest was held by the North Devon Coroner, Mr G. W. F. Brown at Bideford Hospital on Monday evening on SAMUEL WILLIAMS, 54, chauffeur, employed at Cornborough House, Abbotsham, near Bideford. The evidence adduced showed that deceased was found lying in the road near his bicycle at North Down Road, Bideford, on Saturday evening just after 6 o'clock by Percy Pound, a carter, who went to a house near by and telephoned for medical aid. Dr Pearson arrived in his car and seeing deceased was in a critical condition took him to the Bideford Hospital in his own car. There he was found to be suffering from a fractured base of the skull and he died on Sunday night. The bicycle front brake was jammed and the forks bent and it was supposed that deceased in going down the hill put on the brake too quickly and got thrown over the handle-bars. He had been shopping at Bideford. A verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned, and sympathy expressed with the widow and three children.

ILFRACOMBE - Ilfracombe Lad's Death From Lockjaw. - "Accidental Death following a cut on the heel" was the verdict at an Inquest held at Ilfracombe by the North Devon Coroner, Mr G. W. F. Brown, on WILLIAM HENRY LERWILL, 13, son of a labourer, living at 3 Bevedere Flats, Ilfracombe. - The evidence showed that on Sunday, the 3rd inst., MRS LERWILL noticed that her son was lame, and questioned him as to the cause. The lad replied that he had "knocked" his heel, but did not say how or when it was done. The next day he was unable to do his milk round and on examination the mother found a small wound on the right heel, which she dressed with lint and boracic powder. The wound appeared to be going on all right until Friday afternoon last, when the lad complained of headache and about 3 o'clock the next morning he became very ill, suffering from spasms. Dr Stevenson was called in about 6 o'clock on Saturday morning and attended the boy, who passed away the same day. The doctor's evidence was to the effect that death was due to Tetanus.

North Devon Journal, Thursday 21 April 1921
BARNSTAPLE - Barnstaple Cabman's Tragic End. "Death From Misadventure." A Sensational Sequel. - JOHN LEWIS, cabman, of Gaydon Street, Barnstaple, was (as reported in our last issue) admitted to the North Devon Infirmary in the early morning of April 13th suffering from grave injuries, the result of a fall; and without regaining consciousness, the unfortunate man passed away at the Institution on Sunday last. It transpired that the fall was the culminating point of a quarrel which the deceased had with George Henry Tucker, blacksmith of Tuly Street, who appeared at the Inquest on Monday afternoon with a bandage over his left eye, and with his right eye blackened and his face discoloured. The Inquest was held before Mr T. A. R. Bencraft, the Borough Coroner, and a Jury comprising Messrs. D. Moxham (chosen Foreman), E. E. Thorne, W. E. Dart, J. Baker, F. Gratton, J. Broom, Sydney Harper, T. J. Clarke, and T. Skinner. The Chief Constable (Mr R. S. Eddy) was present, whilst Mr R. E. C. Balsdon watched the interests of Tucker. - At the outset the Coroner remarked that they had met for a sad purpose - to Inquire into the death of MR JOHN LEWIS, who was a cabman, having previously been, as they all knew, a barber at Pilton and elsewhere in the town. On the previous Tuesday night LEWIS had an unfortunate altercation with another man, and as the result of something that was done, he fell outside Mr W. L. Ashton's shop in High Street, striking, as the result, the back of his head upon the kerb-stone. First aid was given by the Police, and after LEWIS was taken to the Police Station, he appeared to revive sufficiently to permit of his being taken to his home. The Police, however, gave instructions that if he did not revive quickly a doctor was to be sent for and on Dr Manning being summoned, he was of opinion that the case was a serious one, and called in Dr Harper. Both doctors were of opinion that the best course would be to send LEWIS to the North Devon Infirmary and this course was adopted. Everything possible was done for LEWIS at the Institution, but in spite of this he never properly regained consciousness and passed away on Sunday. It would be for the Jury to say whether the occurrence was an accident, i.e., misadventure, or whether anyone was to blame in the matter. And if they were of the latter opinion they must not hesitate to say so. - JOHN ISHMAEL LEWIS, insurance agent, stated that his father, (the deceased) had been employed as a cabman by Mr Squire, of Bear Street, and was 57 years of age. He spoke to being summoned to the Police Station to his father the previous Tuesday night about eleven o'clock and to removing him home with the assistance of the Police. Dr Manning (first called in) and Dr Harper both advised removal to the North Devon Infirmary. His father did not open his eyes the whole time witness saw him and died at the Institution about 11.40 on Sunday morning. Witness considered all the attention possible was given his father at the Infirmary. - Dr Herbert Owen Mackey, House Surgeon at the Infirmary, spoke to LEWIS being admitted about 3 a.m. on April 13th, unconscious and with symptoms of concussion and compression of the brain. He was suffering from a scalp wound on his head and from shock and did not recover consciousness, passing away in spite of treatment, the previous morning. It was a bad case and a post mortem examination showed that the cause of death was a fracture of the base of the skull and haemorrhage into the brain on the right side. - The Coroner: If that wound was the result of falling on the edge of the kerb-stone backwards, would that be what caused his death? - It would cause his death. - Did you find any evidence of any blows that would have caused his death on the front of his head? - No. The injuries could not have been caused by direct violence. - In your opinion his death was caused by falling on the kerb-stone? - Yes. The post mortem examination showed the injuries to be such that nothing could have been done to save his life. - A Juror: Deceased was a healthy man, and not likely to fall down from apoplexy or anything of the sort? - No. - An important witness was George W. T. Bansor, the local Secretary of the Y.M.C.A. About 10.25 p.m. the previous Tuesday he was, he said, standing just outside the Y.M.C.A. premises in High Street, when about 22 yards from him down Gammon's Lane opposite, he heard LEWIS and Tucker (he did not find out their names until afterwards) engaged in a heated discussion. From their speech he should judge both of them to have been about half drunk. Witness first heard LEWIS say to Tucker "You have insulted me this evening. I am a gentleman who allows no one to insult me and who insults nobody. You said you could fight ....LEWIS, and I say you are a liar, a ----liar." Tucker replied that he had not insulted LEWIS and had not said he could fight LEWIS. LEWIS then said to Tucker that the reason he (LEWIS) did not hit him just previously was because he saw him taking his false teeth out; and with that he struck Tucker on the face or chest, a pretty heavy blow, he should think. tucker staggered back against the wall and said "Don't you use me so ---- badly. I have not done anything to you." LEWIS answered, "I don't want to use you badly, but you insulted me this evening, and I am a gentleman." LEWIS then appeared to be taking his tie off, and said he was not doing this because he wanted to fight Tucker, but because his tie was cutting his neck and he followed this up with "Now, do you want me to see you home like a gentleman." Tucker said he could walk home alone and both men then started walking towards High Street. When they got to the corner near Mr Ashton's shop they turned to one another and LEWIS said to Tucker, "Well, good-night, my dear. I will see you in the morning at ten. We will go to the races together." Turning on his heel, LEWIS then walked away towards Joy Street, Tucker proceeding in the opposite direction. LEWIS had gone about three or four paces when he shouted, "Don't you follow me, you ---- or I will lay you out." Tucker, when he heard that remark, halted and turned, the two men again meeting outside Mr Ashton's shop, about two yards from the kerb-stone. "I am not following you (said Tucker). I am not going with you to the races tomorrow and I will take ----- good care you don't go either," and with this remark he "let out" and hit LEWIS, who had his hands by his side and was obviously not expecting the blow. Tucker struck LEWIS on the point of the jaw and LEWIS went down, with his head on the pavement. Witness could see that LEWIS was badly hurt and he cycled for the Police, finding on his return LEWIS lying on the steps of the Y.M.C.A. premises. The man was afterwards removed on a stretcher. The electric lamp just opposite in High Street was not lit at the time: the men were about eight yards away from hm. A white house in Gammon's Lane showed up the figures of the men when they were there, prior to moving into High Street. - The Foreman: You say you only saw two blows struck - one by LEWIS and one by Tucker. How could Tucker have such a damaged face - was that done beforehand? - It might have been. - Mr Balsdon: Did you see Tucker on the ground at all? - No; I did not. - You saw the condition he was in when LEWIS was knocked down? - No, I did not see him in the light. - When they met outside Ashton's the second time, did you hear Tucker tell LEWIS to put his hands up? - Not until the blow was struck. He said "Now get up, you -----, and you can have some more." - Tucker is pretty badly marked and probably something occurred in Gammon's Lane before you heard them? - Witness agreed. - Which of them outside Mr Ashton's said he was not going to the races? - Tucker. - You feel quite certain which man said, "Good night, dear; I will see you in the morning at ten?" - I am quite certain it was LEWIS. - The Coroner: Could you see any reason why LEWIS turned round and said to Tucker "You are following me?" - I could see no reason whatsoever. - Did he say it in a sort of provocative way? - I should describe it as in a bullying tone. - As if he turned round to have a row? - During the whole conversation, from first to last, LEWIS was asking for trouble. He spoke in a bullying manner. I am not for one man or the other. I did not know either of them. - The Coroner: We want the whole of the facts. You could not see any reason why LEWIS should turn round and say to Tucker "You are following me?" - No. - The Coroner thought it pretty obvious what was meant. - By Jurors: When the men first parted, LEWIS said "Good night," and they seemed quite friendly. Then LEWIS turned round again and as soon as he called out Tucker stopped. - Robert E. Denny, 45 High Street, opposite Gammon's Lane, stated that he heard noises between ten and half-past on the night named, and came to his front door. Tucker and LEWIS were ten to fifteen yards up Gammon's Lane shaking hands and seemed very good friends. They then walked towards High Street and after a conversation witness did not take particular notice of, they parted, going in opposite directions. Then LEWIS, after going two or three paces, turned round and said "Don't you follow me," in a very aggressive tone. Tucker was not following him, but LEWIS repeated the remark, Tucker then replying, "I am not following you; I am going in the opposite direction. You are going that way and I am going this." The men came close together and then LEWIS, gesticulating with his hand, said "I have never insulted anybody in my life. I have never been insulted by anybody, but you insulted me tonight." Thereupon Tucker struck him. - The Coroner: Might Tucker have taken the gesticulation by LEWIS as a preliminary to hitting him? - It is more than probable. - As a matter of fact Tucker did hit LEWIS? - Yes. I should imagine on the point of the jaw. - and MR LEWIS fell? - Yes. - Could you say how he fell? - I cannot tell. - He fell backwards towards Mr Ashton's shop? - Exactly. - Witness added that he went indoors to get a candle, and when he returned he found that four or five men had already picked LEWIS up, and carried him outside the Y.M.C.A. premises. - Asked by Mr Skinner if in his opinion Tucker hit LEWIS unawares, witness replied "Yes," but in answer to the Coroner replied "It is very hard to say." - You told us LEWIS was gesticulating with his hands? - Yes, and Tucker might have taken that as a preliminary to being hit again, which he probably did not desire. - Did you notice anything of the men's condition? - They were apparently under the influence of drink. That was my impression. - Mr Balsdon reminded witness that Mr Bausor had stated that LEWIS had said to Tucker, "You ----: I will lay you out?" - Witness replied that he could not remember hearing this. - Mr Bausor here remarked that as soon as LEWIS fell he saw the matter was really serious and promptly made notes of what had occurred. - P.C. Manley spoke to being summoned by Mr Bausor to the scene at 10.40 p.m., and to finding LEWIS lying on the steps outside the Y.M.C.A. premises, with five or six men near by. Witness struck a match and finding that LEWIS appeared to be unconscious, went for the ambulance on which, with the assistance of Mr Tucker, Mr W. L. Ashton and Mr Bausor, he removed him to the Police Station. P.S. Smith rendered first aid and LEWIS appeared to get a lot better and talked to the Sergeant. Later P.C. Squire was sent to LEWIS'S home for the son to remove him: at this time LEWIS had so much improved that witness thought he was well enough to walk home. Afterwards, however, it was decided to remove him on the ambulance and P.C. Squires and LEWIS'S son took him home. On witness's advice, MR LEWIS'S son went for medical aid and after LEWIS had been examined by Drs. Manning and Harper, he was, at 2.30 a.m. removed to the North Devon Infirmary, witness having the assistance of P.C. Hill. Witness understood that the doctors considered LEWIS was suffering from concussion and during the night he noticed a pool of blood on the footpath outside Mr Ashton's shop. When witness found LEWIS outside the Y.M.C.A. premises, he noticed that his hair and the back of his head were covered with blood. Did not notice any bruises on LEWIS'S face. - The Coroner: It is pretty evident that the injury to the back of the head was caused by the fall? - When he struck the kerb-stone, I should consider. I took a statement from Mr Tucker at the Police Station. - The Coroner: I do not think we can go into that now. - Mr Balsdon, to witness: Tucker was there and did not run away? - Oh, no, he assisted LEWIS to the Police Station and then volunteered a statement as to how it happened. Tucker appeared to be perfectly sober at that time. - The Coroner said he did not think that they ought to have that statement now. - Mr Balsdon: You have practically had it in the evidence. - P.C. Manley added that Tucker showed him a wound over the left eye, about an inch long and a quarter of an inch deep. His right eye was blackened and he said that LEWIS did it when he struck him first. - In answer to the Chief Constable, P.C. Manning stated that when LEWIS was leaving the Police Station, he said "I want to go home," and he then appeared to be much better. Whilst P.S. Smith was rendering first aid, LEWIS said: "The water is going down my back; I do not like it." - By a Juror: LEWIS did not say anything about the occurrence in High Street. - P.S. Smith stated that he bathed with cold water the wound at the back of LEWIS'S head, left side. - The Coroner: Was it a wound such as might have been caused by falling on the edge of the kerb? - Yes. Some of the water he was using ran down LEWIS'S neck and deceased said, "Not too much of that down my neck; be a gentleman." Witness continued the bathing a little longer and when he left LEWIS in charge f the last witness, he considered that in a very short time he would be able to walk home. Witness then went out on duty, to find when he came back that LEWIS had gone. - By the Foreman: LEWIS did not say anything about the occurrence in High Street. - In answer to the Coroner, P.C. Manley said he knew LEWIS perfectly well and he was a very nice man out of drink. When he had had a little drink, like a good many also, he was quarrelsome. - A Juror: In your opinion, had he been drinking that night? - He tried to be sick while at the Police Station and smelt of spirit. - The Coroner: Was he of a hasty temper? - The Chief Constable: During the time you were rendering first aid to LEWIS what was he sitting on? - A chair; and he was able to sit up without any assistance. - The Coroner, calling Tucker before him, said it was his duty to tell him that he need not give evidence unless he liked, because he might say something on which a criminal charge might be founded. As he was represented by a competent legal gentleman, he would ask him to advise Tucker in the matter. - Mr Balsdon said that if the Court thought that Mr Tucker's evidence was necessary to further clear up the cause of death, he could certainly give evidence. - George Henry Tucker then stated that he was a blacksmith residing at 10 Tuly Street. At present he was doing nothing; he was waiting to go to a Sanatorium, being under full treatment for pulmonary tuberculosis. On the previous Tuesday evening he (Tucker) went to the Clarence Hotel, High Street. He was not in LEWIS'S company until about twenty minutes to ten, when LEWIS entered the premises. He (Tucker) asked LEWIS what he would have to drink, LEWIS replying whisky , which he then put into a pint of beer and drank. On leaving, witness went out at the front door, while LEWIS left by the side door and walked up High Street. LEWIS heard him wish Mr Collins, the landlord, goodnight, and then said, "Half a minute, George, I am going up the street with you." They proceeded as far as Gammon's Lane and were discussing the point to point races to which they were going on the following day. He (Tucker) wished LEWIS goodnight two or three times, but could not get away from him, as LEWIS would talk about something else. At last witness said, "Good-night; do not forget the morning," at the same time standing with both hands in his pockets and his pipe in his mouth, when LEWIS turned round and said, "You b----, you have insulted me," and then struck him in the eye with his right hand, knocking him down. Whilst he (Tucker) was on the ground, LEWIS kicked him on the leg and when he (Tucker) got up again, he found that he had a cut over his left eye. He asked LEWIS what sort of a man he called himself, and LEWIS then wanted to see him home because he saw that he was bleeding. He would not allow him to do so, because he feared there would be more disturbance outside his lodgings, and when they got to the corner of Gammon's Lane, he told LEWIS he was going round North Walk to go home. LEWIS turned the other way, but then shouted to him to come back. When he turned back, he said, "Jack, I cannot go to the races with you tomorrow." LEWIS appeared to be upset at this and started gesticulating. He (Tucker) expected more of what he had had before LEWIS put up his hands and he (Tucker) having remarked, "If you call yourself a man, put them up," caught LEWIS on the jaw with his left and LEWIS fell. Up to that evening LEWIS and himself had been good friends; he had never had an angry word with deceased. He had been several places in the country with LEWIS. He was never more surprised after wishing LEWIS good-night than when LEWIS struck him down. Witnesses who had been called were not present at the start of the trouble; the quarrelling they saw was after "I had had this (pointing to his face) in Gammon's Lane." When he (Tucker) struck LEWIS in High Street, he fell on the side of his head, catching the kerb. - Mr Balsdon: After that, although you were bleeding badly, did you help and did you also go to the Police Station and make a statement, and then to Dr Manning? - Yes; the Police could see what he (Tucker) was like; but he assisted LEWIS on the stretcher and stayed at the Police Station for an hour before he went to see about his own injuries. After seeing Dr Manning, he returned to the Police Station. - The Coroner: Had you any intention to kill LEWIS or badly injure him? - No intention whatever; I had never had an angry word with the man. I was expecting another blow from him and was only acting in self-defence. - You had no intention to knock his head on the pavement or of killing him? - None whatever. The only thing was that I had been knocked about before and I thought it was a case of having some more, and so was looking after myself. - The Coroner: Exactly. - The Foreman reminded Tucker that one witness had said that when LEWIS struck him in Gammon's Lane, he did not fall? - That cannot be right. When he struck me I had both hands in my pockets and I went down. He struck me once in Gammon's Lane, knocked me down and kicked me and that is how I got these injuries. LEWIS did not strike me a second time, but he was gesticulating and to prevent being struck, I hit back. - MR LEWIS, deceased's son, pointed out that evidence had been given to the effect that when his father hit Tucker, they were fifteen to twenty yards down Gammon's Lane. - Tucker dissented from this view, and said that later he found his pipe near Mrs Ashton's window, not five paces down the lane. - You got up and said, "Jack, call yourself a man," and laid him right out? - No, I told you that after I got what I did we were talking, and then came up to the top of the lane. - You said no such thing? - I did. - You know you said, "Jack, you will not go to the races tomorrow?" - I did not say any such thing. - Mr Dart: Mr Bausor stated that you said so? - I merely said, "Jack I am not going to the races with a face like this." I said nothing about stopping him going. My face was bleeding a lot and I did not think I should be able to go. After knocking me about, LEWIS said he was a better man than me. I said, "If you are, put your hands up." He was gesticulating and I feared I was going to get another one. - Mr Skinner: You did not hit him unawares? - I did not. - MR LEWIS: Do you also remember Mr Collins asking you not to go up the street, as he feared trouble? - Yes, and I went out at one door when your father asked me to stop. - Further asked by MR LEWIS why he stopped, Tucker repeated that deceased and himself had never had an angry word. - Do you remember having an argument with my brother-in-law about the issuing of some military medals? - That was a fortnight before. We have met several times since. - The Coroner: Was there any quarrel with deceased before you left the Clarence? - No. - In answer to a Juror, Tucker said he was not with LEWIS five minutes at the Clarence, and they did not have any wrangle there. - The Chief Constable here remarked that it did not seem quite clear as to the number of times Tucker was struck by LEWIS. Both Mr Denny and Mr Bausor said they saw a blow struck by LEWIS in Gammon's Lane, but they did not see Tucker fall. Was it correct that Tucker came by the injury over the eye when he was struck in Gammon's Lane? - Yes. He struck me up there and we then went some distance down the lane. I was struck before Mr Bausor appeared on the scene. - The Chief Constable: Then you must have been struck twice, because Mr Bausor saw LEWIS strike you once? - Well, I cannot exactly recollect where I got hit. - Then you ought to remember what happened. - Not after getting knocked down and kicked about. - The Coroner, addressing the Jury, said he thought they had the matter pretty plainly before them, and it was for them to consider whether this was a case of misadventure or manslaughter. They could weigh the evidence for themselves. He thought they all knew MR LEWIS pretty well, and that he need say no more about that. As Tucker had been struck in a very hard way without adequate protection and without a chance of defending himself, he thought it very likely that Tucker expected another blow and defended himself by giving a blow, which would of course be the natural thing to do if he expected such a blow. It was for the Jury entirely to consider whether they thought Mr Tucker was to blame in the matter, or whether it was a case of misadventure. He asked the Jury to retire and consider their verdict, and if they wanted any assistance, to please let him know. "But," he added, "I want it to be your verdict and your verdict only." - After a few minutes absence, the Foreman said the whole of the Jury were quite agreed that it was a case of Death from Misadventure; and the Coroner said he would so record their verdict. - After the Inquest Tucker was arrested by the Police on a warrant charging him with Manslaughter being later released on bail. Tucker will appear before the Borough Magistrates today (Thursday).

North Devon Journal, Thursday 28 April 1921
BARNSTAPLE - Fatal Gun Accident At Braunton. Inquest At Barnstaple. - A painful sensation was caused at Braunton on Thursday by the report that RICHARD HENRY NORTHEY, gardener to Capt. W. B. Incledon-Webber, of Buckland House, had received serious injuries as the result of a gun accident, and general sorrow was expressed when it became known that the injured man had passed away at the North Devon Infirmary on Saturday morning. The deceased was held in high esteem at Braunton, where heartfelt sympathy with the bereaved family is expressed. - The Inquest was held at the North Devon Infirmary on Monday afternoon before Mr T. A. R. Bencraft, Borough Coroner and a Jury of which Mr George Chapple was chosen Foreman. - The first witness to be called was HENRY GEORGE NORTHEY, schoolmaster, Yorkshire, who identified the body as that of his father, who, he stated, was 53 years of age and who had been a gardener in the employ of Capt. W. B. Incledon-Webber at Buckland House, Braunton. Witness last saw his father alive about 15 months ago. - Thomas Richards, the next witness stated that he was an indoor servant at Buckland House. On Thursday, about 3.45 p.m. he took a miniature rifle from the gun case in Captain Webber's study, and went on to the lawn in front of the house, where, in company with the deceased gardener and an under-gardener, named Clarke, a target was fixed up on a bank, the idea being to engage in a little rifle practice. Mr Webber was away, but he (witness) had previously been given permission to use the rifle for rook shooting, although he had not used it for target practice before. After fixing the target, witness had about five shots at it, and then NORTHEY took shots, and afterwards examining the target (presumably to see where his shots had gone) and walking to the right of the target. NORTHEY stooped to pick up a rake, at the same time remarking to the young man Clarke, "Just have that shot and we will start work again." The deceased was then about 9 yards, and Clarke about 20 yards from the target. Clarke stooped and picked up the rifle, which he had previously loaded, swung round in a hurry and the gun went off. It was all done in a moment, and witness was unable to say whether Clarke had his finger on the trigger, as he was not looking in that direction, but at NORTHEY, who he saw suddenly gasp and reel. He (Richards) ran to the injured man's assistance, examined the wound and carried him to his (witness's) bedroom. The bullet was of .22 calibre and the trigger of the rifle was very easy to pull. - Having examined the rifle, Major Halford Thompson, County Deputy Chief Constable, who was watching the proceedings, remarked that it was a very light trigger - almost a "hair" trigger in fact. - Witness, in answer to the Foreman of the Jury, said he had not used the rifle for target practice before. Witness added that there had been no dispute and they had never had an angry word. - Roy Wilfred Clarke, under-gardener at Buckland House, corroborated the evidence of the last witness, and stated that NORTHEY, after looking at the target, had walked away to the right. Witness after having taken one shot, loaded the rifle again and put it down, intending to resume a prone position. NORTHEY made the remark about witness taking that shot and then doing some more work, and he picked up the rifle again, and it went off before he (witness) knew where he was. It was quite likely that he had his finger on the trigger, but he had no intention of firing at that moment and hardly realised the rifle had gone off. There was nothing on the ground that would have caused it to go off. - P.S. W. G. Hall, stationed at Braunton, also gave evidence, and stated that NORTHEY was very short breathed after the accident. He made no statement. - Dr Mackey, House Surgeon at the North Devon Infirmary, said the wound was on the left side and below the last rib. NORTHEY was suffering from peritonitis when admitted and to this he succumbed on Saturday morning. - The Foreman: Did you think the case was hopeless from the first/ - Dr Mackey: From what we found after the post-mortem examination, we think we could have done nothing for him even if he had been operated on before. Before he died, NORTHEY made a statement to him (the doctor) to the effect that it was a pure accident. - The Coroner thought the Jury would have no difficulty in coming to the conclusion that the fatality was a pure accident - and a very distressing one. It seemed to him that the trouble arose through the delicate poise of the trigger of the gun, and to this he attributed the accident. However, he would like to emphasise the danger of young people playing about with firearms, but he did not think there was anyone to blame in this case. - Major Halford Thompson also gave a warning relative to the incompetent use of firearms. - The Jury, after retiring for a few minutes, announced through their Foreman, that they were unanimously of opinion that it was a pure accident and that no one was to blame in the matter. They added an expression of sympathy with the bereaved family, sentiments which were endorsed by Capt. W. B. Incledon-Webber (who is the prospective Unionist candidate for the Barnstaple Division) and the Coroner. - The funeral took place yesterday afternoon and was of a deeply impressive character throughout. The service was conducted by the Vicar, Rev. J. H. Prince, the Rev. F. S. Marle being at the organ. The choir, to which deceased had belonged for about thirty years, was present in full force and included several old members. As the cortege entered the church, the organist played "O Rest in the Lord." This was followed by the hymn, "Jesus Lives!" and later on by the chanting of the 90th Psalm, "Lord, Thou has been our refuge." As the clergy and choir filed out to the graveside, "Nunc Dimittis" was sung and a very affecting service closed by the singing of "On the resurrection morning," followed by the Benediction. The principal mourners were MRS NORTHEY (widow), Messrs. Harry, Ernest, Leonard, Arthur, and Cyril Northey )sons, Mr and Mrs Colwill (daughter and son-in-law), Gwennie Northey (daughter), F. Northey (brother), Mr R. Lamprey, Mr and Mrs Clarke, Roy Clarke. - A steady, reliable and hard-working man, the deceased was held in high esteem by all, as was evidenced by the large attendance of the general public in the church and at the graveside. Among them were Mr and Mrs W. B. Incledon-Webber, Rev. J. Morley Davies, Capt. Le Gassick, Mrs Groser, Mrs Tucker, Messrs. Frankpitt, Newcombe, J. L. Reed, W. Reed, Gulley, Bale, Staddon, Symons, Mrs Robbins, Mrs Snow, Miss Robbins. - The coffin was carried in relays and wreaths and other floral tributes were very beautiful. At the close of the service a muffled peal was run on the church bells, the deceased having been a ringer for many years.

North Devon Journal, Thursday 12 May 1921
HARTLAND - A painful sensation was causes at Hartland during the latter end of last week by the death under tragic circumstances of MISS MARY ANN PROUSE, aged 60 years, one of the district's most highly esteemed and respected inhabitants, who was found lying on the floor in her bedroom in a pool of blood with an open razor by her side. MISS PROUSE was conscious when discovered, but later died owing to loss of blood. - Mr G. W. F. Brown, County Coroner, held an Inquest at deceased's residence, Yagland Farm, Hartland, on Friday. - The first witness was deceased's brother, MR J. PROUSE, who stated that his sister had been unwell for a week or so and had been attended by Dr Betts, of Bradworthy. His sister seemed as usual on the night of the 2nd inst., but the next morning he was summoned in haste to her room by his niece and there he found his sister on the floor in a pool of blood, an open razor lying by her side. She had attempted to cut her throat. He (witness) secured help and his sister, who was not dead, was got back to bed and Dr Betts was sent for. - In answer to the Coroner, witness said they did not tie up the wounds, but waited until the doctor arrived later in the morning. - Gwendoline Heard stated that she had been staying with her aunt for a day or so whilst she was unwell. Witness went to her aunt's room about 7 a.m. on the 3rd instant, and found her on the floor. Her aunt was quite conscious and witness asked her why she had tried to take her life. MISS PROUSE replied that she had had pains in her head. Witness then called her uncle, and deceased was put back to bed. Witness did not stay with her aunt all the time until the doctor arrived, but looked into her room occasionally. Later in the day she passed away. - Dr Betts, of Bradworthy, stated that the wound in deceased's throat was about two inches across and there was also a cut on the left wrist. The wounds were not serious, and he bound them up and deceased should have gone on all right. The next day he was informed that MISS PROUSE had died the previous night. In his opinion death was due to shock and loss of blood. - The Coroner, in summing up, commented on the brother not informing the Police of the occurrence earlier in the day and also again in not informing them until Wednesday afternoon of the death of MISS PROUSE. The object, said the Coroner, in giving information to the Police immediately in case of attempted suicide, was with a view to the person being properly looked after and thus prevented from making further attempt. The Coroner returned a verdict of "Suicide."

BISHOPS TAWTON - Sudden Death Of MRS J. WHITE, At Bishopstawton. - Residents at Bishopstawton learnt with deep regret of the sudden death of MRS ELIZA WHITE, wife of MR JOHN WHITE, of the Law Almshouses, Bishopstawton, who passed away on Thursday. - The North Devon Coroner, Mr G. W. F. Brown, held an Enquiry into the cause of death on Friday, when MR JOHN WHITE, husband, stated that on the previous day his wife was busy spring cleaning the house. In the afternoon she went into the garden and came in about 4.30. As she was engaged with her housework he (witness) prepared tea and called his wife three times, receiving no answer. He went into the passage, where he could see into the adjoining room, and there he saw MRS WHITE lying on the floor with her head against the fender. Miss Cottey came in response to his cries for help, but his wife passed away within five minutes. - Dr Deprez, of Barnstaple, stated that as the result of a post-mortem examination, he found a clot of blood on the brain, and the cause of death in his opinion was cerebral haemorrhage. - The Coroner returned a verdict accordingly. - The deceased lady was much beloved in the district for her kindly manner and the deepest sympathy is extended to the bereaved husband. The funeral took place on Tuesday afternoon, the interment being made in Bishopstawton Churchyard, the Vicar (Rev. P. L. Nicholas) officiating. The coffin was borne from the house to its last resting place by Messrs. G. Pugsley, Evan Bowen, and R. Taylor. The immediate mourners were MR JOHN WHITE (husband), Miss E. Dowdle (sister), Mr and Mrs C. Harris (sister and brother-in-law), Messrs. Wm. and A. Dowdle (nephews), A Squires (cousin), Miss White (niece), Miss Anna Davey (friend). There was a large number of sympathisers present, including Miss Davie, Miss Robins, Mrs Thomas, Mrs Waldron, Mrs Skinner, Mrs J. Webber, Mrs H. Morrish, Mrs Chapman, Mrs Hines, Miss Delve, Miss Holland, Mrs Hill, Messrs. Scoynes, Hookway, Manley and Squire. It was intended there should be no wreaths, but several beautiful floral tokens were placed on the grave.

North Devon Journal, Thursday 19 May 1921
WESTLEIGH (near Bideford) - At Eastleigh on Wednesday, the North Devon Coroner, Mr G. W. F. Brown, held an Inquest on THOMAS JAMES, the six months old child of CHARLES and ELSIE COLWILL, who died after a short illness the previous day. The mother said the child, which had not been very well, though apparently only suffering from ordinary infantile ailments, seemed to get worse on Tuesday, and she sent to Bideford for Dr Pearson, who, however, was at Hartland at the time and the child died before his arrival. - Dr Pearson, giving the result of a post mortem examination, said the child was well nourished, but had suffered from acute pneumonia, the cause of death being heart failure following that complaint. The Coroner returned a verdict of Death from Natural Causes."

North Devon Journal, Thursday 2 June 1921
ASHREIGNEY - Mr G. W. F. Brown, North Devon Coroner, held an Inquest at Cott House, last week, relative to the death of SAMUEL CARTER, aged 78, a retired farmer, who was taken ill soon after retiring to bed on Friday night last and died shortly afterwards. Dr Bush, of Chulmleigh, said a post mortem examination revealed heart failure as the cause of death, and the Coroner returned a verdict of "Natural Causes." The funeral was largely attended, deceased being held in much esteem. The mourners were the widow, Mrs Chapple (sister), Mrs Lock, Mrs Turner, Mrs W. Parkhouse, Mrs Hunt, Mrs T. Sowden, Miss L. Chapple, Misses L. and E. Carter (nieces), Mrs E. Carter (sister-in-law), Mrs W. Turner, Mr R. Cook (sister and brother-in-law), Mrs W. Carter, Mr J. Turner, Mr T. Sowden, and others. The Rev. J. Rickard, United Methodist Minister, read the committal. Six nephews acted as bearers, viz., Messrs. W. Carter, J. Carter, G. Carter, C. Hunt, W. Parkhouse and C. Lock.

ALVERDISCOTT - Fatal Accident AT An Alverdiscott Quarry. - Mr G. W. F. Brown, North Devon Coroner, held an Inquest at Alverdiscott, near Bideford, on Saturday, on RICHARD POPE, 53, of Stoney Cross, who met his death on Thursday afternoon while engaged in quarrying at Stoney Cross Cover Quarry. - The widow, who identified the body, said her husband was somewhat crippled with rheumatism. He was a road contractor under the Torrington Rural District Council. - John Hy. Hooper said he was working with deceased - his uncle - on Thursday afternoon, and had been engaged in drilling a hole for blasting the stone, when he suddenly heard a rumbling sound, and, hearing something coming from above, jumped out of the way, and had just got clear when a large quantity of stone, etc., fell on deceased and partially buried him. After he had got out deceased, witness ran for assistance, but he thought deceased was dead. There was no indication that anything was loose when he was working above a few days previously. He was working in the copse in the morning, but did not notice cracks then. Replying to Mr R. King, H.M. Inspector of Mines, witness said the stone that fell came from a fresh seam of which they were not aware. They had not noticed it. They had certainly worked back under it and he agreed now that it was dangerous, but they did not notice that anything was loose or they would have removed it. They did, in fact, take away everything that was loose as far as they saw. He agreed that it would have been better not to have worked back under. It was very dangerous, and he would not do it again. - Mr King: Could you not have commenced work at the top instead of cutting back under? - Witness: It would mean a lot of work. - The Inspector: Yes, I know, but it would have been the safer course. Under such circumstances you would not do it again? - Witness: No. They had not been given any definite instructions from the Torrington Rural Council Surveyor as to how to work the quarry, but the way in which they did this was not the usual way they worked. - The Inspector: It is a very dangerous practice to undercut stone in this way. - The Coroner: An easy way but a risky one. - Dr Pearson said that when he arrived the deceased was dead, and, from the nature of the injuries, including several broken ribs and a compound fracture of the left elbow, etc., death must have been instantaneous. - The Coroner returned a verdict of "Accidental Death." - Mr T. B. Fairchild, Surveyor to the Torrington Rural Council, on behalf of that body, expressed sympathy with the family of deceased, who was a very honest and conscientious man, who carried out his work in a satisfactory manner.

BIDEFORD - Child Fatally Burnt At Bideford. - STANLEY CLIFFORD GOULD, the four years and eleven months old child of MR and MRS FRANK GOULD, of 20 Elm Grove, Bideford, died in Bideford Hospital on Wednesday afternoon, as the result of a burning accident on Tuesday morning. At the Inquest on Thursday, the evidence showed that while attending to her household duties, the mother heard a scream and found the child running about the bedroom with its clothes on fire. Witness put the flames out by rolling the boy up in a rug, applied oil to the burns and sent for a doctor, but before his arrival had taken the child to the Hospital. On a mat in the bedroom was a candle alight, and there was some burnt paper in the fireplace. The candle had been left unlit on the dressing table. The child had shown a tendency to play with fire and water, and had been punished to try and break him of it. The box of matches used in the bedroom had been kept out of his reach, and the presumption was that the child got hold of a loose match left in the candlestick. - Dr Wilson, who saw the child at the Hospital shortly after arrival, said he was extensively burnt about the limbs and front of the body and it was very doubtful from the first whether he would recover. The whole front of the child's flannelette nightdress had been burnt away, but the upper portion of the child's back and the chest were successfully protected by a thick woollen under-vest. - In returning a verdict of "Accidental Death," the Coroner, Mr G. W. F. Brown, expressed sympathy with the parents and said how impossible it was to have children under observation every minute, but flannelette was a dangerous material for clothing them.

BRAUNTON - Braunton Tragedy. Young Man's Suicide Following Nervous Breakdown. - A painful sensation was caused in Braunton and the surrounding district on Friday morning when it became known that KENNETH E. N. FALCON, aged 19, son of MR and MRS THOMAS A. FALCON, of Hillside, Braunton, had been found in his room suffering from gunshot wounds in the head, from which he passed away later. - The North Devon Coroner, Mr G. W. F. Brown of Barnstaple, held an Inquiry into the cause of death at Hillside on Saturday morning. - The first witness, THOMAS ADOLPHUS FALCON, identified the body as that of his son, KENNETH I. N. FALCON, aged 19 years, and stated that about 6.30 on Friday morning his attention was attracted by a dull sound, which resembled the banging of a door. He went to his son's room, that being the direction from which the sound came, and lying on the right-hand side of the bed, with his head sideways, he found his son. There were serious injuries to his head, and a double-barrelled gun was lying close by. He (witness) at once sent for Dr Wright. The young man breathed for about an hour, when he passed away. In answer to questions put by the Coroner, MR FALCON said his son had been home from Exeter, where he had been at school, about a month. While at school his son wrote home saying how depressed he was and how difficult it was to get on, and he (witness) suggested that he should come home, as the young man was evidently suffering from a form of nervous breakdown. Whilst at home the deceased had complained of various imaginary difficulties and any little problem that cropped up seemed to worry him. The difficulties were always non-existent, for his record at school was excellent, and he was in no trouble that was not imagined by himself. - Answering further questions, witness said the gun was kept in a cupboard under the stairs, and there were a few cartridges in a box in the hall, whilst the main supply was kept in his (witness's) room. On Thursday witness noticed significant signs that his son was very nervous, and was brooding, and he (witness) put that down to some sort of bother which was occasioned by the fact that his son was going away for a few days change. He seemed more gloomy than usual, and didn't want to go for the change. However, before he went to bed on Thursday night, deceased made up his mind to go and packed his bag. He said nothing about taking his life then, but earlier on the same day he told his mother that he felt in such a state that he could take his life. In conclusion, witness said he knew of nothing definite that would drive his son to commit suicide, except of course an irresistible sudden impulse. - Margaret Malonelly, nurse in the employ of the family, corroborated the evidence given by the last witness, and added that it was impossible to do anything for the deceased, with whom she remained until he passed away about 7.30. On the day before (Thursday) the deceased seemed as usual, and went around the garden with her, whilst he pumped up her bicycle tyre before she went out in the evening. - Dr Wright, of Braunton, stated that on his arrival, he found the deceased in a very critical condition, and the case was absolutely hopeless as a portion of the top of the head was blown away. Witness added that he had been attending the deceased since he had been home from Exeter, and he had been very depressed, but there was no definite disease. He did not suspect that the h young man was suicidal, but in the condition in which he was, one could never tell. Deceased suffered from general depression and sleeplessness and he was a very quiet, reserved young fellow. His whole nervous system had been examined by a specialist at Exeter, but deceased could never say what it was that depressed him. Witness thought it was a sort of sub-conscious feeling that the young man was unable to cope with the conditions of life, and did not know why. The actual cause of death in his opinion was the destruction of the brain by a self-inflicted gun shot wound. - P.S. Hall, of Braunton, stated that he searched the room, but the deceased had left no note or letter and there was no entry in his diary. One barrel of the gun had been discharged. - The Coroner, in summing up, said it was an extremely sad case. The young man suffered from acute depression, but what depressed him (deceased) he was unable to say. The Coroner thought the deceased's troubles were mostly imaginary, however; it was a terrible disease, and one that tried the doctor's powers to the utmost. - The Coroner returned a verdict of "Suicide whilst of Unsound Mind," and expressed sincere condolence with the family in their trouble.

North Devon Journal, Thursday 9 June 1921
BIDEFORD - Fatal Motor Accident At Instow. Bideford Driver Killed. - The North Devon Coroner, Mr G. W. F. Brown, held an Inquest at the Bideford and District Hospital on Monday concerning the death of FREDERICK HENRY MARTIN, motor car driver of 4 Marland Terrace, Bideford, who was killed by an accident on Friday night. Deceased, who leaves a widow, was 38 years of age and well-known and popular among local motor brake users. - Mr O. W. Ward (Messrs. Hole, Seldon and Ward) watched the Enquiry on behalf of the widow, and the Police were represented by Inspector Doidge and Sergt. Broad. - MRS NELLIE MARY MARTIN identified the body as that of her husband, who was in the employ of Messrs. Dymond and Son. She last saw him on Friday evening and could not quite say where he was going - although he told her he was going somewhere - as her hearing was bad. She had known Emily Lee for some time and her husband knew her. She did not know Emily Lee was with her husband that evening; all she knew was he told her he was doing a late turn and would not be home until 9.30 or 10 o'clock. He did not often do late work, his usual hour for coming home being about 7. She knew nothing whatever about the trip on Friday night until the Police Sergt. came to see her at midnight. - Emily Lee, domestic servant, employed in Abbotsham Road, said about 10 to 8 she was at the top of the hill (presumably the hill out of Bideford on the Barnstaple road) and saw deceased coming along in a motor car. He stopped and asked her if she would like a ride to Barnstaple. She said she did not think she could go as she could not be out late and he said he would be back by half-past nine, if she would like to go. She asked him if he was allowed to take up anyone, and he said he could, adding that he had the car on his own. - The Coroner: Why did you ask him if he was allowed to take up anyone? - Because it was a private car and I did not often see him with a private car. - Witness added that she went to Barnstaple with the deceased and the car was stopped where the 'busses stopped by the Old Town Station. they then went up and down through the streets and back again. - The Coroner: Did you go into any public-houses? - Yes, we went into the Clarence. - Did deceased have anything to drink? - Yes, one bottle of stout. - Then witness aid they went to the car and left to come back just before nine. - The Coroner: Were you with him all the time you were at Barnstaple? - Yes. - So he had no other business there? - No, sir. - When they got back as far as Instow, deceased suggested going another way and coming down Westleigh, and then the accident happened. - The Coroner: Why were you going to Westleigh? - I cannot tell you why, except because he thought it would be a different way. - They came to a steep hill - there the car gave a good jump and stopped with the same. Deceased backed it into the hedge and they both got out and MARTIN got assistance of two men, got the car on the road again when it ran backwards the second time and crushed deceased against the hedge. With the help of the other men he was released. He complained of being badly hurt, said he had broken his arm, that he was dying and asked to be taken to the Hospital. He died almost immediately upon being put into another car to be taken to Bideford. - By the Coroner: Witness said she had made no previous arrangement with deceased for this drive. - What were you doing out there at the top of the road? - I often go that way for a walk. - You had not arranged this beforehand? - No. - Had you ever gone out with him before like that? - No, sir. He had no business at Barnstaple that she knew of. - Simply took you and brought you back? - Yes, sir. - Can you explain to me why he turned off the main road? - I know no reason. He said he would go up that way and come back along Westleigh. - He knew you had to be back at 9.30? - Yes, and he said we could do it quite well. She had not seen him before that day. - What I cannot make out, said the Coroner, is why he should have suddenly taken a car and driven to Barnstaple if he had not made any arrangement to take up anyone? - He had not promised to meet me and of course I do not know what his arrangements were. - Did he say whether he was paying for the car? - Yes, sir. He said he had got the car for himself for a couple of hours. - You would not think he would hire a car to drive himself for two hours after having been driving a motor all day? - I could not say what he had the car for, or whether he changed his mind after meeting me. - It was a pure accident you were out there? - Quite an accident. - Not by design? - No. I was not there by any arrangement at all. - You are quite sure of that? - Positive. - Was it your usual night out? - I get two hours out every evening. - Mr G. H. Rodgman, clerk in the employ of Messrs. R. Dymond and Son, said deceased was an employee of the firm, and drove a motor bus. About 7.30 on Friday night he came to the office and said he wanted a car to take an aunt to Instow, and asked what the fare would be. He was told 5s. There were two other orders off the 7.30 train and deceased asking for a particular car - a landaulette - witness told him to go round to the garage and see the driver - so that this car should be left in for him and he had it. - Had he ever done this before? - No, never, sir, not on his own. - So that he was on his own that night? - That night he drove the car. It was not an order received at the office otherwise than by him. He brought the order in. - Do you know if he has an aunt? - Yes, I do. - The Coroner asked if any enquiries had been made by the Police and P.C. Davis stated that deceased had an aunt who lived at Bideford, but was not taken anywhere by deceased on the evening in question. - In reply to the Coroner, Mr Rodgman said the car had been in use the same day and was all right. A mechanic looked after the cars. - Victor Andrew Lewis, farm labourer, of Instow, living near where the accident took place, said he was at home about 9.30 p.m. when he got a message from his boy that there was a man in difficulties in the road. He went up with another man called Stevens and found the car as described, having been run back into the hedge. It was a very steep road. Deceased asked him to help get it out and they got the car into the road again. The girl (Lee) trigged the car up with a stone and they were holding tight when the car came back over the stone. They were still holding tight on the car when it came further back and ran into the hedge again. Witness saw it was going to turn over and called out to that effect, also pulling Stevens (who was very deaf) out of the way by his coat. Deceased, who had also been behind the car, tried to get out of the way, but on looking round witness saw that he was pinned in the hedge by the corner of the car. They all lifted the car and got him out. He said that he had broken his arm and that he was dying. He subsequently was removed in another car. - By the Coroner: Deceased was sober. - Did he say why he was going up that way? - He said he wanted to get to Westleigh. - Rather a curious way to go to Westleigh? - Yes, sir. - The only way would be to make a loop and get down into the same road again about 200 yards further on? - Yes. - And not by going up this very steep hill? - Witness agreed. - Did he say why the car would not go up the hill? - He said he had not got enough petrol; the steepness of the hill put the tank so much out of level that the petrol did not reach the pipe supplying the carburettor. - The Coroner said he knew that would happen with a Ford car when there was not enough petrol in the tank. - Dr Cecil Wm. Wilson said the man was dead when brought into the Hospital about 11.30 the same night. A post-mortem examination disclosed a complete rupture of the right lobe of the liver, with extensive laceration. The other organs were normal. The cause of death was rupture of the liver, haemorrhage and collapse. The injury was quite compatible with all they had heard about the accident. - Mr John Pickard Williams, motor mechanic in the employ of Messrs. Dymond and Sons, said the car was all right on the day of the accident. He did not know deceased took it out or what petrol there was then in it. Witness brought it back on the Saturday and it then contained barely five gallons. It would require to have seven gallons in the tank to go up a hill so steep as that on which the accident happened. Witness stopped the car twice on the hill coming down to test the brakes, which were quite all right. - The Coroner: So if the deceased had stuck to his driving seat the accident would not have happened? - He would have had control of the car. Witness stopped the car on the hill with both the hand and other brakes separately, so evidently deceased could not have had either of the brakes on. - Did the man know anything about driving these cars at all? - Yes, sir. Of course he is more used to a heavy vehicle, but he has driven Fords before. - I hope he did not leave the 'bus on a hill and let it run back anywhere? - No. - Can you imagine anyone accustomed to driving a car doing such a foolish thing? - No, sir. - P.C. Davis said the road was 8 feet wide and the car 5 feet 2 inches, and the distance from where it first stopped to where it first backed into the hedge was 35 feet, and then to where it overturned, 30 feet. The marks of the car grazing the hedge were plainly visible up to where it turned over. - The Coroner said that was the evidence he thought it necessary to call in the case. It was clearly proved that this man left work on Friday about 7.30 and then went to the office and asked for the loan of a car for the purpose of taking his aunt to Instow. He took the car and proceeded, he supposed, to go to Barnstaple. He was met at the top of the hill by the young woman, Emily Lee, who told them she was there simply out for a walk. At all events, she got into the car and went with him to Barnstaple, where they stopped in the Strand and proceeded to walk about the streets for a short time, went to an Inn and had a drink, and returned to the car some time before 9. During the whole of this time deceased was in her company and therefore he had no private business that would take him to Barnstaple otherwise than taking a trip on his own account. - They proceeded all right on the return journey until just before getting to Instow, when for some extraordinary reason or other deceased decided to go up a very steep road, so he said, to go to Westleigh. This would be quite out of his way to go to Westleigh, as at the top of the steep hill the road branched around again and would bring him down into the same road he had left, about 250 yards further on, so he would be only going up a steep hill for the purpose of coming down again. He could not conceive the man could have gone up for that reason, because he must have known when he got to the hill that he had not petrol enough. When he found he had gone up about 100 yards he could not go any further and proceeded to back the car into the hedge. Then he did the next foolish thing, getting out of his seat and proceeding to push the car into the road again. When he got the car into the road he still left his driving wheel and the car proceeding to run back immediately gained speed owing to the sharpness of the hill. The men were unable to hold her, and the car pinned deceased against the hedge, the man sustaining the injuries the doctor had described. His verdict was one of "Accidental Death." There was no one to blame in the matter except the deceased himself; he was entirely responsible for the accident, which caused his own death. It was a lucky thing that the man Stevens, who was deaf and was helping, was not pinned by the car at the same time. That was the only thing they had to be thankful for. The car was evidently in perfect working order and the brakes in perfect order, as described by the mechanic Williams, who said they acted effectively when he brought back the car on the Saturday. There was no one to blame but the deceased himself for his very foolish action, first of all in going up the hill, and then in leaving the car uncontrolled by the brakes in the middle of the steep hill.

North Devon Journal, Thursday 16 June 1921
BIDEFORD - MRS ELIZABETH VAGGERS, aged 80, widow of a shoemaker, of Mount Pleasant Cottage, Littleham, who lived alone, failing to appear on Wednesday morning, Carry Moyse, a neighbour, obtained a ladder and, looking into the bedroom window, saw she was lying in bed in a natural position, but dead. Deceased had appeared quite well when seen by neighbours the previous day. Dr Ellis Pearson (Bideford)who had made a post mortem examination, said death was due to cardiac syncope following fatty degeneration of the heart and the Coroner, Mr G. W. F. Brown, returned a verdict accordingly.

North Devon Journal, Thursday 23 June 1921
BIDEFORD - Suicide At Bideford. - Mr G. W. F. Brown, Coroner, held an Inquest at Bideford on Thursday on MRS MARY LILIAN READ, of Springfield Terrace. MR H. WM. READ, the husband, said his wife had complained of sleeplessness for about two months and had been under medical treatment. She had no worries, and was passionately fond of her two children. He had no reason to think she would ever attempt to take her life. He left her quite cheerful. When he arrived home to lunch, ask she was not about, he made a search, and found her hanging to a rope in the lavatory. With the assistance of a neighbour, Mr Frank Routley, they immediately cut her down and efforts were made to resuscitate life, while medical assistance was sent for, but she was evidently quite dead. - Dr Marshall said he saw deceased five weeks ago. She complained chiefly of sleeplessness. He prescribed for her and four days later she said she was better. There was nothing in her demeanour to suggest she was going out of her mind. When he arrived on Wednesday she had been dead three or four hours, due to suffocation. - The Coroner said it was one of those inconceivable cases in which a woman appeared to have no trouble or worries of any sort, but suddenly determined to take her life. - The verdict would be one of "Suicide." - MR READ afterwards said his wife recently complained that she felt something oppressing her in her head, but no notice was taken of it at the time.

North Devon Journal, Thursday 30 June 1921
MERTON - MR EDWIN BROOK, aged 64, of Kingford Cottage, Merton, died suddenly on Saturday morning. At the Inquest on Monday, MISS HILDA BROOK, daughter, stated that calling to witness and her sister at 3.30 a.m., her father complained of feeling very unwell and being in great pain. They went for the District Nurse and a doctor, but death occurred before the latter could arrive. Deceased had been working in the hayfield and on his allotment the previous day and had complained greatly of the heat. Dr O'Flaherty, of Torrington, who had made a post-mortem examination, said the heart was very fatty. Death was due to angina pectoris and was evidently accelerated by the exertion of haymaking and the great heat. Mr Coroner G. W. F. Brown returned a verdict of "Death from Natural Causes."

BARNSTAPLE - Little Boy's Sad Death At Barnstaple. Swallowed A Stone. - There was an extraordinary fatality at Barnstaple on Friday evening. Whilst at play with other children in the roadway, CYRIL THOMAS LYDDON, the little four year old son of MR THOMAS LYDDON, painter and decorator, of Richmond-street, placed a small pebble in his mouth, and as the result of coughing swallowed it. The little fellow at once experienced difficulty in breathing, and was carried by his father with all speed to the surgery of Messrs. Harper, Jonas, Gibbs, and Shaw, where Dr Gibbs found it necessary to perform an operation. Unfortunately, however, it proved a hopeless case, the little boy passing away within a short time in the doctor's arms. The deceased was a bonny little boy, and sympathy with MR LYDDON and family in their peculiarly sad bereavement is general. Acting under instructions, Dr S. R. Gibbs on Saturday morning conducted a post mortem examination on the body at the North Devon Infirmary, where the Inquest was held in the evening by the Borough Coroner, Mr T. A. R. Bencraft. - Dr S. R. Gibbs, who was first called, spoke to being summoned to his surgery by telephone about 5.50 the previous evening and to finding the little boy choking. The dispenser was holding the boy upside down and hitting him on the back and witness continued these efforts, but the little fellow got steadily worse instead of better. The boy was in extremis, when witness and a doctor friend from Bristol, who was with him decided that the only course left open was to perform tracheotomy in the hope that the obstruction was in the voice box and might be removed. The operation was carried out at once, whilst they worked for about half an hour in the hope of saving the boy; but the efforts proved fruitless, death occurring about 6.15 p.m. As the result of the post mortem examination, witness found the small pebble produced (about the size of a green pea) which was located across the wind passage into the lungs, absolutely blocking the tube. It was an extraordinary thing that the pebble should have slipped by the windpipe at all after the child got it in his mouth. It must have inbreathed it whilst laughing, whilst with coughing the pebble settled down where it was found. - Death was due to accidentally swallowing the stone, and it was a hopeless case from the first. He had never had a similar case, but had heard and read of such cases. - HENRY R. LYDDON, aged seven, stated that he and his brother were at play, throwing small pebbles, when CYRIL picked up one and put in his mouth. Witness heard his brother cough and he then said he had swallowed the stone. He was walking up the street to meet his "mammy" when Mrs Isaac took charge of his brother. - Mrs Sarah Isaac, widow, of 4 Richmond Street, deposed that she was in her back kitchen, when she heard the last witness say that deceased had swallowed a stone. Hurrying out, witness shook the boy with a view of releasing the stone, but finding her efforts unavailing, she suggested that the little fellow should be taken to a doctor. Just then MR LYDDON came along and at once proceeded with the boy in the direction of the surgery. - MR THOS. LYDDON spoke to carrying just before sic o'clock his son to the surgery, which he reached in a minute or so. Both the dispenser and witness patted the child in the back and Dr Gibbs arrived in two or three minutes. As the efforts proved futile, and the child got worse, the operation was performed; but it was all of no use. - The Coroner said it was a very sad case, and he was sure that sympathy would go out to the bereaved parents in no common degree in the loss of a bright, healthy, little boy in this extraordinary way. The child must either have laughed or coughed at the critical moment when the stone was in the back of its mouth, and the pebble went down the windpipe, stopping up the apertures to the bronchial tubes, and this leading to asphyxiation and death. Everything was done to save the poor child's life, but as stated it was a hopeless case from the first. His verdict was that death was due to Asphyxiation, through Accidentally Swallowing the Pebble.

NORTHAM - Octogenarian Widow's Tragic Death At Northam. - At Cross Street, Northam, on Monday evening, the North Devon Coroner, Mr G. W. F. Brown, returned a verdict of "Accidental Death" in the case of MRS MARTHA COWLER, an octogenarian widow, who was found with a broken thigh in the court-yard twelve feet below her bedroom window in the early hours of Sunday morning, and died from shock during the day. - MISS MARY MOUNCE, a twin sister, said deceased's mind had been wandering a little for a week or two and Dr Francis attended her for a weak heart on Friday and advised that she should stay in bed. Witness gave her medicine at 12 midnight and missed her when going to her room again for the same purpose at 3 a.m. The window, previously shut, was then open and a chest of drawers had been moved from in front of it. - Dr Francis did not think deceased threw herself out of the window, but got out and let herself down by the sill, breaking a thigh when pitching on her feet. - The Coroner did not think she intended to commit suicide; she probably did not quite know what she was doing.

North Devon Journal, Thursday 7 July 1921
LYNMOUTH - Motor Tragedy At Lynmouth. Cardiff Merchant Killed. - A terrible motor-car accident was witnessed by a large number of visitors at Lynmouth about noon on Saturday. A four-seater landaulette car was descending Countisbury Hill, when the brakes failed to act. Travelling at a fearful speed down the gradient of one in five, it collided with a telegraph pole about 60 or 80 yards from the bottom of the hill. The three male occupants were thrown out by the impact, one being killed. - Among those who witnessed the accident was Mr A. C. Day, West Norwood, who was on a motor cycle tour. Interviewed at Ilfracombe in the evening, Mr Day said he was standing at the bottom of Countisbury Hill, talking with a friend, when someone a short distance up the hill shouted, "Look out, look out!" A car leapt into view, and there was a terrific crash as it struck the telegraph pole. Then a curious thing happened. After the occupants were thrown out the car turned round and finished the journey to the bottom of the hill backwards, being almost completely smashed. The chauffeur, who received only a few scratches, ran down and exclaimed anxiously, "Are they in it? Are they in it?" - Dr Falkner, of Lynton, was soon on the scene, and aid was also rendered by the Police. - The victims of the accident are:- Killed: PATRICK HALLINAN, wine merchant, 42, Cathedral-road, Cardiff, the owner of the car. - Injured: Rev. Father Ryan, Roman Catholic priest, now lying in Lynton Hospital. - John Hope, chauffeur, of Eldon-road, Cardiff. - A motor expert after an inspection of the damaged car, asserts that the cause of the accident was the wearing off of the covering of the shoe of the brakes, which, therefore, failed to act. - The chauffeur stuck to the wheel until thrown out. The pole against which the car struck was not snapped off, but is lying at a great angle from upright. - The body of MR HALLINAN was taken to the Mortuary by the ambulance corps to await the Inquest. - Hope, the driver, was a stranger to the district, and had never before been down Countisbury Hill, reported to be the steepest main road hill in England. There have been collisions on two previous occasions with the same pole. - The Inquest. - The Inquest was held on Monday by Mr G. W. F. Brown, Coroner for North Devon. Rev. Father Ryan was unable through his injuries to attend the Inquest, but medical evidence was given that he knew nothing of what had happened, except that the car had attained a great speed and crashed. - Mr J. H. Brierley, representing the Ministry of Transport, watched the proceedings, and Mr J. H. L. Brewer of Barnstaple, represented the relatives of the deceased. - MR CHARLES HALLINAN, of Cardiff, son of the deceased, said his father was about 64, and was on a motor tour in Devon and Cornwall. - John Hope, the chauffeur, whose hands were bandaged, but who otherwise had escaped injury, said he had been in deceased's employ for about two years. Witness was much affected, and when speaking of the accident broke down entirely. MR HALLINAN, he said, had only had this particular car about a week and witness had only previously driven it to test it. He joined the party at Bath and on Saturday morning they started for Minehead. At Bath the foot-brakes had been re-lined, and both brakes were adjusted before they left Minehead. They had three or four stops coming up to Porlock, but that was engine trouble, which was put right. He was in top-gear until he noticed the sign-board at Countisbury, when he altered to third and dropped back into second. He had tried both brakes and they answered all right. They were going very slowly on the hill, and not more than six miles per hour and the passengers were admiring the scenery. After he had got down a decent way he noticed the hill suddenly dipped and he immediately put on his foot-brake, and when he found it failed, he put on his hand brake, and that failed also. - Asked by the Coroner if he could imagine what had put the brakes wrong, witness said he could not. He turned round and said to the passengers, "My brakes are gone," and the car began to gain speed straight away. MR HALLINAN had said: "For God's sake do something," and he replied that he would keep the wheel. - Replying to further questions, witness said the car was under control so far as steering went. Then he came to the bend of the road and tried to take it - he thought he had, in fact - but knew nothing more until he found himself in the road running towards the car. He must have been thrown clean out. He went back up the hill, where he saw the luggage lying about and Father Ryan just rising from the ground. Deceased was close beside him, both having been thrown to the side of the road. Witness believed that the telegraph post was the first thing he hit. - He was sure he changed his gear at the top of the hill, and they came down very slowly. The gentlemen he was driving were most particular about careful driving. When MR HALLINAN asked him to do something he tried to change down into first, but it was impossible; the motor was over-running the engine. - John Moule, a motor mechanic, who examined the brakes after the accident, said one-half of the lining of the foot-brake was pulled off the shoe, and that half the brake was not holding, even when pulled to the last notch. It might have held on a very slight incline. A bad fault witness thought was that the brake-lining was rivetted down the centre instead of with alternative rivets each side. He could not given any reason for the sudden failure of the hand-brake, but the foot-brake would go at once as soon as the lining was off the brake shoe. - Asked what he thought had torn the brake lining off, witness said he thought being rivetted down the centre, and the sudden jar caused it to split open. The surface of the hill was very dry and treacherous and one had to come down very carefully. - Dr Falkner described the injuries and P.C. Perriam said at the top of the hill there was a motor sign "Danger, one in seven," and further down a small sign and one at the bottom giving the gradient - one in four and a quarter. He thought the second notice was too close to the steep part of the hill. The accident happened at the widest part of the road - 11 ft. 6 in. - The Coroner described it as an unfortunate accident. To those who lived in the neighbourhood Countisbury Hill was well known and drivers treated it with great respect. He agreed that the sign was far too near the steep part of the road, as there was no time for a man to alter his gear or do anything. He thought the sign should be placed further up the hill, and a larger sign provided, like those he had seen in South Devon, to the effect "This hill is dangerous. Motorists are advised to change to bottom gear before descending." Countisbury was one of the most dangerous hills about there, not only on account of its steepness, but because of its extreme narrowness, the average width being not more than 10ft. It was extremely lucky there was no other car or carriage on the hill at the time. He thought the attention of the authorities should be called to the road. - He returned a verdict of "Accidental Death," and said the sympathy of the whole district went out to the family. - After the Inquest, the body, encased in a plain shell, was taken on board a tugboat in Lynmouth harbour and conveyed to Cardiff.

North Devon Journal, Thursday 14 July 1921
WOOLACOMBE - At an Inquest conducted by the North Devon Coroner, Mr G. W. F. Brown, on Tuesday, concerning the death of MARION CLAYTON, cook at the Woolacombe Bay Hotel, who died suddenly, a verdict of "Death from Natural Causes" was returned.

BARNSTAPLE - Suicide At Barnstaple. An Out-Of-Work Victim. - On returning home at No. 5 Buller Road, Barnstaple, shortly before 9 p.m. on Monday, MISS EDITH FEATHERSTONE was horrified to find her father, HERBERT EDWARD FEATHERSTONE, aged 47, who had remained indoors alone during the evening, hanging by a bedstead from the stair banister. Help was immediately at hand and Dr S. R. Gibbs was fetched, but the efforts only tended to show that the man was beyond human aid. MR FEATHERSTONE, a sawyer, had not been in regular work for some time, a fact which no doubt had greatly preyed on his mind. He was a man who was much respected in the borough; and with the widow and family in their tragic bereavement general sympathy is expressed. - Mr T. A. R. Bencraft, Borough Coroner, conducted the Inquest at deceased's residence on Tuesday afternoon. - EDITH FEATHERSTONE, the widow, stated that her husband had been depressed a good deal lately, having had no regular work for five months and only doing odd jobs. Dr Thomas had been attending him and on Saturday gave him some medicine for his nerves. Coming home wet on the previous Friday, her husband said that he had been in the river above the iron bridge, that he went down twice and that if he had gone down the third time he would have been drowned. He did not say how he got in the river. Told her he had written a letter to her previously and, asked what he had done with it, he said he had burnt it. He did not disclose the contents of the letter and she did not see it. - The Coroner: You cannot tell what the letter meant? - No, sir. - Continuing, MRS FEATHERSTONE said that she went out the previous evening, leaving her daughter-in-law at home with her husband, and she (witness) returned home just after nine o'clock, and he was then lying in the kitchen dead. Her husband had previously declined an invitation to go with her to the Park and listen to the band, but she had no idea he contemplated suicide. He had said several times that he would do something to himself - cut his throat, and jump out of the window -but she did not think he meant it, because he was so cheerful with it. - Coroner: Why did he say he would take his life? - I do not know, sir. - MISS EDITH FEATHERSTONE, daughter, spoke to last seeing her father alive at 7 o'clock the previous evening and to returning home just before nine, and seeing his hat and coat in the kitchen. She was then going upstairs to shout out "Father," when she saw him hanging in the stairs. He did not answer her and she went to the front door and called for help, several young men responding. - Henry Bennett, lace-hand of Gaydon-street, stated that, called in by MISS FEATHERSTONE, he found MR FEATHERSTONE hanging in the stairs, his feet being about fifteen inches above the next lowest stair. The bed-sheet was secured to the banister at the top and he was tied around the neck by a knot passing under his left ear. Witness at once took the weight off the body and shouted for somebody to cut the sheet. Messrs. Brook, Morrish, Turner and Sampson all helped and removing the body into the kitchen, they tried artificial respiration. The body was warm and they thought there might be a chance of getting the man around. MR FEATHERSTONE did not appear to breathe; but the efforts were continued whilst Mr Brook ran off for the doctor. Dr Gibbs arrived promptly and also tried artificial respiration, but, although they worked hard for quite half an hour, the efforts proved unavailing. Witness did not think anything more could have been done for deceased. - Christopher Brook, coal merchant, gave similar evidence. On being fetched by him, Dr Gibbs cycled to the house; but the combined efforts were fruitless. - Dr S. R. Gibbs stated that there was no sign of life when, just after nine o'clock he arrived to find Mr Bennett, Mr Turner and another man trying artificial respiration. Witness continued without effect artificial respiration for another twenty minutes. Having examined the body, he had no doubt that death was instantaneous, from dislocation of the spine, the result of hanging, in the way described. In his opinion, nothing could have been done to save FEATHERSTONE. There was a mark around the man's neck, and marks on the banister, tending to show that deceased jumped from the banister and had a drop of quite ten or twelve feet. The other witnesses did quite the right thing before his arrival; nothing more could have been done. - P.C. Hill was also called. After assisting in removing the body upstairs he made a search, but could find no note or letter of any kind throwing any light on the matter. He produced the bed-sheet which had been used by the deceased. - The Coroner, summing up, said the poor man seemed to have got into a terrible state of depression through being out of work so long, and had evidently had it in his mind for some time to take his life. If, however, FEATHERSTONE intended to drown himself on going to the river the previous Friday, he could not understand why he came out again after sinking twice. There was no doubt that his mind was unhinged, and his verdict was "Suicide by Hanging whilst of Unsound Mind." He was sure he was expressing the feelings of all present, and of the whole town, when he said that the widow and family had the utmost general sympathy in their bereavement.

North Devon Journal, Thursday 21 July 1921
BIDEFORD - Suicide AT Bideford. - Inquiring at Bideford Town Hall on Monday evening into the death of JOHN TITHECOTT, aged 79, who had been living with his daughter and son-in-law, MR RALPH SLUMAN at 49 Lime Grove, the North Devon Coroner, Mr G. W. F. Brown, said it was one of the most extraordinary cases of drowning he had ever investigated. - MR JOHN HY. TITHECOTT, son and next door neighbour, said his father had not worked for many years, and had recently been to the doctor, but he seemed just as usual when he last saw him just before seven o'clock on Sunday night. He had never known him make any attempt to take his life or threaten to do so. He had never heard him complain of pains in the head. - Mr Ralph Sluman said deceased had been living with him about fourteen months quite comfortably. He had been failing all that time, being sometimes worse than others. He seemed bright, took his food, smoked his pipe, and seemed better than usual on Sunday. Witness went out with his wife about 6 o'clock, leaving deceased sitting in an arm-chair smoking. Witness's little girl, Violet, was also left in the house. When witness said he was going out, deceased said he would be all right. A small zinc bath of water - drawn off because of the intermittent supply - was left partly under a table. On Thursday last deceased complained of diarrhoea and pain in his side and Mrs Sluman on Friday morning fetched a doctor, who examined him, prescribed some medicine, and said there was not much wrong with him. - He had not complained of pains in the head, was quite comfortable and witness knew of no reason why he should do anything rash, and witness had never heard him threaten any such thing. In fact he was rather the other way about. - Mr F. H. Cowell said he was passing Lime Grove about 7.20 on Sunday evening when a Mrs Hocking asked him to render assistance as there was a man in a bath. He went into the house and found deceased in a kneeling position with his head at the bottom of a small bath of water, partly under a table. Witness lifted him out and felt his pulse and heart, but he appeared to be quite dead. A doctor was sent for and witness informed the Sergt. of Police. - Violet Sluman, the little girl also left in the house, spoke to seeing her grandfather sitting in a chair in the back yard. When she next saw him, some little time after her father and mother had gone out, he was lying on the floor with his head up to his neck in a bath of water. She went to fetch help. Her two aunts, whose houses she went to, were out, and she called a mother of a playmate. - Dr Wilson, called about 7.40, going at once found P.S. Broad and P.C. Phillpotts already at the house. The man was quite dead. He made a post mortem examination. The cause of death was suffocation by drowning. There were no marks of violence. - P.C. Phillpotts said there were only seven or eight inches of water in the bath. Sergt. Broad found deceased's tobacco pipe and pouch on a table close by, with a note in writing identified as deceased's saying: "My pain has made me do this. I can't bear it any longer. Lord have mercy on me." - The Coroner said he had investigated a good many curious ways of committing suicide, but he really thought this was the most extraordinary. That a person should commit suicide by drowning himself in a small tin of water like this showed a determined intention, which was borne out by the note left, though he did not understand the reference to pain seeing that he did not appear to have complained to his family about it. His verdict was one of Suicide whilst of Unsound Mind.

North Devon Journal, Thursday 28 July 1921
WESTWARD HO! - Bathing Tragedy At Westward Ho! Two Boys Drowned. - In the heavy sea which prevailed on the North Devon Coast on Sunday night, two lads lost their lives whilst bathing at Westward Ho! About quarter to eight, three Westward Ho! lads, WARREN SMITH, aged 11, son of MR SMITH, who is employed at Mr Joce's, Grenville Street, Bideford; OSCAR GUARD, who would have been 14 on Tuesday, son of MRS GUARD, of Westward Ho! and a lad of about 13, named Goodwin, of Eastbourne Terrace, Westward Ho! went to bathe off the Pebble Ridge just opposite Eastbourne Terrace, from a spot between the bathing notice and the hull of the wrecked Torpedo Boat 4. Feeling cold, Goodwin left the water first and while dressing thought his companions were playing in the surf. Suddenly, however, he lost sight of them, and gave the alarm to the few people then on the beach, and another lad was sent to the Coastguard and Coastguard Mortimer and P.C. Uglow were quickly on the scene. But it was only too evident that the boys had been washed away in the surf and nothing more was seen on them. A few people were about at the time of the tragedy, but no one appeared to have noticed the boys in difficulties. One lady is reported to have thought she saw the lads outside the breakers, one trying to hold the other up. - A number of people congregated on the beach ready to render any assistance should the boys be seen, but failing any view of them it was useless to venture into the boiling surf. Search parties were watching the beach all Sunday night and on Monday the body of GUARD was washed ashore near the old lifeboat house. - Bathing is usually very safe at Westward Ho! especially with an incoming tide, but the breakers on Sunday night were exceptionally large, and far too heavy for young lads, who would be easily swept off their feet. - At Croyde Bay and Saunton Sands there was also a heavy surf running and prudent swimmers were careful not to venture out far, it being impossible to make headway against some of the breakers. - The Inquest. - At Westward Ho! on Tuesday evening the North Devon Coroner, Mr G. W. F. Brown, held an Inquest on OSCAR GUARD, 14, son of a widow, drowned with another lad, WARREN SMITH, aged 11, while bathing on Sunday night. GUARD, it was stated, could swim very little and SMITH not at all. - William T. James Goodwin, another lad who was bathing with deceased, said he felt the current carrying them out, although the tide was coming in at the time. He left the water and called to the others to do the same, but they said they were going to finish their game of "touch and touch." Then when they tried to get in they could not do so, and were struggling in the water about a quarter of a mile out. Three men were just going out to bathe near, but got into the sea before he could tell them, and then it was no use trying to shout to them owing to the noise of the sea. When the boys had sunk, a man standing with a baby in his arms asked him who they were and said he had been watching them from the time they went out. The man made no attempt to rescue them, but asked if anyone had gone to tell the Coastguard and witness told him his brother had. - Augustus Goodwin, elder brother of the last witness, who was on shore when William came in, said he should think the two boys who were drowned were beyond their depth, so they must have been swimming. When he saw them they were trying to get in and could not do so, he went to call the Coastguard, and had not gone far when he saw SMITH go under. He told three men two boys were out in the sea, but they said he must be mistaken and what he thought were boys must be seals. When he told them differently they said they did not know what to do and that he had better tell the Coastguard. He did not know who the men were, as he had only seen them once before, on the previous Wednesday. They were very good swimmers and he saw them swimming and diving on the Wednesday. - By the Coroner: What they said was, that he had better tell the Coastguard, as it had nothing to do with them. - Did they walk on? - No, they stood there on top of the Pebble Ridge. - Witness added that on his way to the Coastguard he saw a man and woman and their children whom he had not seen before, and told them. The man told him to go to the Coastguard. - The Coroner: That seems to be the usual reply down here. He made no attempt to do anything? - Witness: No. - Coastguard Officer Mortimore said it was about 7.50 when he was informed of the accident and went to the place opposite where the boys were last seen. A man there, whom he did not know, said he had been watching the boys, but had not seen them for a few moments. Witness asked him why he did not go out after them, but he made no reply. Witness was meanwhile taking off his boots and coat and waded out as far as he could, then swam and dived, but could find nothing of the boys. There was an unusually swift tide. The top water was quite all right, but the under water carried one out. Witness was taken out in that way himself. There was a small boat there, but it would have been impossible to launch it owing to the sea being so rough. There was life-saving apparatus at the Coastguard Station, but he did not know of any lifebuoys on the beach. - P.C. Uglow, who was also quickly on the scene, said there was a very heavy swell, which got worse as the tide came in and it would be almost suicide for anyone to then go out. - The Coroner said the boys Goodwin, with the exception of the Coastguardsman, must have struck the most curious, cold-blooded people it was possible to find - the worst kind of coward and skunk it was possible to conceive. He praised the Coastguardsman for what he had done and returned a verdict of "Accidental Drowning."

North Devon Journal, Thursday 4 August 1921
LYNTON - Fatal Cycle Accident On Parracombe Hill. - On Parracombe Hill, one of the steepest and most dangerous pieces of main road in North Devon, a terrible accident occurred shortly after midday on Tuesday, a young cyclist sustaining injuries which proved fatal a few hours afterwards. The victim was HERBERT FELLOWS, aged 26, of 74 Clarence-road, Handsworth, Birmingham, a moulder by trade, who had been on a cycling tour with a companion named Norman Smith of 167 Bolton-road, Handsworth, Birmingham. They left Lynton on Tuesday morning to make for Ilfracombe, both riding push bicycles. It appears that on descending Parracombe Hill, FELLOWS' machine got out of control and dashed into a wall, which the rider's head struck with terrific force. He was picked up by a Mr A. Parkhouse, who happened to be close by and taken to a cottage, where his injuries, which included a terrible gash over the left eye, were attended to, and medical and other assistance were then summoned. P.C. Tonkins of Parracombe, and Dr Falkner, of Lynton, responded promptly and after further treatment the injured man was conveyed by motor ambulance to the Lynton Cottage Hospital, where he died about six o'clock on Tuesday evening. - At the Inquest before Mr G. W. F. Brown, County Coroner for North Devon, at Lynton, yesterday, Norman W. Smith stated that deceased and himself were the previous day coming down Parracombe Hill, on the top of which he (witness) noticed a warning sign, FELLOWS was riding behind and witness finding it getting steep, shouted to deceased to get off. FELLOWS however, replied, "Get out of my way; I cannot hold her," and shot past him round the corner. Witness got off his machine, and walked to the spot, finding deceased mixed up with his machine by the side of the road, and badly injured. Deceased had only one brake - a back-pedalling coaster. FELLOWS was an expert rider, but neither of them had been in that locality before, and knew nothing of the hills beyond what they saw on the way down. - Replying to the Coroner, witness said when he saw the notice he regarded the hill as dangerous in reason, but in his neighbourhood there were plenty of hills not like this one, but with the same signs. - The Coroner expressed the opinion that the sign was too far up the hill. - P.S. Jewell said it was a fairly easy gradient for some time after the sign and the Coroner said that was what misled people. - Arthur Parkhouse, of Parracombe, who heard the machine pass and a crash, was of opinion that the brake got hot after the long hill and would not hold. He agreed with the Coroner there should be a sign lower down. There were already two signs. - Dr Falkner, of Lynton, stated that a post mortem revealed a fracture of the base of the skull, this being the cause of death. He thought deceased's head struck a large stone in the road. - P.S. Jewell explained that the accident occurred just below the Police Station, and agreed that there should be another sign at the crossing. - The Coroner, returning a verdict of "Accidental Death," said he would bring the condition of the road and its marking to the notice of the authorities. - It transpired that the deceased served as a corporal in the 16th Devons, being transferred from the Hants Regiment.

BIDEFORD - The North Devon Coroner, Mr G. W. F. Brown, held an Inquest at 9 Lansdowne Terrace, Bideford, on Monday, on MARTHA BACKWAY JENKINS, aged 73, who had been living at the address named with her sister, Mrs Newman, whose evidence, together with that of Dr Wilson, showed that in May last deceased fell and bruised her right leg. An abscess afterwards formed, leading to septic poisoning, which proved fatal. A verdict was returned in accordance with the medical evidence.

North Devon Journal, Thursday 25 August 1921
NORTHAM - Appledore. At Appledore on Tuesday evening of last week, the North Devon Coroner, Mr G. W. F. Brown, held an Inquest on the body of JOHN MCCULLUM HAMLYN, 53, a mason by trade, who was taken seriously ill on a voyage from Brest to Appledore, on board the steamship "Ferrum," which was being brought over for repairs, and on which deceased was acting as a fireman. He was taken seriously ill on entering the Bristol Channel. - Hubert James Cavill, second engineer, said deceased was inexperienced at stoking and witness had to help him considerably in the work. Deceased appeared to be quite well in health until about 11.30 p.m. on Sunday night when he was taken queer, and passed away in a short time. Deceased had not exerted himself on the journey, and the weather was favourable. - Dr A. W. Valentine stated that a post mortem examination revealed a very fatty heart and he attributed death to syncope. - The Coroner returned a verdict of Death from Natural Causes. - The funeral of MR JOHN MCCULLAM HAMLYN, of New Quay Street, Appledore, took place in St Mary's Churchyard on Thursday afternoon. Deceased whose death at the age of 52 was reported, passed away on the s.s. "Ferruin" whilst on a voyage from France to Appledore. Deceased had been in the employ of Messrs. R. Cock and Sons, shipbuilders, for a number of years, and was greatly respected by his employers and fellow workmen. His sudden death threw a gloom over the town and a large number assembled in the churchyard to witness the last rites. The mourners present were Mrs Annie Lobbett (sister), Mr Archie Day (foster brother), Mrs Daisy Hamly and daughter (daughter-in-law and grand daughter), Mr B. Lobbett (nephew),, Mrs Bertha Eastman (cousin), Mr H. Leslie (cousin), Mrs W. Ross, Mr T. Acland (uncle), Mr and Mrs B. Day (Bideford), Mr W. Ross, Mr W. Beara, Mr J. Harvey, Mr S. Smalldon. The coffin was of polished pitch-pine, was carried into the church and to the grave by his fellow mason workmates and several workmen from Messrs. Cocks' yard, who attended as a last token of respect. Wreaths were sent: From his only sister and children; In loving remembrance, from his foster brother and sister, Archie and Hetta; With fondest love from his grand-daughter and daughter-in-law, Daisy; With deepest respect, from R. Cock and Sons; In loving memory of dear Hamlyn, from Will and Eliza Ross and family; With deepest sympathy from his workmates, the Masons; In loving sympathy, from W. and H. Gorrell; and With sincere sympathy, from Emma Pyke and Minnie Guard.

ILFRACOMBE - MR EDGAR HURDLE, aged 53, of the firm of Hurdle and Sons, coal merchants, Topsham, Exeter, who was spending a holiday at Ilfracombe, was suddenly taken ill on Monday and was later found dead in bed at the Hotel in which he was staying. - Mr G. W. F. Brown, North Devon Coroner, held an Inquest on Monday. - The evidence showed that on Monday morning deceased played tennis with a friend and afterwards complained of a pain in his chest, which he thought was indigestion. Later in the day he was found dead in bed by the page boy at the Hotel where he was staying. Dr Langridge, jun., who made a post mortem examination, said death was due to embolism of the coronary artery. There were signs of fatty degeneration of the heart. - The Coroner's verdict was "Death from Natural Causes."

North Devon Journal, Thursday 1 September 1921
CHICHESTER, SUSSEX - The death occurred at Chichester, on August 16th last, under painful circumstances of MR EDWIN ALFORD, formerly of Barnstaple. The deceased had resided alone since the death of his wife about three years ago - a blow from which he never fully recovered. Immediate neighbours having failed to see him for several days, the Police were informed and on the house being entered the dead body was found in a reclining position in the living room. At the Inquest which followed, the medical opinion was to the effect that death had taken place a week previously (on or about the above-named date), the cause being heart failure. MR ALFORD was well-known in Barnstaple, he having for many years conducted a newsagents' business in Queen-street. He was for some time one of the local agents for the "North Devon Journal." The deceased, who was 51 years of age, was the youngest son of the late MR JOHN ALFORD, of Dolton.

KINGS LYNN, NORFOLK - JOHN HENRY BASSETT, aged 52, of Irsha Street, Appledore, mate of the steamship "Multistone," of Newcastle, died suddenly at Lynn. At the Inquest on Monday, the evidence of Joseph Henry Jenkins, (Bude Street, Appledore) and Wm. James Powe (nephew of deceased) also of Appledore, showed that BASSETT just after dinner had a swim in the Ouse. He was evidently taken ill in the water, for he called for assistance and when helped on to the ship was exhausted, expiring soon afterwards. The medical evidence was that death was caused through syncope, there being no evidence of death from drowning. The doctor said the deceased had evidently bathed too soon after a heavy meal. A verdict in accordance with the medical evidence was returned. The deceased leaves a widow and four children.

ILFRACOMBE - Suicide At Ilfracombe. - At the Tyrrell Hospital on Monday afternoon, Mr G. W. F. Brown, North Devon Coroner, held an Enquiry into the death of WALTER COLES, 9 Cross Park, Ilfracombe, who died on Sunday morning under tragic circumstances. The body of deceased was lying at the Hospital Mortuary. - MRS COLES, widow of the deceased, said he was 49 years of age, and had been unwell for some time, suffering from gastric catarrh. On Friday she saw that he seemed affected in his head, and she sent for Dr Soltau. The doctor asked him several questions and then told witness that her husband was suffering from head trouble. On Saturday witness saw that he was very restless, wanting to go out, but he came back when asked to do so. Dr Stevenson had consulted with Dr Soltau on the Friday. On Saturday evening deceased was worse and Dr Stevenson saw him again late at night. He had made some remarks about ending it all. Mr J. E. Bussell, the Relieving Officer, was sent for, at the time Dr Stevenson visited deceased, and he took charge of deceased, leaving someone to watch him while witness went to lie down for a rest. Deceased contrived to slip out, unknown to witness, about 3 a.m. A few years ago deceased had some brain trouble, caused, so witness thought, by overwork. He had talked quite recently of going to the Police Station to be taken away. - Dr Stevenson said he saw COLES about 11 a.m. on Friday, with Dr Soltau, who judged him to be mentally incapable, and in an early stage of insanity. Witness himself found that the deceased gave lucid answers to all his enquiries, but there were signs enough to need great care on the part of his family, and witness told MRS COLES to communicate with the Relieving Officer. Witness next saw deceased about 11.30 p.m. on Saturday; he was lying on the hall floor of his house, being held down by Mr Bussell and another man; he was violent, but said nothing. They tied him up in blankets, as there seemed a fear of his doing himself injury. He complained to witness of great stomach pain and of maddening pains in the head, which, as an alternative to insanity, might have caused the loss of mental balance. Witness last saw him on Sunday morning, about 7 o'clock, on the beach. He was not quite dead at the time. He was taken on a stretcher to the Hospital Mortuary, where his injuries were found to be very severe; there was a compound fracture of the right leg, both bones of the left leg were broken, two of the ribs on the left side were broken, and the base of the brain was fractured. All the appearances pointed to deceased having pitched on his head, as witness was informed by the Police. - Mr Bussell, Relieving Officer, said he was asked by MRS COLES on Friday evening as to her husband's state of mind: he had a talk with deceased, who seemed quite rational, but despondent. He said he had pains in his head, but witness did not consider that he was ill enough to put under restraint. - P.C. Abrahams said that just before 4 a.m. he was sent, with two other constables, to assist Mr McKey in getting deceased to safety. He was on a ledge of the cliff between the Granville Hotel and the Tunnels and they were unable to get hold of him. They used every effort to coax him back and he kept away from them, but said not a word. Everything they could do to prevent him falling was done, and witness could not get anywhere near him except with a rope round him. Deceased was in his stockinged feet, or he could not have climbed down where he was. Before they could possibly get hold of him, he jumped from the cliff and fell on his head. They went down to the beach and found him lying on his face; he was then breathing, but died on the way to the Hospital. - Mr Bussell, recalled, said that deceased was not at first considered insane enough to be certified as a lunatic. The daughter informed him (witness) that they had put a razor out of his way. When witness saw him last, late on the Saturday night, he would not say anything and tried to get out of the house, but witness prevented him. Assisted by a neighbour, he put a strap on deceased, and they had a severe struggle to hold him. Witness sent for Mr F. McKey and they tied deceased in blankets; he seemed quite exhausted. Arrangements were made to remove him to the asylum on Sunday and he was left in charge of Mr McKey. When witness saw him on the Saturday night, he was quite satisfied that he was insane and intended to do away with himself. - Frank McKey, assistant to the Sanitary Inspector of the Urban District Council, said he was sent for on Saturday night by Mr Bussell about 11.20 p.m., to 9 Cross Park, where he found Mr Bussell in charge of deceased, who was on the floor. They rolled him in two blankets and strapped him up, witness taking charge, as he had done in similar cases. He was quite capable of taking charge, single-handed. The room was very warm. After deceased had tried to swallow some milk, his wife came in and then they said good-night to each other. Witness then removed one of the blankets, and put several half-hitches around him, but left his arms free; this was about midnight. About 2.20 deceased roused up and then lay day. Witness told MRS COLES that he had left his pipe at home and she gave him a few cigarettes. He smoked one nearly out and put his head on his hand for a few minutes. At 2.30 he looked up and found that the cigarette end was still smoking, but deceased was not there. He went upstairs to call MRS COLES and then went to the door, finding it open. If he had not gone upstairs, he thought that he might have found deceased. Witness then reported the matter at the Police Station, and they made a search, having heard that deceased was often going up the road by the Granville. Witness saw deceased out on the point beyond the palings in the garden above there and with the Constables, tried their best to secure him, but failed, as deceased was watching them all the time. The coastguards tried to reach him with ropes, but it was hopeless and the man jumped out over the cliff as described by the Police. Witness had looked after many similar cases and had been about all the day long, without any preparation for a night watch. After the man had been strapped up, he seemed quite himself again, but was probably biding his time. - Mr Bussell said he should like to say that it was impossible for himself and the other men to save deceased, in the position where he had put himself. The deceased's fall was probably 80 to 100 feet. - The Coroner returned a verdict of "Suicide while insane" and said that no blame was to be attached to anyone. Great credit was due to P.C. Abrahams, his fellow officer and the coastguard, for their efforts to rescue the deceased.

North Devon Journal, Thursday 8 September 1921
BARNSTAPLE - Sad Death Of A Horwood Horseman. - FRANKLYN JOHN HANDFORD, aged 19, of East Barton, Horwood, and horseman in the employ of Messrs. Downing and sons, of Horwood, died in the North Devon Infirmary, Barnstaple, on Friday, under pathetic circumstances. - At the Inquest (before Mr B. T. James, Deputy Borough Coroner) on Saturday, G. H. Colwill, general labourer, stated that on July 26th, Mr Downing and five workmen, including deceased and himself, were engaged in loading a piece of engine gearing from the ground into a waggon, when HANDFORD slipped and the gearing fell, deceased's hand being caught between the gearing and the roadway. Two fingers were nearly cut off, being only held by a piece of skin. They promptly tied the hand up and motored HANDFORD to Barnstaple, which was reached in twenty minutes. Witness had seen his brother-in-law at the Infirmary once or twice a week since. On the first Sunday HANDFORD chatted with him, but not after tetanus set in. - Mr Joshua Downing, a member of the firm of Downing and Sons, also explained the accident. They were loading a wheel, about one cwt., when for some unknown reason HANDFORD slipped and fell forward, the wheel falling on and covering his arm with grease and cutting off the two fingers. Witness's sister tied up HANDFORD'S hand, and he then drove him to Dr Harper's surgery at Barnstaple. Here, Dr Shaw had the fingers dressed and witness took HANDFORD to the infirmary. Witness had seen HANDFORD several times since; HANDFORD had made no allusion to the accident. - Dr Owen Mackey, House Surgeon at the Infirmary, stated that HANDFORD was operated on shortly after admission, whilst an anti-septic was applied to the wounds. Matters went on very well for twelve days, when HANDFORD developed tetanus. Witness treated him with serum, and HANDFORD recovered about 21st August. As his general condition was very low (the usual result of tetanus), HANDFORD was treated and fed for the purpose of gaining strength. He went on all right for a few days, but about August 20th he had acute gastritis on account of not being able to take food. HANDFORD recovered from this, but on September 2nd developed pneumonia on the left side, death occurring about 7 p.m. The pneumonia was the result of the injuries to the hand. - The verdict was of Death from Pneumonia, from the effects of Injuries to the Right Hand Accidentally Sustained on July 26th.

BARNSTAPLE - MRS MARIA DENFORD, widow of MR THOS. DENFORD, died suddenly at Longstone Lodge, Barnstaple, yesterday, aged 77. At the Inquest last evening, a verdict of "Death from Natural Causes" was returned.

WOOLACOMBE - Bathing Fatality At Woolacombe. - A distressing bathing fatality occurred on Woolacombe Sands on Monday afternoon, when a gentleman visitor staying at the "Collingwood," Ilfracombe, unfortunately lost his life. It appears that MR SYDNEY FIELDUS, aged 29, of 30 Holnwood Road, Seven Kings, Essex, with other friends, including his fiancée, came over from Ilfracombe in the afternoon and entered the sea to bathe, when for some reason, MR FIELDUS - who was not a good swimmer - got into difficulties outside the breakers, and his friends were unable to rescue him and he was drowned. The body, after an hour or two was recovered by Mr T. Parker, jun., and under the superintendence of P.C. Hartnoll was conveyed to the Mortuary. - At the inquest yesterday, Mr G. W. F. Brown, County Coroner for North Devon, commended Edward R. Liddle and Ernest R. Broom, visitors from Langport, Somerset, for a gallant though unsuccessful attempt at rescue. The Coroner also criticised the inadequacy of the life-saving apparatus at Woolacombe Beach. The proprietor of twelve bathing machines said he had life-saving apparatus for the use of those who hired the machines or anyone else on the beach. At times, however, there were 260 bathing at the same time. The Coroner thought those who took revenue from the bathers using tents should do something to provided for the safety of the people from whom they took their revenue, and he must press to the full extent of his power that something be done. - A verdict of "Accidentally Drowned" was returned.

North Devon Journal, Thursday 15 September 1921
BIDEFORD - Bideford Tragedy. Sad Death Of MR T. N. HEARD. - A painful sensation was caused at Bideford on Friday by the news of the death under tragic circumstances of MR THOMAS N. HEARD, for several years hon. secretary of the Bideford Conservative Club. - MR THOMAS HEARD was one of three brothers in the firm of HEARD BROTHERS, LTD., automobile engineers of Bideford, and during the absence of his father and elder brother at Welcombe, on holiday, was occupying a bungalow alone at Westward Ho! He was at business on Thursday, nothing unusual being noticed in his demeanour and he left for Westward Ho! about eleven o'clock that night. - Mrs Vile, who had gone to the bungalow to do some housework, noticed that the door of the cellar was locked and a person's feet hanging in the air. She ran to get assistance and met Mr Wm. Bellew, dairyman, Northam, who cut down the body, which proved to be that of MR HEARD. Death had evidently taken place some hours previously. Deceased was 35 years of age and unmarried. He was the second son of MR A. W. HEARD, of Bideford. He served with the Royal Engineers during the War. - At the Inquest on Friday evening it appeared from the evidence of Dr Littlewood that deceased probably took his life soon after midnight. About 11.30 p.m. Mrs Way, a neighbour, saw him going home and he spoke to her. He appeared perfectly normal and spoke about going back to Bideford to live in October. - MR W. H. HEARD said his brother, who was 34, joined the Army in 1914 and served all through the War, and when he came out was in a very nervy state; he also grieved considerably over his mother's death, of which the 8th was the anniversary. He appeared to recover and had absolutely no financial or other worries. Witness saw him about 7 o'clock on Thursday evening in the garage at Bideford, when he said he was going to the pictures and witness found out afterwards that he did so. Deceased's intention was to spend a weekend at the bungalow and he had been down with a man cleaning up for that purpose. - Evidence as to finding the body was given by Mrs Vile and Gerald Hutchings. P.C. Uglow said a rope was tied to the railings on the verandah outside the back of the house, the railings being 10 ft. from the bottom of the steps. Deceased was about 6 ft. 3 ins, and must have been about 10 inches from the ground. A letter was found in a chest of drawers written by deceased. - Dr Littlewood said death was due to strangulation by hanging. The North Devon Coroner, Mr G. W. F. Brown, said it was one of those unaccountable cases of a man being apparently perfectly right and normal a few minutes before taking his life. The letter which he left showed he fully intended to take his life. He did not appear, from what his brother said, to have had any cause or worries or financial difficulties. The verdict must be one of "Suicide whilst insane." - Much sympathy is felt for MR HEARD, sen., and relatives who are held in high esteem in the town and district.

North Devon Journal, Thursday 22 September 1921
BIDEFORD - Bideford Fatality. - A verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned at the Inquest at Bideford on Saturday on FREDERICK WILLIAM MOYSE, the seven-year-old son of a labourer of Honestone-street. The evidence showed that MOYSE, who with others had been riding on the back of an oil motor van, was shouted to by Mrs E. Short to get off, because of the danger. The other children did so, and got clear, but deceased ran into the front wheel of a passing motor char-a-banc going in the opposite direction and being driven by Alfred Burfitt from Clovelly back to Ilfracombe. Burfitt said the accident was quite unavoidable and Mrs Short, as well as John Jeffery, the driver of a railway waggon which was following the oil van and who saw the accident, both quite agreed. The Coroner, Mr G. W. F. Brown, said the dangerous practice of riding behind vehicles was very prevalent among children, and it was a great wonder there were not more accidents. The drivers were given no chance, although they were generally blamed by the public if anything happened. He knew Burfitt as a careful driver, and, as the evidence showed, there was no blame attached to him whatever.

ILFRACOMBE - Mr G. W. F. Brown, North Devon Coroner, held an inquest at Ilfracombe, on Friday on the body of ARTHUR JONAS CLARK, draper, High-street, Portishead, aged 56, who was found dead in bed at a boarding-house in Greenclose-road. ARTHUR GEORGE CLARK said he and his father went to bed about 10.30. They slept in the same room and when witness woke the next morning he discovered that his father was dead. Dr Stevens, who made a post-mortem examination, said death was due to acute pneumonia. A verdict of "Death from Natural Causes" was returned.

North Devon Journal, Thursday 29 September 1921
SOUTH MOLTON - An Inquest relative to the death of MRS MARY HILL, widow, was conducted yesterday, at Station Villa, Southmolton, by Mr G. W. F. Brown, North Devon Coroner. Mary Cottey, servant in the employ of the deceased, stated that MRS HILL went to bed on Monday night apparently in her usual health. When she rose at 10.30 on Tuesday morning, deceased complained of feeling unwell, but she would not allow witness to send for the doctor. Witness stayed with deceased until 2 p.m., when MRS HILL said she would like to go to bed. Witness left her for about a quarter of an hour and when she returned found MRS HILL lying dead on the floor. - Dr Mortimer, of Southmolton, who made a post mortem examination, stated that deceased was suffering from congestion of the lungs, death in his opinion being due to syncope. - The Coroner returned a verdict of "Death from Natural Causes." [North Devon Journal, Thurs. 6 October 1921 - In the report of the Inquest last week on MRS MARY HILL, widow, who died suddenly on Sept. 27th, it should have been stated that the deceased lady did not get out of bed on the day of her death. She enjoyed her usual breakfast, had a little milk at 11 o'clock, and ate her dinner all right. The servant who had been in her employ for 13 years was in constant attendance and MRS HILL told her she could fetch the doctor later in the day if she did not feel any better although she did not think it would do her any good, as she had felt similarly on several occasions. The servant was only out of the room 15 minutes, and on her return thought her mistress was asleep, although she found she had passed away. The medical evidence showed that death was due to syncope. The deceased lady was held in high esteem in the town and district.]

NORTHAM - A verdict of "Death from Natural Causes" was returned by the North Devon Coroner, Mr G. W. F. Brown, at an Inquest at Riverside Cottage, Northam, on Tuesday, respecting the death of MRS REBECCA SMALE, wife of EDWARD SMALE, labourer. - Miss Heywood, Grenville-street, Bideford, stated that deceased was working for her on Monday and during the morning she complained of pains in her stomach. In the afternoon, as the pains grew worse, witness offered to send for a doctor, but deceased would not let her. Witness gave MRS SMALE some ginger tea and brandy and let her lie down on the bed and at 6.30 as deceased was feeling much better, witness sent her home to Northam in a motor car. - EDWARD SMALE, husband of the deceased, said his wife went to bed as soon as she got home, but complained of pains in her stomach all night, but when he offered to send for the doctor, she got into such a state that he did not think it advisable to leave her. However, about 4.30 a.m. he went to fetch a neighbour and when he returned he found his wife dead on the floor. - Dr Toye, who made a post-mortem examination, stated that deceased was suffering from a perforated ulcer in the stomach, which caused syncope, from which in his opinion death was due. Witness stated that if deceased had only agreed to have a doctor there would have been a hope of saving her life.

North Devon Journal, Thursday 6 October 1921
BRAUNTON - Braunton Tragedy. Sad Death Of Metropolitan Detective-Inspector. - There was a distressing tragedy at Braunton on Sunday when FREDERICK WEST, aged 51, divisional detective-inspector of the Metropolitan Police, who was on sick leave with his brother at Braunton, was found in the early morning shot through the chest with a revolver near by. - Deceased was on duty at Woolwich Arsenal during the air raids and received a severe shock to the nerves, which left him with insomnia. He might have retired from the force in January last, but remained on, and had been at Braunton for about six weeks suffering from sleeplessness, for which he was under medical treatment. - At an Inquest held by Mr G. W. F. Brown, deceased's brother, MR HENRY WEST, said three notes in deceased's handwriting were found in the house, one addressed to witness, one to Mr R. Jones, of Barnstaple, a friend, and another to deceased's wife. - The letter to witness was dated 6 a.m., that day and read:- "I wrote a portion of this yesterday. Have tried hard again tonight to sleep, but could not close my eyes. I have suffered to night what I cannot possibly stand another night. My head is getting worse and I am getting weaker and weaker. I have kept my suffering from you as much as I could. Do not think too hard of me. At Woolwich Arsenal I got a shock to my nerves, which I have never recovered from, and I suppose this is the result. Farewell, FRED." - I an addendum was written: "Please forgive me for the trouble and disgrace I am bringing on you. I have been in agonies all night. I cannot stand it any longer. There is only one thing staring me in the face - the asylum - if I continue. Break the news to Marie as tenderly as possible. - In the note to Mr Jones he asked him to break the news to his wife and said he was in agonies and had had no real sleep for the past four months. - In an affectionate letter to his wife he referred to her as having been one of the best wives in the world, and signed it "Your broken-hearted husband." Dr Traill said he had treated deceased for insomnia, and his mind must have been thoroughly deranged. Death was due to a gunshot wound in the chest. - The Coroner described it as one of the most pathetic cases he had had for a long time. It seemed from the letters that deceased had tried to give himself one more chance to see if he could sleep, but, passing a terrible night, rose early and shot himself. He expressed sympathy with his relatives and with MR WEST and his wife, who appeared to have been exceedingly kind to deceased. - A verdict of "Suicide whilst of Unsound Mind" was returned.

North Devon Journal, Thursday 13 October 1921
SOUTH MOLTON - Southmolton Suicide. - Mr George Brown, North Devon Coroner, held an Inquest at Shallowford, Southmolton, concerning the death of SIDNEY GREGORY, labourer, aged 50. - The evidence showed that on Sunday morning the deceased looked in at his niece's house, saying that he was going to his mother's, as was his custom, to water the plants, she being away from home. He then appeared quite usual. As deceased had not returned in the evening, BERT GREGORY, nephew, made enquiries and in an upstair room of the mother's house found his uncle in a sitting position at the foot of the bed quite dead, with a rope around his neck fastened to the end of the bed. He immediately cut the rope and sent for help. - Dr Mortimer said up to about six weeks ago he had attended deceased off and on for some time. Death was due to strangulation by hanging. - "Suicide" was the verdict returned.

MARIANSLEIGH - JOHN MILDON, of Barton Farm, Mariansleigh, was last week found by his sister lying dead in a barn with his throat cut, with a razor close by. At the Inquest the sister said the deceased had no troubles of any kind, and she had never known him threaten to take his life. A verdict of Suicide was returned.

BIDEFORD - Bideford Drowning Case. - The body of FREDERICK PHILLIPS, 23, hawker, of Allhalland-street, Bideford, was discovered on Saturday morning in the river Torridge, beside Bideford Quay, by Henry Drew, a stevedore. An Inquest was held by Mr G. W. F. Brown, Coroner, on Saturday evening. EDWARD PHILLIPS, brother of deceased, identified the body and said he saw him on Friday night about 10 o'clock in Mill-street speaking to someone. He could not see anything amiss. He had been drinking, but seemed rational. Witness spoke to him, but he did not answer. Deceased was not a big drinker, but liked a glass of beer. Witness did not know any reason why he should have gone on the Quay. - Chas. Way, haulier, said he met deceased on Friday night on the Quay at 10.10. He was sitting on a seat dozing. Witness spoke to him and advised him to go home. Deceased said he thought he would. Witness wished him "Good night," and went home. He did not think deceased was under the influence of drink. - Hy. Drew deposed to going to the Quay about 6 o'clock on Saturday morning. The tide was out and he saw the body of deceased lying on the mud, on its face and hands. He got someone to report the matter to the Police. - Dr Cecil Wilson said there was a mark under the chin on the left side of the jaw. Witness thought he might have received that in falling over the edge of the Quay. Death was due to drowning. - P.S. Broad said there was about 8 feet of water off the Quay at 10.30 and the total height to the top of the Quay was 20 feet. - P.C. Evans said that about 11.40 he heard someone vomiting on the Quay and he went to look around, but did not see anyone. - The Coroner said there was no evidence to show how deceased got over the Quay and the verdict would be "Accidental Death."

North Devon Journal, Thursday 27 October 1921
BIDEFORD - MARY ANN FROUDE, a widow, 81 years of age, was found lying dead on the floor at 24 Bridge Street, Bideford on Tuesday. It is presumed that she got up as usual, but fell down while putting a kettle on the gas. There was a mark on the forehead of such a blow as would be caused by a fall. Dr Wilson was called in, but MRS FROUDE had been dead some time when found. She had recently been medically attended. At the Inquest yesterday a verdict of Death from Natural Causes was returned.

North Devon Journal, Thursday 3 November 1921
BIDEFORD - A verdict of "Death from Natural Causes" was returned at an Inquest held by the North Devon Coroner, at Bideford, on Saturday evening, on MRS ELIZABETH MILES, aged 83, widow of a retired master baker and confectioner, who was found dead in her bedroom at 15 Park Lane. Dr C. Wilson said death was due to syncope following degeneration of the heart.

North Devon Journal, Thursday 10 November 1921
Ketch Wrecked Near Barnstaple Bar. Captain Loses His Life: Gallant Lifeboat Service. - In a strong westerly gale on Tuesday morning the ketch "Annie," captain and managing owner GEORGE MAY, bound from Lydney to Bideford with coal, was coming over Bideford Bar when she was driven ashore on the south tail. Most of her sails were carried away, and the vessel was swept by heavy seas. - The mishap was seen from Braunton lighthouse and Westward Ho! and in response to signals of distress the guns were fired for the lifeboat. Meanwhile the coastguard from Westward Ho! took their life-saving apparatus out to Northam Burrows, but were unable to get near enough to render assistance. The Appledore lifeboat "Jane Hannah Macdonald" was launched under the command of Coxswain George Craneer, and in the teeth of the gale got to the vessel with great difficulty. - By this time CAPT. MAY had been swept overboard and the two other members of the crew, H. B. Lindscott, Highfield Terrace, Bideford, and R. F. Donell, High Street, Bideford, got into the rigging and hung on. They were clinging to this in a very exhausted condition when they were taken off by the lifeboat and brought into Appledore, where they received every attention. - Their rescue was effected only just in time to save their lives. Donell quickly recovered, but it was some time before Linscott was out of danger from collapse and exposure. They were brought ashore about 9 a.m. and about just the same time the body of the captain was washed ashore at Northam Burrows, P.C. Uglow wading out and bringing it in. Life was apparently extinct and Nurse Johns and other helpers were soon in attendance and rendered artificial respiration methods until Dr Francis's arrival, when he announced that the captain was dead. The body was then removed to Northam mortuary to await an Inquest. - The deceased captain was a native of Westleigh, about 51 years of age, and lived at Higher Denistowe, Bideford. He leaves a widow but no family. - Part of the boat of the "Annie" was washed ashore at Northam Burrows and the ketch will probably become a total loss. No praise can be too high for the efforts of the lifeboat men, who worked like heroes under trying conditions in going to the rescue, the wind and terrific seas being dead against them. - At the Inquest held yesterday before Mr G. W. F. Brown, North Devon Coroner, evidence was given by Samuel R. Daniel, seaman of Bideford (who said he was on board the ketch with CAPT. MAY and the mate, Harry Linscott), Coastguardsman Payne and Dr Francis (who attributed death to shock and exposure rather than to drowning). - The Coroner said he happened to see the lifeboat go out from across the river at Instow. It was exactly 7.25 when the signals went up calling it, and by 7.35 he saw her under weigh on her way out. He thought the way they got out and proceeded to the wreck against the gale and tide was very smart. It was an extraordinary thing how they got there so well. He was thankful to say they were able to save the other two men by throwing a line and hauling them aboard and he was sure they were all very grateful to the lifeboatmen for their services in being able to rescue the two men. Unfortunately the deceased was washed overboard before they came. The verdict was one of Accidental Death. He thought everything was done that was possible to save the lives of all the men who were on board.

North Devon Journal, Thursday 17 November 1921
ILFRACOMBE - An Inquest was held at the Tyrrell Cottage Hospital on Thursday touching the death of MISS SARAH HARRIS, aged 71, domestic servant in the employ of Mrs Cottingham, 19 Hillsborough Terrace. - The deceased had been in the service of the family for over 20 years, and was much esteemed. It was stated at the Inquest that she had been unwell for a few weeks, complaining occasionally of pains in her stomach. Early on Wednesday morning she was discovered in her bedroom in great pain. Mrs Cottingham took her a cup of tea, which she drank, but she died before the arrival of Dr Osborne, who was sent for. - Dr Osborne, who had made a post mortem examination, said death was due to malignant disease and perforation of the large intestine. He found a perforating ulcer and the abdominal cavity was full of faecal fluid, this causing almost sudden death. - The Coroner, Mr G. W. F. Brown, returned a verdict of "Death from Natural Causes."

North Devon Journal, Thursday 1 December 1921
GEORGEHAM - Braunton Labourer's Sad Death. Body Found Under Baggy Point. - WILLIAM LEWIS, labourer, left his home at Braunton for work on Tuesday in last week and nothing more was heard of him until Sunday, when his lifeless body was found on the shore under Baggy Cliffs. Aged fifty, MR LEWIS was well-known in the Goodleigh district, where until recently he resided for many years, working for different farmers. The greatest sympathy is expressed for the widow in her bereavement. - At the Inquest conducted by Mr G. W. F. Brown, County Coroner for North Devon, on Monday, EDITH LEWIS, widow, stated she last saw her husband alive on the 22nd inst., when he left in the morning to go to work with Mr Perryman, a farmer. He seemed quite normal and took his dinner with him. He did not come back that night and she had not seen him since. She knew no reason why he should have gone off in the way he did. - GEORGE ARTHUR LEWIS, brother, gave evidence of identification. - P.C. Stevens, of Georgeham, stated on Sunday afternoon he was informed there was a body lying on the shore, under Baggy Cliffs. Owing to the tide being out and darkness setting in, it was impossible to descend the very dangerous cliffs until 7 o'clock the next morning. Then, with help, the body was got up the cliffs and brought to the Mortuary . The only clothing on the body was a portion of his trousers, a pair of green socks and nailed boots. - Dr Trail, of Braunton, stated he had made a post mortem examination of the body, and in his opinion death was due to fracture of the neck, fracture of the thigh and several wounds about the head, which might have been caused after death, as in his (Dr Trail's) opinion the man had been dead four or five days. - The Coroner returned a verdict that "Deceased was found on the sea shore at Baggy on the 27th November, and there were no facts to show how he got there." [North Devon Journal, Thursday 8 Dec. 1921 - The funeral of WILLIAM LEWIS, the Inquest on whom was reported in our last issue, took place on Friday last in Georgeham Churchyard, the Rev. J. H. Prince, Vicar of Braunton, officiating. The chief mourners were:- Mrs Lewis (widow), John and Eva (son and daughter), Messrs. James and Arthur G. Lewis (brothers), H. Lewis (nephew), Mrs Parsley, Mrs N. Lewis (sisters-in-law). Others present included Messrs. Westcott, Incledon, Budd, Stephens. Mr Budd, undertaker, carried out the funeral arrangements. Wreaths included those from:- The widow and family (In loving memory of a dear husband and loving father) - "Gone, but not forgotten"; In fond and loving memory of our dear brother, from George, Nellie and family; In ever-loving memory, from Mr and Mrs Incledon; In ever-loving memory from Beatie, Flo and Annie.]

North Devon Journal, Thursday 29 December 1921
LYNTON - Lynmouth Tragedy. Verdict of "Found Drowned." - A sensation was caused at Lynmouth on Wednesday when it became known that HARRY REED, aged 28, who acted as assistant to Mrs Jeffery, fishmonger, was missing. - It appears that deceased left his work at dinner time, but as he did not return at his usual hour inquiries were made, and his father said deceased had not been home. It was also elicited that deceased called at the Queen's Hotel, where he had a drink, and was last seen going in the direction of the Cliff Walk. - A search party was instituted and deceased's body was found in the breakers at Ringcliffe, near the famous Castle Rocks. The sea was very rough, but the body was recovered by Messrs. Tarrant and Slee and taken to the Mortuary. - Mr G. W. F. Brown, North Devon Coroner, held an Inquest at Lynton Town Hall on Friday on the body of HARRY REED, 28, fishmonger's assistant and son of MR H. REED of 3 Orchard-terrace, Lynton. - The father said his son lived with him. He last saw him alive on Tuesday morning at 7.15 when, as usual, he took up a cup of tea. He seemed in his usual health and went to work as he always had done. His son had been keeping company with a young woman for some nine or ten years, formerly of Brendon, now living near Southmolton. He had heard a rumour that they were to be married on Saturday, but his son had never mentioned it to him, nor did he know of any preparations made. - Mrs Jeffery, employer of the deceased, deposed that he was at work as customary on Tuesday and left for dinner at 1 o'clock. As he did not return at two, she sent after him, but found he had not been home at all. He had told her he was to be married, first in November, but then the date was altered to December. He alluded to his marriage very little. He had worked for her for 16 years. - Mr W. H. Dyke, Queen's Hotel, Lynton, said deceased called there at 1.10, had a pint of stout, stayed about five minutes and left. He was perfectly sober, but witness had never seen him so depressed before. - Mr Tarrant deposed to seeing the body, for which he and others were searching, in the water off Wringcliff. They hauled it out with a stick. The coat was lying on the rock. The place was easy of access by a path down the cliff. - Dr Falkner deposed that the body bore only slight injuries, such as cuts on the face and head, caused by the washing about among the rocks. In his opinion death was due to drowning. - The Coroner said the case seemed inexplicable - it looked as if the marriage was to take place the following day (Saturday). There was in a letter from the girl received from Northmolton a request for him to state the time of his arrival. It was impossible to say what had happened. His verdict would be "Found Drowned." - The funeral of MR HARRY REED took place on Saturday at the Lynton Churchyard Extension, the Rev. J. H. Sandford (Vicar) officiating. The distressing occurrence has called forth the sympathy of everyone for the bereaved father and relatives, and there were a great many of the general public present. - The family mourners were MR H. REED (father), Mr Alf Reed (brother), Nellie (sister), Mr and Mrs G. Lang (Ashton, uncle and aunt), Mr B. Palmer and Mrs Palmer (Dewcombe, uncle and aunt), and Mr G. S. Richards. There was a large attendance of sympathising friends. Wreaths and crosses were sent: In loving memory, deep sympathy, deep regret, from father, sister, brothers, aunt and sisters-in-law; Aunt Murrie and Uncle George; Aunt Lena and Uncle Bert; Jennifred; All at Sea View; Mr and Mrs G. Delbridge; Mrs Jeffery ("of a faithful servant"); M. Wayburn and E. Granville; Mr and Mrs Potter; Mr and Mrs Dyke; "An old neighbour"; No. 2, Orchard Terrace; Lynton and Lynmouth Branch, British Legion; Mrs White, Zephyr Cottage; Albert Ley; Lt.-Col. and Mrs W. E. White and Miss White; "A Friend"; Mr Cecil Bevan.