Inquests Taken Into Suspicious Or Unexplained Deaths

For the County of Devon

Articles taken from the Exeter and Plymouth Gazette

[printed in Exeter.]

1835 - 1836

Transcribed by Lindsey Withers

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

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

Names Included:-  Alford; Algar; Ashley; Axford; Bastin; Bater; Bent; Berry; Blatchford; Bowden; Buckingham(2); Bursdey; Carter; Clogg; Collard; Cowley; Crocker; Crook; Croote; Cudmore; Curwood; Doidge; Dovell; Downey; Eastman; Edwards; Elson; Endicott; Finley; Frost; Gillard; Glogue; Gollop; Goodgroom; Graddon; Harris; Harriss; Havill; Heathcote; Hepper; Hill; Honey; Hooper; Hosgood; Humphreys; Hunt; Hurard; Huxtable; Imeson; James; Joll; Kingdon Lamprey; Lethaby; Lloyd; Long; Luxton; Manning; Marshall; May; Maynard; Mildrum; Newcombe; Norman; Oliver; Osborn; Parkman; Parsons; Pasmore; Perkins; Price; Pullin; Rhind; Richards; Roberts; Rundell; Rundle; Saltern; Sanders; Savage; Sclater; Searle; Segrave; Sheppard; Smale(2); Smith(2); Sweet; Symons; Taylor; Thomas; Thoms; Tiller; Townsend; Warren; Watson; Way; Webber; Webster; Weeks; Western; Williamson; Wills; Wynn.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Saturday 31 January 1835
BUCKLAND MONACHORUM - Inquest At Horrabridge. - Early in the month of July last, as will be recollected by many of our readers, a considerable degree of consternation prevailed in the neighbourhood of Horrabridge, in consequence of the sudden disappearance of MR RICHARD MAYNARD, who for many years had held a highly confidential situation under Messrs. Gill and Co., the extensive woollen manufacturers. A reward of £100 was at the time offered for his apprehension, it having been discovered that he was a defaulter to a very large amount; and no endeavours were omitted to trace him, but without effect. Nothing had been heard of him since, till Wednesday week, when a man named Anthony Kemp, who, with others, was out rabbiting in Walkham Hill Wood, in the parish of Stampford Spiney, about three quarters of a mile from Horrabridge, first found a shoe, then a coat and afterwards a waistcoat; searching the pocket of the coat, a book with a quantity of papers, a silver snuff-box and a tooth-pick, were found. - Kemp and his companions, on looking into the book, found the name of MR MAYNARD written in it. They then made a further search and found a skull, a jaw bone, a hat and a silk handkerchief, which they took to the factory and made an alarm; they then returned with other persons, to the wood, and several other bones, a razor partly open, a silver hunting-watch with a chain and two seals, a purse with 13 sovereigns and a gold coin of East India currency, &c., and a two-bladed knife. The articles were proved to have been the property of MAYNARD, who, it is believed, died by his own hand. On Saturday morning an Inquest was taken at Horrabridge, before A. B. Bone, Esq., the Coroner, and a respectable Jury, upon the remains, which consisted of a mere heap of loose bones, when, the witnesses having been examined, the Jury returned a verdict to the following effect:- "That they believed the remains to be those of RICHARD MAYNARD, who was found dead, but by what mans he came by his death sufficient evidence did not appear."

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Saturday 21 March 1835
ASHREIGNEY - Supposed Case Of Poisoning And Self Destruction. - An Inquest was held at Rings Ash in this County, on Monday, the 9th instant, before H. A. Vallack, Esq., Coroner, on the body of JOHN SMITH CUDMORE, the illegitimate son of GRACE CUDMORE. It appeared in evidence that the boy had eaten his supper and gone to bed as usual, on Wednesday the 4th instant; the next morning at three o'clock he asked for water and died at nine o'clock on Thursday morning the 5th. The Rev. Hunt, the minister, was requested to inter the body on Saturday, but in consequence of reports that were prevalent, he declined doing so without an Inquest. - Mr Roger Kingdon, Surgeon, of Great Torrington, deposed that he had carefully examined the body of deceased and that there were no marks of violence on the body externally; he examined the abdomen and the viscera generally appeared in a natural state; but on opening the stomach there were appearances which made him suppose that some irritant had been administered. Mr W. Luxton, Surgeon, of Chulmleigh and Mr J. Cock, Surgeon, of High Bickington, corroborated the testimony of Mr Kingdon. The Surgeons each took a portion of the contents of the stomach to analyze and the Inquest was adjourned to Thursday the 12th. There was nothing in the evidence to lay suspicion on any particular person; but on Wednesday GRACE CUDMORE, the mother, was found drowned very near her own house. At the adjourned Inquest Mr Kingdon, the Parish Surgeon, stated that he had carefully analyzed the contents of the stomach and that he had been unable to detect arsenic or any other mineral poison; a vegetable poison might exist, but in his opinion any tests for such, after so long a time had elapsed since deceased's death, were uncertain. - Mr Luxton and Mr Cock had also carefully analyzed the contents of the stomach, and agreed with Mr Kingdon. No decided evidence appearing that the boy was poisoned, the Jury returned a verdict of "Found Dead." - On Tuesday an Inquest was held on GRACE CUDMORE, the mother, and after an examination of witnesses and the Jury being locked up five hours, a verdict of "Found Drowned" was returned.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Saturday 28 March 1835
EAST STONEHOUSE - JANE WEEKS was indicted on the Coroner's Inquest for the murder of a new-born male child, in the parish of East Stonehouse, in July last. Mr Tyrrell on the part of the prosecution said he had looked through the depositions and the evidence offered no probability of her being convicted either of the murder of the child or the concealment of the birth. The Grand Jury had ignored the bill. His Lordship therefore directed an acquittal and expressed his surprise at her being committed for trial on the evidence offered before the Coroner.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Saturday 4 April 1835
EXETER - Melancholy Sudden Death. - On Saturday morning last, at an early hour, MR WM. MANNING, of Gandy-street, in this City, well known and respected as an active waiter and dealer in game, on going up stairs fell, and received such injury in his neck, that he lingered till Sunday afternoon, when he expired, leaving a widow and five children to lament his loss. On Monday an Inquest was held on the body, before S. Walkey, Esq., Coroner, at Roach's Bull Inn, Goldsmith-street. The principal witness was Mr Edwin Williams, Surgeon, Paul-street, who deposed that he was sent for about half-past seven on the morning of Saturday last, to visit the deceased. He found him in bed in a state of collapse. He enquired of him how he had been taken; to which he made no reply, but shook his head. He then enquired if he was suffering from pain in his head; still he made no answer, but again shook his head. Witness then requested that he would put out his hand in order that he might feel his pulse; but seeing that he appeared unable to do so, he took hold of his arm, and found the pulsation scarcely perceptible. It immediately occurred to him from the paralysis of the upper and lower extremities, that some injury must have been done to the spinal cord of the neck; and on examining it, deceased appeared to be in great pain about the fourth cervical vertebra. He then left him, and in about an hour visited him again, when he found him able to speak. Deceased then told him that on the preceding day he had been attending as waiter at a gentleman's house in this City, from whence he had returned home about three o'clock that morning; he placed his hat and gloves on the table in the kitchen, and was about to go up stairs, when he became giddy, fell down and had no recollection of what afterwards occurred, until he found himself in bed. Deceased complained of great pain at the part of the neck where, when speechless, he had appeared to be so sensibly affected, and witness requested the attendance of Mr Barnes and Mr Arscott, to see him; who, after examining him, were of opinion with himself, that he could not recover, as he was evidently labouring under symptoms of pressure on the spinal cord in the neck. He lingered from that time, labouring under acute pain at the part already spoken of, - but the whole body otherwise palsied, yet perfectly sensible, until three o'clock on Sunday afternoon, when he expired. - During the proceedings of the Inquest, the post mortem examination was going on, the result of which, we understand, fully confirmed the opinion given by Mr Williams, and concurred in by the other medical gentlemen, as to the cause of MR MANNING'S death, - namely, a fracture of the body of the fourth cervical vertebra, and hence the paralysis of every part of the body which derived its nerves from the spinal cord below that point. The Coroner summed up and the Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death."

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Saturday 11 April 1835
CHITTLEHAMPTON - An Inquest was held on Monday, at Chittlehampton, by T. Copner, Esq., Coroner, on the body of an aged man, named JAMES EASTMAN, who died suddenly the preceding day. - Verdict: "Died by the Visitation of God."

EXETER - On Sunday last, the body of ISAAC KINGDON, the young man drowned in the river Exe, by the upsetting of a boat, as stated by us a few weeks since, was found near the lime Kilns, St Leonard's. An Inquest was taken on Tuesday before James Partridge, Esq., one of the coroners for Devon, and a verdict of Accidental Death returned.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Saturday 18 April 1835
EXETER ST SIDWELL - Awful Suicide By Poison. - On Tuesday afternoon much excitement prevailed in St Sidwells, in consequence of the premature death of a young woman, named SARAH SMITH, daughter of one of the superannuated Mail Guards of this City, who, it was understood, had poisoned herself. The deceased lived as a servant with Mr Bucknole, spirit-dealer, in Paris-street, and on Monday evening went out without her mistress's leave, leaving the door open and on her return she received warning to quit her situation. She remained in the house for the night and got up the next morning as usual, to her work; about half-past eight o'clock she was taken suddenly ill, and went to her mother's, in St. Sidwell's, when she told her mother she was about to die, and asked to see her sisters; her mother being greatly alarmed, interrogated her as to what was the matter, when, after a short time, on getting worse and being apparently in great agony, she confessed to her that she had taken some arsenic in a cup of cider; she said she found the arsenic in the cupboard, where her mistress kept it for the purpose of killing rats. Mr Land, Surgeon, of St. Sidwell's, was then sent for, (about two hours after the deceased had taken the poison); he immediately attended, administered the usual antidotes, and by the aid of the stomach-pump, cleared the organs of digestion several times of their contents; but the deadly substance had been too long in the stomach, and had taken such effect on the vitals of the system, as to render every effort of medical skill and science unavailing. Dr Shapter was subsequently called in, but the case of the patient was beyond the reach of the healing art. The deceased lingered till four o'clock in the afternoon of the same day, when death terminated her sufferings. - The Inquest. - On Wednesday morning, an Inquest was held before Samuel Walkey, Esq., Coroner, and a respectable Jury, on the body of the deceased, when, the Coroner and Jury having viewed the same, the following depositions were taken: - Mrs Bucknole, - I reside at No. 4 Paris-street, and keep a spirit shop; deceased lived in my service three weeks only, as maid of all-work; she had conducted herself right while she was in my service, excepting the last night; her general deportment was that of a person in her right senses; she did not show any symptoms of incorrectness of mind; she was of a very mild good temper, and never showed any symptoms of passion; on Monday last she went from my house between the hours of eight and nine o'clock, without my knowledge or leave, and left open the front private door; she did not return again till half-past ten; I do not permit my servants to stay out till such hours, and deceased never did so before; I went downstairs and asked her how she could act so wrong as to go out and leave open the front door; she made no answer, and I told her that without I could put dependence in persons they were no use to me, and said if she did not alter, I should not think of keeping her after the month was up; she made no reply whatever, and I said nothing more to her, but went upstairs and have not seen her since, as she left in the morning before I came down. There was something of a poisonous nature in the house at the time; it was arsenic, which was bought for rats, about four months since; we were then much infested with rats; the arsenic was bought at Mr Pearce's, and was four pennyworth; there was a label on it, marked 'poison'; it was kept in a cupboard which was generally locked; on Tuesday morning, in consequence of deceased's mother coming to my house and saying she was afraid her daughter had taken something to kill herself, I examined the cupboard and found that the paper with the arsenic was gone; I then examined a tea-cup which was left in the back kitchen, and found a white powder in the bottom of it, with which I was told cider had been mixed; the deceased could read and write; I do not consider the deceased was a sufficient servant for me, and I should not have kept her if this circumstance had not happened. - Mr Land produced a packet, in which were papers containing arsenic; on a label there was a death's-head and cross-bones, and "poison." - [The Coroner here said that he could not pass over this part of the evidence without expressing his opinion of the great and serious impropriety of persons keeping poison in their houses; no doubt it had been an oversight in Mrs Bucknole, but it was highly dangerous and reprehensible for families to permit poison to be on their premises at all; if it was purchased for the purpose of killing rats, it ought to be used at once, and no part of it kept; he hoped this case would be a caution to all persons against the practice of permitting poisons to remain in their premises.] - MARY SMITH - I am mother of the deceased; she came home to me on Tuesday morning, before nine o'clock; I did not expect her home at that time; I said, "SARAH, what do you want?" She said, "Mother, where is JANE?" which was her eldest sister; I said, "She's not home;" deceased then said "Oh, mother, mother, I am very ill." I said, "What is the matter?" and she cried aloud; she then turned sick, on which I said, "SARAH, what is the matter? Tell me I pray you." - She replied, "I shall lose my place." I asked her what for, and she said she was out last evening and staid a little while, and on her return her mistress said it would not do for her, and then she dreaded the thoughts of coming home. I then said "What have you done?" on which she put her hand to her stomach, and said "I must die, mother." I again begged and entreated her to tell me what she had done, on which she walked upstairs as well as she could with my assistance, and I again begged her to tell me what she had done; she said, "My dear mother, if I must tell you, I have taken arsenic, on account I thought I should lose my place, and I dreaded coming home, as father's family is so large." She then lay on the bed and said "The Lord have mercy upon me, my dear mother, I must die!"" and requested me to seek her sisters, she did not desire to have any medical assistance. I then went to Mr Land, who came to her assistance immediately; she had lived in service two years at one place before she went with Mrs Bucknole; my deceased daughter was eighteen years of age; she had nothing on her mind that I know of; she was a very dutiful child, at times quick of temper, but soon to be pacified; sometimes I found her crying by herself, when she was home out of place, and on asking her what was the matter, she would say "Oh, I wish I was in a good place - what shall I do here?" she would sometimes go away upstairs and stay by herself for an hour or two, and then come down bewildered like; she was low-spirited when out of place. - Rebecca Lake. - This witness, a neighbour, was called by the mother of the deceased on Tuesday morning and immediately went to see her. The witness corroborated the statement of the mother as to the state of the deceased and what she said before her death. She also deposed that deceased was passionate at times and would quarrel with her sisters; she was frequently out of place and often said she was unlucky in her situations. I heard her say to Mr Land that she had taken arsenic in cider, in her master's house. I have known her four years, and never saw anything in her conversation or language to make me think she was not in her right senses. - Susan Arundell, who was the first neighbour called in, corroborated the last witness; and further stated that deceased said she had taken poison, and had more of it in her pocket; deceased said she did it because she was afraid to come home, as her father would be in a passion with her; the father was rather passionate, but a good father, and the children did not, as she considered, strive for themselves as they ought to do. - Mr Land, Surgeon, examined. - I was called on Tuesday morning, about 10 o'clock, by the mother of the deceased; my first inquiry of the mother was, what was the matter? she informed me her daughter had taken poison, and she believed it to be arsenic; I immediately went to my surgery and took the necessary medicines, and also took my pupil with me with the stomach-pump. I gave the deceased a powerful white vitriol emetic, and as it did not cleanse the stomach as I thought sufficiently, I repeated the dose in about 15 minutes; as I did not consider there was fluid enough in the stomach, I injected warm water till the stomach was very tense, and after withdrawing the tube of the pump, deceased vomited with great violence; I continued to pump out the stomach for some time. I then, according to the most eminent authorities, permitted the stomach to collapse, after which I again gave a dose of white vitriol stronger than before; the deceased vomited, and discharged from the stomach a quantity of white mucus, having a powder apparently mixed with it; I cannot say that the powder was arsenic, but I examined it between my finger and thumb, and found it to be gritty, like arsenic; it appeared a substance exactly similar to the powder in the bottom of the tea-cup; I kept up the vomiting and administered salt and water in large quantities; I asked deceased what she had taken and she said she had taken arsenic, and that she had more in her pocket; deceased said she had taken a teaspoonful of the poison. I took possession of the packet, which was found under a bed in another part of the room; the one I have produced is the same; there was a white powder in it in a paper, and there was a label with it, on which was engraved a death's-head and cross-bones, and the word 'poison;' the label now on the table, I believe to be the same. The powder in the paper was about 10 or 15 grains; when I came to the deceased, I should suppose the poison had destroyed the coat of the stomach, and with it the nervous action; deceased said she had taken the poison in cider, at Mrs Bucknole's, and that she took it out of the cupboard in her mistress's house; about eleven o'clock deceased appeared to be better, but was in a stupor, and I thought it advisable to call in other medical aid; I then sent for Dr Shapter; I preserved the contents of the stomach, and afterwards sent it to Dr Shapter. Deceased died about 4 o'clock; five grains of arsenic will sometimes act so as to produce death; individuals are more or less susceptible of the action of poison, but a teaspoonful would most certainly kill anyone. - Dr Thomas Shapter. - About eight o'clock last evening I received some fluid in a bottle, from Mr Land; there was no message with it, but I was aware what it was, having seen the deceased during the day, by Mr Land's request; the treatment made use of by Mr Land was very proper; I examined the contents of the stomach by the usual tests, and found that it contained arsenic; I analysed some of the white powder in the packet produced by Mr Land, and also found that to be arsenic, which is a deadly poison. - The Coroner considered the evidence to be so clear, as to poison having been taken, and death being produced from that cause, that it was quite unnecessary for him to order a post mortem examination of the body; in which the Jury concurred. He then summed up the evidence minutely, observing that there could be no question as to the deceased having taken poison, which caused her death; the only question was, whether the deceased took the poison being in an unsound state of mind; he could not see from anything which had come out in evidence that there were good grounds for such a supposition, and if the Jury could not make up their minds that such was the case, whatever their feelings might be, they were bound to discharge their duty, by returning a verdict according to the oath they had taken; if, on the contrary, they thought her mind had been so worked up by fear of losing her place, as to produce derangement, then their verdict would be to that effect. - The Jury, after a short deliberation, returned a verdict - "That the deceased, SARAH SMITH, came by her death by taking a deadly poison, called arsenic, while labouring under Temporary Insanity." - A post mortem examination of the body was afterwards performed by Dr Shapter and Mr Land, in the presence of other medical gentlemen, but we understand nothing of importance to the public was developed in the course of the examination.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Saturday 25 April 1835
EXETER - Fatal Accident. - On Saturday morning last, as MR SAMUEL SMALE, the Newton and Dartmouth carrier, was coming over Haldon-hill, with his waggon and horses, one of the horses stumbled, which occasioned the reins to fall from his hand, and in endeavouring to regain it, he fell over the cart on his head, by which his skull was fractured, a concussion of the brain was the consequence; and he was taken to the Devon and Exeter Hospital, in a state of considerable suffering, the blood flowing from his ears. Every attention was paid to his case, but he lingered till evening, when he died. An Inquest was held on the body at the Valiant Soldier Inn, on Monday, by S. Walkey, Esq., Coroner, when, after due Inquiry into the circumstances, the Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death."

BARNSTAPLE - Melancholy Occurrence. - On Monday last, an Inquest was held at the Fortescue Arms, Barnstaple, by Alderman Copner, Coroner for the Borough, on the body of J. D. FROST, a mercantile traveller, who arrived at the above inn, the receding evening from Launceston, by the 'Nimrod,' Plymouth coach, in a state of great exhaustion, where he was almost immediately put to bed and medical aid was called into his assistance, but in vain, for in about an hour after he died. By the direction of the Coroner the body was opened, when it was discovered that the liver was wholly consumed by disease and which was the cause of his death. The verdict of the Jury was, "Divine Visitation." - It is a melancholy circumstance, that the elder brother of this young gentleman, who preceded him as the representative of his father, MR FROST, a very respectable factor of Birmingham, died when on his western journey, at Bideford, about three years ago. The remains of the above were interred on Wednesday by the side of those of his late brother, at Bideford.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Saturday 9 May 1835
COLYTON - Fatal Accident. - On Friday last a respectable young farmer named CROOK, of Colyton, was returning from the Nomination on a spirited horse, and when near Farringhead, was thrown off, and received such severe fractures in his head, that he died soon afterwards. He was a steady young man, much respected, and conducted a large farming business for his mother, whose loss, by this melancholy event, is most severely felt. Verdict, on the Inquest, "Accidental Death."

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Saturday 30 May 1835
EXETER - Awful Suicide. - On Sunday evening last a melancholy case of self-destruction took place at the Windmill Inn, Holloway-street, in this City. A young man, named THOMAS WILLS, - who had been living in the house for some time past, and paid attention to one of the daughters of the landlady, - a little before nine o'clock left the house and went into the skittle-alley, where he shot himself immediately afterwards. On the report of the gun being heard, Mary Field, one of the daughters, went out to see whether there was anyone there firing at the pigeons; but on going into the skittle-alley, she saw WILLS lying on the ground, quite dead, with a large would on his left side. The gun was close to the body, fixed between the branches of a tree, and a stick lay by the side of it, with which there is no doubt he forced the trigger, having previously fixed the muzzle against his breast. The charge went through his heart and killed him instantaneously. An Inquest was held on the body on Monday, at the Valiant Soldier Inn, before S. Walkey, Esq., Coroner, when it appeared by the witnesses examined, that the deceased, (who had from his childhood been intimate with Mrs Field's family at the Windmill), in consequence of some quarrel with his mother, went to the public-house to reside, as an acquaintance, where he assisted in the business, but received no remuneration for his services. It appeared that he had been placed to two or three trades, but from his unsteady habits and disinclination for work, would not continue to follow either of them. An attachment had been formed between him and the landlady's second daughter, Elizabeth, but which had been disapproved of on the part of the mother, on account of the deceased not following his business, for the purpose of gaining his livelihood in a respectable way. It appeared, also, on his proposing marriage about twelve months since, she refused, observing that she could not think of throwing herself away, and that she would not consent, unless he followed his trade, that they might have some prospect of living; she afterwards sent to London, by her mother, in order to break off the connection; and the deceased followed her, but did not see her there, being sent back again the day after his arrival in town. She remained in London seven months and then came back again, the deceased still living at her mother's house, when the intimacy was continued; but the deceased had not since offered her marriage, or said anything to her on that subject; she is in her twentieth year and the deceased was in his twenty-first year. They had no quarrel on Sunday, or on any recent occasion; but the deceased had been told by the mother that if he did not alter, he could not be permitted to remain in the house; he appeared to take no notice of this, and went on much as usual. About a year and half ago, however, he had threatened to destroy himself, and made an attempt on his lie by suspending himself with a handkerchief in the malt-house, but the handkerchief broke and he did not then repeat the attempt. He had been low-spirited and dejected for a long time and particularly for the last two months, but on Sunday evening he was particularly cheerful just before the tragic event occurred, having tapped Elizabeth on the shoulder with some pipes and made some pleasant observations to her; she had scarcely lost sight of him a minute, before she heard the report of a gun, and the distressing result was soon made known. The Jury returned a verdict, that the deceased Shot Himself when labouring under Insanity. It appears that the deceased was entitled to £800 left in trust for him by his father.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Saturday 13 June 1835
BARNSTAPLE - Melancholy Occurrence. - On Tuesday morning, about five o'clock, a young gentleman, 27 years of age, eldest son of THOMAS HEATHCOTE, ESQ., proprietor of the Rawleigh Lace Factory, went to bathe in the river near the Black Rock, on the Tawstock bank, and when in the water he swam down the river, but as he approached the bridge he was noticed by some persons on the lime kiln to be in distress, and they heard him call aloud for assistance, but no help could possibly be afforded him, and they saw him sink in the middle of the river. When the tide receded the body was found near the place where it was seen to go down, but any attempt to procure resuscitation must have been utterly useless, as the body had been in the water nearly two hours. - A Coroner's Inquest was held on the body soon after it was taken out of the water and a verdict returned of "Accidental Death."

NORTH DEVON - An Inquest was held by T. Copner, Esq., Coroner, on Monday last, on the body of a child, called WILLIAM COWLEY, aged five years, who accidentally fell into a well of water, five feet deep, the preceding day and was drowned. - Verdict, - "Found Drowned."

MARYSTOWE - Fatal Accident. - An Inquest was held on Saturday, at Marystowe, on the body of SAMUEL DOIDGE, of Milton Abbot. The deceased had been for many years a servant to Mr Edgcumbe, of Edgcumbe, near Milton; and was riding in company with his brother on Wednesday afternoon, when in descending a steep hill, his horse stumbled and fell. The deceased was thrown to the ground without receiving material injury, but before he had time to rise, the horse rolled over his stomach, and so bruised him as to occasion his death within a few hours. - Verdict - "Accidental Death."

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Saturday 20 June 1835
EXETER - On Monday, a youth named TAYLOR (son of MR TAYLOR, one of the Mayor's Sergeants) who was bathing above Sandy Point, was suddenly seized, as it supposed, with the cramp, and sunk to rise no more. He was dived for by some boys, but was not taken out of the river for more than an hour when the body was conveyed to the Humane Society's Reception-house, Farrant's Red Cow Inn. An Inquest was held on the body, on Tuesday, when a verdict of Accidental Death was returned.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Saturday 27 June 1835
TIVERTON - Fatal Accident. - An Inquest was held yesterday (Thursday) by James Partridge, Esq., Coroner, on the body of JANE RICHARDS, of East Mare, near Tiverton, aged 64, and very deaf, found dead in the public road, near Chevythorne, having been rode over and dreadfully mangled, by someone of those reckless rapid riders, who so often endanger the lives of foot Passengers. - "A verdict of Manslaughter" is recorded against - Palmor, of Ashbrittle, and ... Sweet, two young farmers who were seen riding very hard just before the Body was found.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Saturday 4 July 1835
EXETER - An Inquest was held at Tarrant's Red Cow Inn, on the Cowley-bridge road, before Samuel Walkey, Esq., Coroner, on Monday last, on the body of WILLIAM SWEET, a young man, by trade a shoe-maker, about 20 years of age, who had resided with his mother in St. Sidwell's, but worked for a person in the shoe line at Westgate. It appeared that from injury of the head, he had been subject to occasional aberrations of mind, and in a strange way left his mother's house without hat or shoes about eleven o'clock at night, on the preceding Monday, from which time no tidings were heard of him until his body was taken out of the water on Saturday evening, having evidently been laying there several days. - Verdict, - Found Drowned.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Saturday 11 July 1835
KNOWSTONE - An Inquest was held by T. Copner, Esq., Coroner, on Sunday last, on the body of MR GEORGE WYNN, assessor of taxes, a resident of Tiverton, who was found dead in the road the previous evening in the parish of Knowstone. It appeared in evidence that he had dined with the Rev Mr Froude, the clergyman of that parish, whose house he left about four o'clock. No mark or bruise appeared on the body, and his purse, containing many sovereigns, his gold watch and other property, were found on his person. The medical gentlemen giving it as their opinion that the deceased died of apoplexy, a verdict was returned accordingly.

UPTON PYNE - Fatal Accident. - On Friday last, the village of Upton-Pyne was thrown into much consternation, by intelligence being made known that MR WILLIAM HOSGOOD, 31 years of age, son of MR HOSGOOD, of the Thorverton Stone Quarry, had been found dead in that parish the preceding evening, in a field, with his gun by his side and part of his clothes on fire. An Inquest was held on the body on Saturday, by J. Partridge, Esq., one of the Coroner's for Devon, at the Horse and Groom Inn, when it appeared from the evidence, that the deceased left home on Thursday afternoon, with the intention of visiting some friends near Pynes, taking with him, as was generally his custom, his double-barrel gun. He had always taken a great delight in field exercises, and was a keen sportsman. In passing through Upton Pyne, he stopped at the Horse and Groom, paid Mrs Pitts, the landlady, £6 for a tun of cider, and during the time he remained, drank two glasses of gin and water. he then proceeded on his way, and not long after, some persons near observed a smoke to arise from a field on the Oakford Estate, and a rick of hay having recently been put together, it was imagined some accident had occurred to that. On coming to the spot, however, they found it to proceed from some part of the clothing of MR HOSGOOD, which was on fire. - He was lying dead in a field tilled with barley, of about four acres, through which was a foot-path leading from Upton Pyne to Exeter; his gun was by him, and it is said, a hare was in his pocket. It is imagined he came by his death in the following manner:- On his attention being roused by the appearance of game, he cocked both barrels, in order to be ready if the first shot missed - the first, however, probably, was successful, when, as is a too common but very dangerous custom., he leaned on the gun, looking out for a second shot. while in this position, with the gun perpendicular before him, it would seem that some part of the cock caught in his clothing, and caused an immediate explosion, as the charge entered about the mouth and came out at the back part of the head, and his death must have been instantaneous. The fire from the pan ignited the clothing and hence the prompt discovery of his body already stated. The Jury, after obtaining all the evidence that was possible in the case, returned a verdict of "Accidental Death."

PLYMOUTH - The Horrid Murder Of JANE HONEY. - On Sunday last, as the inhabitants were returning from Divine Worship, an alarm was given that an occurrence of a dreadful nature had taken place at No. 14, King Street, and the house was in a few minutes beset by a dense mob of persons, anxious to get a sight of the victim of a deplorable tragedy, brought on by intemperance and jealousy, which had led to a husband imbruing his hands in the murder of his wife, by cutting her throat. An Inquest Jury being called, met the same afternoon, at the Coach and Horses, an Inn near the spot, and continued its sittings, by adjournment, till Tuesday afternoon at five, when the proceedings were terminated by a verdict of Wilful Murder against HENRY JOHN HONEY, aged 21, for killing his wife JANE HONEY, of the same age (daughter of MRS KING, landlady of the Rose and Crown Inn). There was a great deal of excitement among the populace from the length of time occupied in the Inquest and the accused was much hooted and yelled at one the occasion of his passing from the house on Sunday to the Guildhall and again on Monday, to and from the Jury-room and the Guildhall. The female part of the populace seemed ripe for vengeance on the unhappy wretch, and could they have succeeded in getting hold of him, his life would in all probability have fallen an immediate sacrifice. Space will not admit of our giving more than an abstract of the evidence, which will, however, serve to acquaint our readers with the facts of the case, so far as they could be gleaned. - Henry Willis deposed that he was in King-street about 20 minutes before One, on Sunday; that he heard a shriek and on entering the house of deceased's father-in-law, he there saw JANE HONEY, laying at the foot of the stairs; there was the appearance of blood round her neck; a woman named Worth was standing by her and a man in his shirt sleeves; witness with other assistance, removed the deceased into the back-parlour and on doing so perceived that her throat had been cut. Dr Hingston arrived shortly after, and the bleeding was lessened; deceased expressed a desire to see her mother-in-law, who came and kissed her; deceased said "HENRY did it," and in a few minutes after she expired. - Jane Worth deposed to the deceased desiring to see her mother-in-law, and that HENRY HONEY had been in the room where deceased lay bleeding; that he went out staring like a madman; before deceased died, she said "HENRY did it with a razor." The accused on quitting the parlour went down into the kitchen, and threw himself on the floor and said he had taken laudanum - he was in his shirt sleeves and had blood on the wrists. - On the Inquest being resumed on Monday, - Dr Hingston deposed to his having attended deceased, and minutely described the nature of the wound in the throat. In the course of about 3 or 4 minutes deceased had so far revived, as to be able to speak; and on deponent enquiring of her what she was trying to say, deponent heard her distinctly say, in reply to questions put to her by a woman who was standing by; 'HENRY did it.' Deponent asked how he did it? Deceased replied, "with a razor;" she then said, "is there any hope?" and turned to her right side; the husband entered the room, and enquired of me whether she could be saved. This agitated deceased; accused was without a coat and had blood about his shirt sleeves; deceased raised herself up and the vessels of the neck slipped from deponent's fingers - (the accused went to the left side of her neck near the body, and said he had done the whole himself; he had done it all, or words to that effect); a gush of blood followed. Deponent again seized the vessels and begged Mr Fortescue to prepare a ligature at once; deceased soon after expired; deponent spoke to a person in the room, who proved to be a constable, to get another constable and take HONEY into custody, and he went away with them. - Mr Fortescue, Surgeon, confirmed Dr Hingston's testimony; and added that at the time HONEY entered the room, and enquired if deceased's life could be saved, he went over to the window clasping his hands in great agony, and said, "he did it - some women had told his wife that he had been with a girl, and he was shaving or about to shave when he did it." - Mr Roberts, Surgeon, was called to the accused, and administered sulphate of zinc to extract laudanum from accused's stomach; a copious flow of fluid resulted, by the existence of laudanum could not be traced, from the smell of spirituous and fermented liquor, of which accused had recently partook. Deponent found a phial bottle in HONEY'S bedroom, which had contained laudanum, of which a few drops remained; and deponent was in the room when Millett the constable took a razor from the bed, it had the marks of four recent spots of blood. - [The razor, blood shirt, the phial, a bonnet and veil, (the latter completely saturated with blood), were here exhibited, and caused a thrill of horror amongst the persons present]. - The Jury adjourned to the large room at the Workhouse, in consequence of the clamour and cries of "Open Court!" kept up by the large number of persons for whom it was impossible to afford place in the house. - MRS HONEY, wife of MR HENRY HONEY, musician of 14 King-street, and mother of the accused, deposed to a variety of circumstances, proving the irregular and intemperate habits of her son, and to the quarrels which ensued, - that they came to live at No. 14 because the wife was afraid of the intoxication. An anonymous letter, addressed to MRS KING (deceased's mother), was shewn deponent; she recognised it and said that letter had been the cause of all - (the letter set forth where HENRY HONEY was to be found, viz., in a bad house in Cambridge-street, on Thursday or Friday last,) and proved to be the cause of much challenging and quarrels and can be traced as the last leading cause of the terrible catastrophe of Sunday. On Saturday afternoon a woman intruded herself into my house; she said to her son's wife that he was up at Mrs Smith's, a bad house in Cambridge-street; the deceased overheard this communication, and became very uneasy, and said something about going to look for him; she went out about four o'clock; he came home with her in about a quarter of an hour; she upbraided him for not being home to dinner, and for being in a bad house; he was worse for liquor, tipsy, but not very; deponent stopped the quarrel, there being some other person present; they both took tea, and then MRS KING brought in the anonymous note; MRS KING was very angry, and upbraided him for being at a bad house; deponent pacified them with a promise that she would dine with them at MRS KING'S on the following day; MRS KING went away; deponent's son brought in a man to prove nothing improper had taken place; an explanation took place; they appeared to be friends, though the circumstance preyed much on deceased's mind; on the return of her son on Saturday night, deponent perceived he was very tipsy; on coming to the door he stumbled, and deponent walked down the street whilst he made his way in, fearing he might otherwise have fallen upon or against her; accused went to bed; deceased spoke to her as usual, and then retired; on Sunday morning deceased breakfasted with deponent, and appeared in good health. This witness then related the circumstances of the Sunday, which are more clearly detailed by - Elizabeth Coates, a respectable lady, 73 years of age, being sworn, deposed that she had lived in the same house with the deceased for the last 12 months: her husband's conduct was very irregular: he was very quarrelsome, especially when in liquor; during the past week he had acted like an insane person. He did not return home till past 12 on Saturday night; and went out between six and seven on Sunday morning; she heard his footsteps going over the stairs as if in haste - no voice was heard. Witness saw the deceased as she went down to breakfast when she appeared in perfect health. At about ten minutes before eleven, witness was about to leave the house with a friend, when MRS HONEY requested witness to accompany her to the house of her mother, MRS KING, of the Rose and Crown, in Old-Town-street, where she was to dine that day: Her husband was of a very jealous temper, without a cause. They had not proceeded far when the deceased exclaimed "There he is" (meaning her husband), and appeared much agitated. Witness said Never mind, let us go on. They then proceeded towards him; but on her husband's approaching he said "Where do you think you are going?" He appeared as if he had drank to excess. Witness said, she is going to her mother's - I am going to leave her there, on my way to the Laira. He replied angrily to her, extending his hand, "turn back, I want you;" witness followed them, and after walking a few steps she said to him "£how dirty you are, where have you been?" He replied "I have been to Bovisand; look at my hands, (opening his hands for deceased to see he had been rowing in a boat). He said "Are my things ready?" (meaning clean clothes): By this time they were arrived opposite the Barley-Sheaf public-house, not many yards from his own residence: He suddenly ran across the street and knocked at the door, and the deceased said I will go home and get his things downstairs that he may not go up. Witness following her looked back and saw him go into the public-house: On arriving home deceased went into the kitchen: Deceased brought his clothes down in a minute. Witness heard footsteps going through the passage, and the deceased instantly called out "you need not go upstairs, your things are here;" he replied "I choose to go up;" he then ran upstairs - after staying there about two minutes he called out 'JANE' the deceased replied 'what do you want?' he said come up, the deceased replied I shan't; and his mother said to the deceased, don't go up, I will go up and carry him his things; deceased said, he will quarrel with you, but, perhaps, I can quiet him - she immediately went up and appeared rather excited, to give him his clothes, and the door was closed by someone: Immediately after there was a loud talking, as if deceased and her husband were disputing: MRS HONEY, the mother, went up and asked if that was the bundle Zac, (a servant of MRS KING'S) was to take home: MRS HONEY came down, but loud words were again heard: She went up again and said Zac is waiting to know if you are going to dine with your mother; the husband replied, almost directly: MRS HONEY came down but immediately after a violent scream was heard where deceased was: No other person was upstairs - witness was certain that it was deceased's voice, and instantly was heard a violent and rapid running over the stairs: Witness went into the passage from the kitchen, and there saw MRS HONEY at the fore door closing it, saying, you shan't stop her, she is only going to her mother's, and immediately after he exclaimed with violence, looking around, where is JANE, O God, she has cut her throat: She was so frightened she did not move from the steps: She saw MRS HONEY instantly open the fore door and go out and HENRY JOHN HONEY followed her rapidly and in a few minutes the deceased was brought back. MRS HONEY was so agitated that she could not open the fore parlour for a few minutes, and the body was rested at the foot of the stairs; much blood was coming from her neck. Witness never observed any appearance of insanity when he was sober: She had often said that the sword and razor ought not to be allowed to remain in his room. - Jane Daniel stated, that she lived in the same house with Mrs Smith, did not know the deceased, and never spoke to her husband until five o'clock on Saturday night, when the door being open he walked into the room appearing much excited. He said "You have been down to my wife, and told her that I was with Mrs Smith," which witness denied. He then said he would go and ask his wife for her author, and if she would not tell him (extending his arms in a great passion) he would kill her. He appeared to have been drinking, but knew what he was doing. - MARY HONEY stated that HENRY HONEY was of a very violent and quarrelsome temper, drunk or sober. - William Oliver, who lives next door to the prisoner, stated that he had seen deceased and her husband quarrelling in the garden and he would run to and fro like a madman: Deceased had hid herself in their coal-house, at other times he had been very kind to her. - William Sargeant deposed that HENRY JOHN HONEY came to his house on Sunday morning, and told him it was about half-past 12 when he came home on Saturday night and that he had knocked his wife down, and an anonymous letter had been sent to MRS KING that he had been with a married woman; but since his wife had been convinced to the contrary she had been very kind to him; he appeared revengeful and conscious of what he was doing. - After a lengthened and most patient Inquiry, the Jury consulted for about an hour, when the Foreman pronounced a Verdict of Wilful Murder against HENRY JOHN HONEY. - The Prisoner was then committed to the County Gaol on the Coroner's Warrant, to take his trial at the ensuing Assizes for the murder. - The funeral of the unfortunate deceased took place in the burying-ground of the Ebenezer Wesleyan Chapel when an immense concourse of persons attended.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Saturday 18 July 1835
STOKE DAMEREL - An Inquest was held at Devonport on Monday evening, on the body of JOSEPH WARREN, aged 84, a pauper in the Workhouse; the deceased had had a quarrel with another pauper, named Cummins, about a potato, and blows ensued. Shortly after, deceased, whilst taking his breakfast, complained of difficulty of breathing, and in a few minutes was a corpse. After a patient investigation, and the examination of the Surgeon, - Apoplexy was assigned as the cause of death, and not the blows received in the rencontre.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Saturday 25 July 1835
MORETONHAMPSTEAD - The Murder Of MR MAY - We briefly stated the fact in our last, that MR JONATHAN MAY, a respectable farmer, had been murdered near Moreton. The horrid deed was heard of with feelings of sympathy and astonishment throughout the district, and the Rev. Mr Gregory, of Dunsford, a Magistrate, instantly took such steps and instituted such proceedings as we hope may eventually lead to the detection and punishment of the perpetrators. The Rev. Magistrate also received most valuable assistance from Mr M. W. Harvey, Solicitor, Morton; and the consequence was, the taking into custody of George Avery, otherwise Taverner, a most powerful man, well known in the Wrestling Ring, and a native of that district; as also of Elizabeth Harris, a female with whom he cohabited, on circumstances of suspicion, and they were, about 9 o'clock the same evening, lodged for safe custody in the County Gaol. On the death of MR MAY, a messenger was also despatched to Mr Gribble, the Coroner for that district, who resides at Ashburton, who, at the time of the arrival of the messenger, being engaged in taking an Inquest at Kingsbridge, many miles further South, was unable to reach Moreton until Sunday morning, when he empanelled a most respectable Jury at the White Hart Inn, and the examinations consequent on the Inquest were proceeded on, and continued till five o'clock, when the Inquest was adjourned to Tuesday, and in consequence of what had come out during the examination, the Rev. Mr Gregory issued warrants against certain parties, as to whom strong suspicions are entertained, with which two persons were despatched to this city, where they arrived about eight o'clock, after which Nurton and Ginham took into custody, at a low lodging-house in this city, Richard Prichard, Andrew Carpenter and Elizabeth Weeks, who were lodged for the night in the City Prison and Back Grate. On the person of Carpenter, a wandering vagabond, were found sixteen sovereigns. On Monday morning, under charge of Taylor and Ginham, they were taken to Moreton, from which place these officers returned in the course of the afternoon; and from information obtained, our Police, at a lodging-house in the Butcherow, took into custody William Simpson and Elizabeth Simpson, who were lodged in the City Gaol; Taylor and Ginham immediately setting off southward: And on Tuesday morning Elizabeth Simpson was taken to Moreton, where the proceedings on the Inquest were again resumed; a reward of £100 having been offered for the discovery of the murderers, to be paid to an accomplice, and a pardon given, if not the party who actually committed the deed. The Jury re-assembled on Tuesday afternoon at 2 o'clock, and the examination of a variety of evidence was proceeded with until late in the evening, when the Coroner summed up, and at half-past 10 o'clock, the Jury returned a verdict of "Wilful Murder against some person or persons to the Jurors Unknown." At ten o'clock on Tuesday night, Mr Gregory remanded Prichard, Carpenter and the woman Weeks, to the County Gaol, (where they arrived about 2 o'clock on Wednesday morning,) for further examination; and subsequently under charge of Taylor and Ginham, (who have not rested since first engaged in the unravelling this horrid business), and also under directions of Mr Gregory, William Simpson, and Arthur Perdew, said to be a wrestler, were brought in and lodged in the County Gaol. On Wednesday the Rev. Mr Gregory came to Exeter, and sat at the County Gaol, pursuing the Enquiry, the result of which was the remanding of the whole of the persons in custody to Monday next.

NEWTON ABBOT - The Forgery And Suicide At Newton. - An Inquest was held on Wednesday before J. Gribble, Esq., Coroner, on the body of WILLIAM LLOYD, who shot himself, as stated in our last. - John Beazley, of the Globe Inn, being sworn, deposed that on Thursday last he received a letter by post, purporting to come from Lord Southampton, the contents of which were to the effect, that Lord Southampton and family would be in Newton in about a week, and requested Mr Beazley to provide him with two sitting-rooms and four bedrooms: That he was coming on a fishing excursion and enclosed a Bill of £19 8s. which Mr Beazley was requested to get cashed and hand the money to his Butler, who would be at the house in three or four days, assigning as a reason for not sending the money, his being in Exeter and too late for the Bank, and anxious to proceed to Plymouth that night. The letter was signed "Southampton." The bill was drawn on Messrs. Coutts and Co. and accepted by Lord Southampton's son, Lord Fitzroy, and made payable to him or bearer. On Sunday evening about nine o'clock an individual calling himself Wm. Miles, called at Mr Beazley's and enquired if Lord Southampton's family were staying there and stated himself to be the butler of Lord Fitzroy: Being answered in the negative, he made a great many enquiries, and asked if any money had been sent there for him, to which Mr Beazley replied that he had received a letter and bill, both which he considered to be forgeries and refused to pay him. The individual told a most plausible story, and said that he then came from Torquay, having arrived there the night previous in a steamer. He remained the night at Mr Beazley's, precautions having been taken to prevent his escape. The next morning he was taken into custody, but George Templar, Esq., magistrate of the Newton district, refused to commit him till the next day, when he should be enabled to get more evidence. He appeared perfectly composed and repeated several times during the day that his master would arrive on Wednesday. During the day the Rev. T. Whipham recognised the man, as having been at one time servant to Capt. Reed, of Dawlish. In the evening he attempted to make his escape, but the Constable, after a short time secured him. Capt. Reed was sent for on the Tuesday morning; the man saw him from the window, and exclaimed to the Constable, a little surprised, "Oh! my old Master and Mistress are come." Capt. Reed's servant, who knew him, then came into the room, and after talking with him a minute or two, appearing a little agitated in body, though perfectly composed in mind, - he said "This beer annoys me, I want to go into the yard," [he had been just taking some beer and bread and cheese,] he walked into the court, and immediately destroyed himself by discharging a pistol at his head. - Ebenezer Metherell, Constable, said the man appeared to him, during the whole time of his being in custody, to be in a perfectly sane state of mind: He conceived he must have hid the pistol under his pillow on the Monday night, as he took his clothes from him, and there was no pistol then in his possession; there was a little powder found on his person after his death, inside his flannel waistcoat. - Some other unimportant witnesses were then examined, - The Surgeon who was called in, &c., who, however, gave no fresh evidence as to the state of his mind. The Jury consulted, but could not agree as to the verdict, seven of them being for "Felo de se" and six for "Died in a moment of Insanity." The Coroner told them they must endeavour to decide on the evidence they had heard, and he must consequently lock them up till they came to a decision. They were locked up between three and four hours, when the Coroner informed them he had adjourned the Inquest till Friday, when he would endeavour to get fresh evidence. - Friday. - Many fresh witnesses were examined, but all but one [his wife], knew little of his state of mind previously to his destroying himself, otherwise than not perceiving anything unusual in his appearance. His wife stated that he had appeared unhappy of late, owing, as she supposed, to having lost his character: He seldom came home till two or three o'clock in the morning; had seen him with a pistol some time before; he was accustomed to drink much, but had not seen him of late in a state of intoxication; she did not consider him to have been in his right senses for a month or so. - Capt. Reed stated he had lived with him, but he discharged him for drunkenness; he had always found him an excellent servant in every other respect, had never remarked the slightest symptom of alienation of mind. The Jury consulted for about an hour, when they returned a verdict that the Deceased "Came by his Death in a moment of Insanity."

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Saturday 1 August 1835
DOLTON - Mysterious Case. - On the 18th July, an Inquest was held at Dolton, by H. A. Vallack, Esq., Coroner, on the body of JAS. HILL, who was found dead in a saw-pit, with the horse which he had been leading from town to town. A great excitement prevailed in the neighbourhood, as it was supposed the poor man had been murdered. The Inquest was adjourned to the 20th and again to the 17th. Between twenty and thirty persons were examined; and after the Jury had deliberated about three quarters of an hour, their verdict was - "That JAMES HILL was found dead, but by what means he had received the blows on his head, no evidence had been given." - It appears the pit was overgrown with bushes and that two trees crossed each other in the centre of it; the horse was found in a sitting posture, with his hind legs completely kept under him by the trees: And on the other side of the trees lay HILL; - many persons supposed the horse must have been backed into the position in which it was found. The circumstance, however, is still involved in great mystery; many supposing that he did not receive the blows from the horse.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Saturday 8 August 1835
EXETER - An Inquest was taken at the Haven Banks Inn, adjoining this City, on Friday last, on the body of WILLIAM ALGAR, aged 20, an apprentice on board, and who had fallen from the brig Esphemia, and been drowned. Verdict, Accidental Death.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Saturday 15 August 1835
EXETER - Inquest held by Samuel Walkey, Esq., Coroner. - On Tuesday evening, a very distressing accident occurred at the gardens of MR CHARLES SCLATER, Summerlands, on the Heavitree-road in this city. JULIA, one of his daughters, a little girl about 5 years old, while playing in the garden, unfortunately fell into a well 14 feet deep. The accident was seen, but no proper means being at hand for her rescue, about half an hour elapsed before she was taken out, when life had become extinct. An Inquest was held on Wednesday at Hillier's Axminster Inn, Paris-street, and a verdict of Accidental Death returned.

EXETER - Inquest held by Samuel Walkey Esq., Coroner, - A Young man, named WILLIAM LETHABY, 21 years of age, son of a widow residing in a courtlage in North-street, in this City, was drowned while bathing at Head Weir on the evening of Friday last. Verdict on the Inquest, Accidental Death.

EXETER - Inquest held by Samuel Walkey, Esq., Coroner, - On Tuesday morning, as a man named PETER WAY, in the employ of Mr Charles Smith, bricklayer, in this City, was at work on the Friars, engaged in loading a cart with sand, he burst a blood vessel and expired in about ten minutes. The deceased was 50 years of age. An Inquest was held at Badcock's Custom House Inn, near the quay, the same evening and a verdict of Died by the Visitation of God returned.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Saturday 22 August 1835
LAPFORD - An Inquest was held on Friday last, at Irishcombe, in the parish of Lapford, before J. Partridge, Esq., Coroner, of Tiverton, on the body of MR JAMES DOWNEY, who on the previous Wednesday was found in his barn suspended by a rope from a beam. It appeared that the deceased had laboured under great depression of spirits since the death of his wife, which took place about six months ago. On Wednesday morning, after giving directions to his men respecting their work, he was found missing, and after some time was discovered in the place and state above described. The Jury, after much deliberation, returned a verdict of "Felo-de-se," and the remains of the unfortunate deceased were interred in a remote corner of the churchyard of Rose Ash, on Saturday night about ten o'clock.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Saturday 29 August 1835
EXETER - On Thursday last, an Inquest was held at the Valiant Soldier Inn, in this City before John Gidley, Esq., one of His Majesty's Coroners, touching the Death of MARY ANN THOMAS, a child of between six and seven years of age, the daughter of a Labourer residing t Topsham and in the employ of Mr Davy. From the evidence of a neighbour it appears that about three o'clock the previous day the poor child ran screaming to the door enveloped in flame, which was soon extinguished: No person was in the house but a younger sister about 3 years of age. A fire had been lighted by the deceased with straw and chips. The Child was taken to the Devon and Exeter Hospital much burnt about the Chest and back, and died about seven o'clock the same evening. - Verdict, Accidental Death.

EXETER - On Saturday last, J. SANDERS having been ordered by his master, Mr Beal, of Powderham Mills, to grease the wheels of the machinery, while doing so, his arm got entangled, by which his body was drawn in and most dreadfully lacerated. - He was immediately brought to the Devon and Exeter Hospital, where his arm was amputated, but the previous loss of blood and injuries sustained were so great, that he died thee in the course of the day. Verdict on the Inquest before S. Walkey, Esq., Coroner, "Accidental Death."

HEANTON PUNCHARDON - On Saturday last an Inquest was held at Heanton Punchardon, before Thomas Copner, Esq., Coroner, on the body of JOS. COLLARD, who was drowned while bathing in the river a little below Heanton Court, on the preceding Thursday. Verdict - "Found Drowned."

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Saturday 12 September 1835
SOUTH MOLTON - An Inquisition was held on Friday evening last, at the Guildhall in this town, before Wm. Hole, Esq., Mayor and Coroner, on the body of MRS MARY ANN MILDRUM, wife of MR GEORGE MILDRUM, schoolmaster of this town, who was found dead in her bed on the morning of that day. The Jury returned the following verdict:- "That the deceased died from the effect of a blow on the right side of the breast, but how, or in what manner, or by what means the contusion was caused, no evidence doth appear to the Jurors."

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Saturday 10 October 1835
EXETER ST SIDWELL - Melancholy Occurrence. - On Wednesday afternoon, about three o'clock, a respectable person, named JAMES, landlord of the Cornish Arms, Penzance, went into the house of Mr Mitchell, Poltimore Inn, St. Sidwell's and drank two or three glasses of ale; he afterwards went into the kitchen, and requested the servant to brush his clothes and then wished to go to bed, this being complied with, he retired to rest, where he remained about an hour, when he arose, partially dressed himself, and commenced breaking in pieces the two bedsteads that were in the room: He then opened the window, and called out to the people that were passing to catch him, when he threw himself out, the landlord partially receiving him into his arms, but being a heavy man, and coming from such a height (two stores high), they both fell to the ground. He was taken up and conveyed into the house, and Mr Land, the Surgeon, sent for, who, with his assistant, was quickly in attendance: On examining MR JAMES, he found a severe injury with a fracture of the right thigh, and several minor bruises in the legs. The unfortunate man was quite deranged, and continued to talk most incoherently. Everything that medical and surgical skill could devise was done for him, but without avail, as he continued in a state of considerable mental excitement, with his legs very much inflamed, during the night and greater part of the next day, when, about four o'clock he almost suddenly sunk and expired. It is supposed that the immediate cause of his death was from the rupture of some blood vessel, from the violent concussion. We understand the deceased had not drank much during the day, but that he was predisposed to mental aberration, having been attacked in a similar manner before. An account of the distressing intelligence was forwarded to his wife by Mr Land. An Inquest was held on the body this morning (Friday), by S. Walkey, Esq., Coroner, when after the evidence had been duly investigated, the Jury deliberated a short time, and returned the following verdict:- "That the deceased from thrusting himself out of a window, he being at the time in an Unsound State of Mind, received such injury as to cause his death."

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Saturday 17 October 1835
SOUTH MOLTON - An Inquest was held on Monday last in the Guildhall, at Southmolton, before William Hole, Esq., Mayor, on the body of MR JOHN MARSHALL, hatter, who retired to rest on the preceding Saturday night at 9 o'clock, in his usual health and about eleven o'clock was found a corpse. Verdict, Devine Visitation.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Saturday 31 October 1835
UPTON PYNE - Melancholy Accident. - On Wednesday evening the 21st, the family of MR EDMUND ROBERTS, of Turlake, Upton-Pyne, were thrown into great alarm from the following accident: A girl, eleven years of age, who resided in the house, retired to bed, and almost immediately afterwards a cry, as of distress, was heard by MR EDMUND ROBERTS, who immediately rushed into the room and found the poor girl enveloped in flames. With great presence of mind, he extinguished the fire by wrapping her round with a blanket; she was, however, dreadfully burnt and Mr Tucker, Surgeon, of Exeter, being sent for, soon attended, when he examined the girl, and found the injury sustained to be of a most serious nature; everything was done that surgical skill could suggest to relieve the sufferer, but she lingered in great agony till Saturday last, when death put a period to her sufferings. An Inquest was afterwards held on the body, when the Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death."

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Saturday 7 November 1835
CREDITON - Suicide. - A Coroner's Inquest was held at Crediton, on Saturday, on the body of MR GEORGE SAVAGE, who has lately laboured under mental derangement: He was discovered to have left his bed about midnight on the previous Thursday, and on search being made for him, his coat and neckerchief were found near the well into which he had thrown himself. He was extricated as quickly as circumstances would admit, but was quite dead. Verdict - Temporary Insanity. The deceased was well known in this neighbourhood as Sub-Surveyor of the Exeter Turnpike Roads, in the execution of which office he has been always very indefatigable.

ILFRACOMBE - On Monday an Inquest was held by T. Copner, Esq., Coroner, at Ilfracombe, on the body of ALICE DOVELL, aged 70, who retired to rest on Saturday night in health, and on Sunday morning was found in her bed a corpse. - Verdict:- Visitation of God.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Saturday 28 November 1835
ST MARYCHURCH - A few days since, an Inquest was taken at Mary Church, before R. H. Aberdein, Esq., one of the Coroners for Devon, on the body of a female bastard child of ELIZABETH BUCKINGHAM, recently engaged in service in that place. - From the evidence it was learnt that the mother of the child went into the service of Mrs Fox, lady of Major Fox, on the evening of Thursday, the 5th inst., and on the following morning, being called up by her mistress, appeared very unwell. She was questioned, and in reply complained of a violent head-ache; appearances, however, causing suspicion, she was charged by one of the servants with having had a child and confessed she had miscarried. Upon this a Surgeon was sent for, to whom she made a similar statement; but her answers not being satisfactory, her bedroom was searched and the body of a full-grown female infant found tied up in a cotton handkerchief, and concealed in a large bundle of wearing apparel she had brought with her. An examination of the infant was made by Mr Blackaller, Surgeon, Torquay, and Mr Appleton, Surgeon, Mary Church, who gave a very elaborate and minute detail of the appearances, external and internal, drawing the inference that the child had been born alive, and that the cause of its death was an extensive fracture of the right parietal bone of the head. A verdict of Wilful Murder was returned, and the Coroner's warrant issued for her committal to the county gaol, as soon as in a state to be removed.

BARNSTAPLE - Fatal Accident. - On Saturday morning last, a little boy, two years and eight months old, son of a sawyer, called GEORGE PARKMAN, residing at Summerland. Barnstaple. The child went downstairs and seating himself before the fire, in his loose night dress, a spark flew out and set him in a blaze; the mother, who was ill in bed, hearing the shrieks of the child ran down and wrapping a cloak around him, extinguished the flames, but not until the little sufferer was so much burnt as to cause his death at twelve o'clock at night of the same day. - An Inquest sat on the body before Robert Budd, Esq., Coroner for the Borough on Monday morning, which returned a verdict of - Accidental Death.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Saturday 5 December 1835
EXETER - Awful Death. - On Wednesday evening, as a waggoner, named STEPHEN CROCKER, in the employ of Mr Strong, at Powhay Mills, was passing across the floor of the premises, (a fence having been removed for the purpose of repair), he accidentally fell upon the large water-wheel, which was at work: The poor man was carried under the water with the wheel and on being taken up, was dead. - He was bruised in his face and otherwise; but it is believed his death must have been caused by suffocation. An Inquest was held on the body yesterday (Thursday) at the King's Arms Inn, in Westgate, before S. Walkey, Esq., Coroner; and the evidence having been gone into, and the Jury having viewed the premises, a verdict was returned of "Accidental Death," with a deodand of Five Guineas on the water-wheel, the Jury considering that there was great neglect in not having the place which had been opened for repair, properly secured.

ILFRACOMBE - An Inquest was held on Tuesday last, at Ilfracombe, before Thomas Copner, Esq., Coroner, on the body of JAMES CLOGG, aged 86, who, while going upstairs on the evening before, fell backward and died almost immediately. He had had two seizures in the course of the preceding week. Verdict "Divine Visitation."

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Saturday 12 December 1835
EXETER - Case Of Starvation. - An Inquest was held this morning (Friday) at Cattle's Black Dog Inn, North-street, before S. Walkey, Esq., Coroner, on the body of a male child, six weeks old, named JOHN PERKINS, which from its shrivelled and wretched appearance, died, as is believed, from absolute want. From the evidence of the mother, who resides in a miserable room in North-street, it appeared that her husband left her seven years since and that this child was illegitimate: Her earnings had been only about a shilling a week, which she got for assisting in the market a vendor of clome. During her confinement she was destitute of necessaries and had been so since. - The evidence of a female named Clapp, who lived with the mother, was, that she had frequently been in the habit of giving the child food, because it had not sufficient; she did not think the child had, including what she gave it, sufficient nourishment. The mother, in her opinion, was stupid, or defective in intellect, and a very dull woman; she had often advised her to apply for relief, but she refused to do so because she would not go into the Workhouse. The woman was certainly in great distress and she believed, on oath, that the child died of want. The mother lived chiefly upon a little bread and tea. After the child died, application was made for relief and a supply of nourishment was supplied. The mother applied, through another person, before the death of the child, for relief, to the proper officer of the City, but it was refused, as she believed, on the ground of the mother's refusal to go to her parish; she is a very obstinate woman, and would not go to her parish or into the Workhouse, as she was advised to do. This female appeared to have acted with the greatest kindness and humanity to the owner of the child. The mother was addressed by the Coroner, in very appropriate terms, as to the necessity for her submitting to go, with her living child, a girl nine years of age, to the Workhouse, after which she would be removed to the parish of North Bovey, the place of her settlement: If she refused to do this, and the girl became weak, through want of nourishment and died from that cause, she would be responsible for the death of this child also. The mother then consented to be placed under the direction of Mr Tozer, and to be taken to the Workhouse. the opinion of the Jury was, that the woman was a person of weak intellect and ought not to be entrusted with the care of the child still living. From the whole state of the evidence, the destitution of the woman appears to have been caused through her own obstinacy. It is unaccountable the reluctance of such persons to go to the Workhouse, when it is well known that a most sufficient supply of wholesome food is allowed. The girl was presented to the Jury and appeared also to be half-starved. The Coroner and Jury liberally subscribed for the immediate relief of the woman and child. - A long discussion took place between the Jury on the question that application had been made to the Chief Officer of the Poor in this City, for relief, before the death of the child, and that he declined to grant relief and did not send a sub-officer to inquire into the case; on account of this, it was deemed necessary by the Coroner that a post mortem examination should take place, to ascertain the real cause of death, in consequence of which the Inquest was adjourned till tomorrow (Saturday) at five o'clock.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Saturday 19 December 1835
EXETER - On Saturday, the Jury re-assembled on the case of a male child named PERKINS, who, it was supposed, died for the want of proper nourishment, as stated in our last. Mr J. Tucker, Surgeon, who, on hearing of the distressed state of the mother, most promptly examined into the case, and, with his known humanity, directed for mother and children a supply of proper nourishment, gave his evidence as to the post-mortem examination of the body with great minuteness and in a most scientific manner; after which, the Coroner having summed up, the Jury returned the following verdict:- "Died of Inflammation of the Lungs accelerated by the want of Proper Nourishment; and it is the unanimous opinion of this Jury that a censure should be passed on the Sub-Treasurer of the Poor of this city, in refusing assistance to the mother and child when an application was made to them in their behalf." - The Coroner declined receiving this verdict, the latter part of which, in his opinion, was irregular. The Foreman and Jury, however, would not alter it. A further discussion ensued, and Mr J. Gidley, the other Coroner, was sent for, who on his arrival, agreed in opinion with his colleague, and pointed out to the Jury, that the latter part of what they had given in was an opinion merely; but the Jury still declining to admit of any separation or alteration, about midnight their verdict was received, and the proceeding terminated. The woman is now in the Workhouse and if she had not obstinately refused to go there when requested, this melancholy occurrence would not have happened.

BARNSTAPLE - An Inquest was held on Monday last at Barnstaple on the body of THOMAS PRICE, aged three years, who, on the Saturday preceding, in the absence of his mother, who was gone into the garden to hang out some clothes, set himself on fire and was so dreadfully burnt as to cause his death the day following. - Verdict "Accidental Death."

HIGH BICKINGTON - On Tuesday an Inquest was held by H. A. Vallack, Esq., Coroner, on the body of RACHEL SALTERN, who was found dead in her bed, at Highbickington, on Monday morning. - Verdict, "Died by the Visitation of God."

NORTH TAWTON - On Monday at Northtawton an Inquest was held on the body of JOHN WEBBER, who got up on Monday morning quite well, and after he had lighted his fire, as usual, sat down to put on his boots, when he fell off the stool and instantly expired. Verdict, "Died by the Visitation of God."

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Saturday 2 January 1836
EGG BUCKLAND - Some persons while hunting on Monday in the neighbourhood of Torr Wood, in the parish of Egg Buckland, discovered the body of a man hanging from the branch of a tree, just inside the west corner of the wood. He was in a standing posture, having his knees somewhat bent and was quite dead and cold. The body was taken to the village of Egg Buckland, where it was identified. The deceased, who was EDMUND OLIVER, has resided for some time past at Plymouth, and left home on Saturday, about the middle of the day. An Inquest was held on Tuesday afternoon, when, from the evidence brought forward the majority of the Jurors returned a verdict of Felo De Se. The Coroner, therefore, directed the body to be deposited in the churchyard of the parish, within twenty-four hours from the time of the finding of the Inquisition, between the hours of nine and twelve at night, without the rites of the Christian burial, as in cases of Felo de se.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Saturday 9 January 1836
KENTON - Death From Fighting. - On Thursday the 31st ult., an Inquest was held at Kenton, by Mr Gribble, Coroner, on the body of WILLIAM SHEPPARD, jun., of Kenton, who met with his death under the following circumstances. It appeared from the evidence adduced on the Inquest that about a year since, John Monk, of Powderham and WILLIAM SHEPPARD of Kenton, had a pugilistic contest, which terminated without any decided victory to either, since which both have claimed to be the best man. On Wednesday last, John Monk came into the Exeter Inn, at about six o'clock in the evening, where he saw SHEPPARD; some words arose, which was resented by SHEPPARD by a challenge to fight for money, but Monk not having money, they agreed to fight in the ground behind the house for a "belly full." It appears that Monk proved to be the stronger man, and in the contest offered SHEPPARD that if he would put on his clothes and go in, he (Monk) would treat him with drink, - this was refused by SHEPPARD and the fight being resumed, SHEPPARD soon after received a blow from which he fell and his head coming in violent contact with the ground, he was taken up lifeless and it was found that he was dead. The verdict of the Jury, of 23 persons, was, - "Manslaughter," and Monk is committed for trial. SHEPPARD was a very quarrelsome person and had left a wife and several young children, who from this unfortunate event must be thrown upon the parish for support.

STOKE DAMEREL - An unfortunate female named SUSAN RUNDLE, lost her life on Saturday night last, whilst in a state of inebriety, by falling from a precipice near Baker's Place, Richmond Walk, not far from the Main Guard at Devonport. she had been seen near the spot with a man in a fustian coat, but nothing sufficient to criminate any person came out on the Inquest, the verdict being - "Found Dead, without evidence to prove by what means."

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Saturday 16 January 1836
PLYMOUTH - An Inquest was held on Monday in Cornwall-street, before Mr Squire, the Coroner for this Borough, on the body of MRS JOLL, mother of MR JOLL, bookseller, who committed suicide by hanging herself to the bed-post on Sunday morning last. - Verdict, "Temporary Insanity."

PLYMOUTH - An Inquest was held on Saturday, on the body of THOMAS HOOPER, who was found that morning in a lime-kiln near Laira Bridge by the lime burner. It appeared by the evidence, that the deceased was of very indolent habits; when he got employment, he was careless of earning anything beyond what he considered enough to satisfy his then existing appetite and when these sources failed, he would obtain relief from the parish of Plymstock. - On many occasions has he sought the shelter from the inclemency of the season in barns and sheds, of late he had sought the warmth of the lime-kilns and has frequently been warned of his danger by the lime burners. On the present occasion, it appears, he got in on the lime stone and reclined himself against the side of the kiln, where he must have fallen asleep, and the carbonic acid gas, given off in the process of calcining the stone, suffocated this victim to idleness. When found he was most horribly burnt, there being but a part of his face and one leg of his trousers remaining unconsumed. - Verdict; Found Dead.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Saturday 20 February 1836
EXETER - On Saturday last, a melancholy and fatal accident occurred to two men named HARRIS and Lee in the employ of Mr Edred Chapple, while engaged with two others in raising a roll of lead from the ground to the top of one of the new houses building on the New Bridge, North-street, when the scaffolding gave way and they were precipitated to the ground, a distance of about fifty feet. HARRIS was killed on the spot and Lee was very severely injured, but hopes are entertained of his recovery; the other two fortunately caught hold of some part of the scaffolding and succeeded in retaining their grasp until rescued from their perilous situation. HARRIS has left a wife and one child, from whom he had just parted; he was a man of the most sober habits and very much respected by his employer. - An Inquest was held on the body on Monday at the Valiant Soldier Inn, where a verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned with a deodand of 1s on the scaffolding.

EXETER - An Inquest was held on Friday, at the Workhouse, J. S. Walkey, Esq., Coroner, on the body of MARY ANN RUNDELL, about 50 years of age, who had died there. This woman had led a dissipated life for many years, until at length it became necessary, in mercy, to remove her to this Asylum. It was however too late, death soon closing her earthly career, and the Jury returned a verdict, "Died by the Visitation of God, accelerated by her bad and dissolute habits of life."

EXETER - On Friday, an Inquest was held at the Valiant Soldier, on the body of ELIZABETH NEWCOMBE of St. Thomas, six years of age, who died in the Devon and Exeter Hospital, in consequence of inquiry received from her clothes taking fire. Verdict - Accidental Death.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Saturday 27 February 1836
EXETER - Melancholy Accident. - An Inquest was held at the Valiant Soldier Inn, on Monday, by Samuel Walkey, Esq., Coroner, on the body of ANN NORMAN, aged 22, daughter of P. and A. NORMAN, of Rew, who was burnt to death on the preceding Friday. It appeared, from the evidence, that the deceased was sitting by the fire about eleven o'clock in the forenoon, when she asked her mother for a piece of paper; to which her mother replied, "there's a piece on the hob in the corner." The deceased then rose from her seat and in reaching for the paper, her gown took fire: She instantly ran out of the house so that her mother had not time to stop her; she went into the paper-factory a short distance from the house and ran out again, in flames; her father, who is a workman there, followed her, as did some other men, and having thrown her down, by means of wet bags the extinguished the fire. She was taken into her father's house and on examination, her stays were found still burning and her body in a most dreadful state: She was then removed to the Devon and Exeter Hospital, where every possible attention was paid to her case, which was considered hopeless; and having lingered till Saturday night, death put a period to her sufferings. The deceased had been afflicted with fits, but was not in a fit when the accident happened. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death."

EXETER - On Wednesday morning, an Inquest was held before S. Walkey, Esq., Coroner, at the Valiant Soldier Inn, on the body of WILLIAM PULLIN, of the parish of Kenton, aged 35, who had been brought to the Devon and Exeter Hospital with all the ribs and clavicle on the left side fractured, from being run over by a cart, of which injuries he died. - Verdict - Accidental Death, and a deodand of 1s on the wheel.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Saturday 12 March 1836
EXMINSTER - Awful Suicide. - Immediately after taking his breakfast on Friday morning last, HENRY HUMPHREYS, about 30 years of age, a farm servant of Mr R. Gibbings, Higher Brenton, Exminster, repaired to a hay-loft and hung himself. - The deceased had always preserved a good character and it was understood, at Lady-day was about to be married to a female servant in his master's house, with whom, at a relative's, and by permission of his master, the preceding evening had been spent. No cause is known for the commission of this rash act; and immediately on its being discovered, Mr Calder, Surgeon, Alphington, was called in, but whose efforts for his restoration were ineffectual, life being extinct. An Inquest was taken on the body on Saturday, before Joseph Gribble, Esq., one of the Coroners for Devon, when the Jury returned a verdict of Insanity.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Saturday 19 March 1836
BIDEFORD - An Inquest was held at Bideford by H. A. Vallack, Esq., Coroner, on Monday last, on the body of a boy about 8 years of age, called JOHN ALEXANDER FINLEY, who was so dreadfully burnt on Saturday, by his clothes accidentally taking fire, that he survived only a few hours. - Verdict - Accidental Death.

PLYMOUTH - Awful Fire In The Citadel. Three Lives Lost. - The inhabitants of Plymouth have been thrown into the greatest consternation by one of the most appalling calamities that has occurred by fire in this neighbourhood for several years past, and which has caused the death of FORT MAJOR WATSON, and his two daughters, ELIZABETH and MARIAN. On Saturday morning, soon after five o'clock, the inmates of the Citadel were roused from their sleep by the alarm of fire. The wind had been blowing from the W.N.W. a complete gale during the night, nor had it abated at the time we mention. The noise thus created, quite intercepted the sounds of the drums and horns on the ramparts of the Citadel, hence, but for the blaze of the raging element, the town's people would not have been aware of the sad catastrophe until it was over. A messenger, however, was dispatched to the proper civic authorities, and the alarm bell of the Guildhall rang continuously about six o'clock, when every assistance was immediately afforded. Multitudes instantly flocked to the Hoe, but admittance was only granted to firemen, &c. The fire broke out at the house of FORT MAJOR WATSON, the corner house in Fort-Major Range, and unfortunately was not discovered before the interior of that house was enveloped in flames. It raged with great fury till near 8 o'clock, leaving nothing standing of the Major's house but the blackened walls, and reducing the two adjoining ones to almost a similar condition. The Fort-Major and his two youngest daughters (MISS ELIZABETH and MISS MARIAN WATSON) were missed, and as soon as the fire was sufficiently abated, search was made for them amongst the half-burnt fragments of ruin which strewed the interior of their late dwelling, and at length a black mass perceived amongst the rubbish was, similar in appearance to the stump of a decayed tree, but on nearer inspection it proved to be the remains of three human beings, and no doubt could exist as their being all that was left of the unfortunate Major and his daughters. The bodies were reduced almost to a cinder, representing but little of the vestiges of humanity. From the circumstance of their being thus found in one mass, it seems probable that when the flames overtook them the unhappy father and his daughters were locked in each other's embrace, and in that position fell victims to the fury of the devouring element. there were five other persons in the house - two sons and a daughter of the Major, Mr Pode, and a maid-servant, who fortunately made their escape. - An Inquest was held on the bodies, at the Canteen of the Citadel on Saturday afternoon; and after a long Inquiry it was adjourned to Monday. Mr Pode, a Surgeon, who remained in the house during the night, on being aroused by the cry of 'fire,' got out of the room and ran to a window, on the inside of which he saw MISS ANN WATSON, who exclaimed "Good God!" The room in which she was being full of smoke: He entered the room and took her in his arms; when nearly suffocated he opened the window and sat her on the sill, having been afraid to open it before in consequence of the wind: He then got out of the window, stood on the ledge and held MISS WATSON in the air with his left hand: He called t a soldier who was passing, on which the man halted, and he dropped MISS WATSON into his arms. He afterwards found that she was dead. the details of MR HENRY WATSON'S evidence (son of the deceased Major) was of a most heart-rending nature: He said that, seeing the rapid increase of the flames which had ignited the curtains on his brother's bed, he ran to the window, conceiving that all hopes of saving his sisters were lost; he then jumped out of the window, and in the fall dislocated his left shoulder. On recovering, he looked towards the window, when he saw a female figure with arms extended, and thought he recognised the voice of his youngest sister, crying, "HENRY, save me!" but before she could get on the ledge of the window the floor gave way and she disappeared, being enveloped in flames. The origin of the fire is unknown and various are the conjectures as to its cause. From the evidence before the Coroner, it appears that owing to the force of the wind in the quarter that it then was, the draft was so great as to cause the fire in the parlour to burn rapidly; and that its heat, instead of being diffused throughout the room, was directed up the chimney; when the family retired to bed, there was left but a very few embers in the grate. The Citadel is situated on a rock which stands much higher than the adjoining ground, and the deceased Major's house is the most exposed to the now prevailing gales. Hence it is conceived that the flames of the evening's fire had ignited some soot in the chimney, which was kept alive by the great draft; but was ultimately dislodged by the force of the very sudden gusts of wind, and fell down upon the carpet. Here combustion might have been renewed, and by reason of the great draft, the smoke generated was in its turn drawn up the chimney, and thus it was prevented from diffusing itself over the house, as in the generality of instances, affording that warning which would otherwise have been the case. Thus, it was not before the partition of the parlour was partly consumed (for the house was lined with wood throughout), that any amount of smoke could escape, to cause an alarm; and no sooner was a vent afforded, than the whole mass was in a blaze. - After a most full and patient investigation, the Jury returned a verdict "That the deceased Fort-Major JAMES WATSON accidentally met his death whilst endeavouring to escape from a fire which casually took place in his dwelling house, in the Citadel, on the morning of the 12th March instant." Similar verdicts were found as to the death of the two young ladies. - On Saturday the remains were put into one coffin, and on Tuesday afternoon they were interred in the burial ground of the Old Church. the Burial Service was most solemnly and impressively read by the Vicar, the Rev. J. Hatchard, fixing the utmost attention of all around. The burial was intended to have been strictly private, but it became known and hundreds of spectators thronged around the church. - Of the deceased Fort-Major and his family there exists but one opinion in the garrison and throughout the town and neighbourhood: All are unanimous in speaking well of them. Major WATSON was an old and experienced soldier, he rose to the post he enjoyed, unassisted by rank or fortune: About 32 years since he received his commission as Ensign and Adjutant in the royal Veterans, and on the memorable day on which the great battle of Waterloo was fought he received his appointment as Fort Major to this garrison; and since then has enjoyed, for about 20 years, the uninterrupted good opinion of all classes of society, with whom, either official duty or friendly intercourse has mixed him up: Hence his death is deeply regretted by a vast number of the inhabitants of these towns. The late Fort Major WATSON although bordering on four-score, stood upwards of six feet high, and was of stout athletic proportions; he was a fine hale-looking old gentleman, a native of the Highlands of Scotland. MISS ELIZABETH WATSON was 26 years of age and MISS MARIAN FANNY, 15. - An appeal to the sympathies of the congregations in the various churches and chapels in the town and neighbourhood, will be made by the respective ministers on Sunday evening next, in aid of a fund for the distressed survivors.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Saturday 26 March 1836
EXETER - In the afternoon of yesterday (Thursday) a poor woman named ELIZABETH HUNT was taken suddenly ill in the Fore-street, from the bursting of a blood vessel; she was taken into the shop of Mr Hooper, confectioner, where every attention was paid her, but she expired in a few minutes. An Inquest was held on the body, this day (Friday), at the Golden Ball Inn, by S. Walkey, Esq., Coroner. - Verdict, "Died by the Visitation of God."

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Saturday 2 April 1836
SAMPFORD PEVERELL - Warning To The Intemperate. - At Sampford Peverell, on Monday last, an Inquest was held by J. Partridge, Esq., Coroner, on the body of JOHN CURWOOD. On the preceding Friday, the deceased had been drinking freely in one of those receptacles for every dissolute character, commonly termed a "Cider Shop," - where he had quarrelled and fought with a pot companion; but at the conflict neither party was much punished. - In the evening, however, the deceased complained of a head-ache and retired early to bed, and in the following morning was summoned from this world, to give in his last awful account before the judgment seat of Christ! - The Jury gave their Verdict, "Died from the Effects of Intoxication."

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Saturday 7 May 1836
EXETER ST THOMAS THE APOSTLE - Awful Fire - Two Women Burnt To Death. - About half-past eight o'clock on Tuesday morning, the chimney of a house occupied by Mr Charles Tuckett, baker, and beer-seller, in Cowick-street, St Thomas, took fire, but proper means being taken by the occupier of the house, it was supposed to be extinguished. - Adjoining the chimney, in the direction towards the Church, were a number of small thatched houses, which extended back from the street; and about nine o'clock smoke was discovered issuing from the thatch of one of them fronting the street. The neighbourhood was quickly in a state of great alarm and information have reached the fire-offices, two engines from the West of England and the Norwich Union and the Sun engines were quickly on the spot, the flames in the mean time having spread considerably. The wind blew strong from the north, and notwithstanding the great exertions of the firemen and inhabitants, the whole mass of buildings, consisting of sixteen small houses, besides out-houses and part of Tuckett's back premises, fell a prey to the destructive element; through which nearly sixty poor persons - men, women and children, - became houseless. Their distress was most deplorable, having lost the greatest part of their little property, from the rapidity of the flames. ELIZABETH WESTERN, a widow, about 50 years of age, and the wife of a joiner named TOWNSEND, having unfortunately perished in the flames. ELIZABETH WESTERN had got her two children out of the house, and saved a portion of her furniture; but being anxious to preserve more, at last she was overtaken by the fire; and it was not until after considerable search that she was dug out of the ruins a lifeless corpse, burnt to a cinder, and mutilated in a most frightful degree: The right arm was entirely gone, as were both the feet, and part of the left leg: On the left side lay a shrivelled portion of the bone of the arm, but the remainder of the body was so completely charred, that all traces of humanity were obliterated. Under the direction of the Clergyman of the parish, the Rev. M. Harwood) those melancholy remains were taken to the belfry of the Church and decently laid out. MRS TOWNSEND had been with her husband's breakfast, and on her return, ventured too often into the burning building for the purpose of trying to save some of her furniture and shocking to relate, also fell a victim. she was missed, but her remains were not found till the afternoon, when they were taken from beneath a mass of rubbish, presenting a most frightful spectacle; and the wreck of this human form was placed beside that of her unfortunate neighbour. - The houses were insured, we understand, in the West of England Fire-office, being the property of a man named Jacob Wright. But it is to be hoped, from this dreadful calamity and loss of property, which occurred in open day, in the midst of a large population, notwithstanding the assistance of some of the most powerful, effective, and well-regulated fire-engines in the kingdom, that those in authority will endeavour to procure such a measure as shall cause the entire removal of thatch, at least in cases of houses adjoining each other. It has been also stated, in reference to this awful catastrophe, that the parish of St Thomas used to maintain a fire-engine of its own, but from some motives of economy, or rather false economy, it was given up, and has consequently gone out of repair. Had such an engine been at hand on the first appearance of the fire, it is thought, by those experienced in such matters, that by merely keeping the thatch wet until the arrival of the more powerful ones, much of the damage might have been prevented. - The poor and destitute inhabitants were, we understand, treated with sympathy and humanity, and temporarily provided for, by the direction of the Clergyman and Parish-Officers, who were promptly aided by the gentry of the neighbourhood. - A subscription has been entered into for their relief, and we are assured that a knowledge of the melancholy circumstance will be sufficient to plead in their behalf. - An Inquest was held on the bodies of the deceased women, at St Thomas's Workhouse, on Wednesday, before Joseph Gribble, Esq., one of the Coroners for Devon; and, after due Inquiry into the deplorable circumstances of the case, a verdict was returned Accidental Death.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Saturday 21 May 1836
BARNSTAPLE - Suicide. - On Monday last, about four o'clock in the afternoon JAMES LAMPREY, a superannuated officer of the Customs, nearly 70 years of age, residing in Back Lane, Barnstaple, put an end to his existence by hanging himself to a beam, in an apartment adjoining his bedroom. The unfortunate deceased had indulged in habits of intemperance, which, together with some family circumstances of a painful nature, appear to have produced a degree of insanity, under the influence of which he is supposed to have perpetrated the fatal and irretrievable act. On the Inquest held before Thos. Copner, Esq., the newly-appointed Coroner for the Borough, the Jury returned a verdict of Temporary Insanity.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Saturday 11 June 1836
PLYMOUTH - An Inquest was held at the Brunswick Inn before J. Squire, Esq., the Coroner, on the body of MARY EDWARDS, who was knocked down by a Government fire-engine, on the preceding afternoon and received such injury as to cause her death.

EXETER - On Monday, an Inquest was taken before J. Gidley, Esq., Coroner for this City, at the Duke of York public-house, Coombe-street, on the body of ANTHONY LONG, a little boy of 5 or 6 years old, who some time since met with an accident; but from the evidence now given, the Jury returned a verdict of Died by the Visitation of God.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Saturday 25 June 1836
EXETER - On Monday last, an Inquest was held at the Valiant Soldier Inn, in this City, before J. Gidley, Esq., Coroner, on the body of PHILIP BACK, late servant to Mr Radmore, of Thorverton, who died in the Devon and Exeter Hospital, on Saturday. It appeared, from the evidence, that the deceased on Thursday the 19th May, was returning to Thorverton with a waggon and three horses and a load of lime, when, on going down a hill, he endeavoured, as is supposed, to stop the pace of his horses, by which he fell, or was knocked down and the wheel passed over his right thigh, causing a dreadful fracture; after which he was removed to the Hospital, where he died. - Verdict, Accidental Death.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Saturday 2 July 1836
EXETER - On Wednesday morning last, an Inquest was held at the Valiant Soldier Inn, in the parish of the Holy Trinity, in this City, before John Gidley, Esq., Coroner, to Inquire into the circumstances touching the death of MR WILLIAM THOMS, confectioner, late the parish of St Lawrence, who was found dead in his ice-house in the former parish, on Tuesday morning. The Jury having viewed the body, the following witnesses were examined:- John Tucker, foreman to the late WILLIAM THOMS. - I saw WILLIAM THOMS alive the last time on Monday night at seven o'clock: at three o'clock the next morning I saw his body at the bottom of the Friars, in a building used for keeping ice, at the entrance of the ice pit. I observed the body when I first opened the door, suspended to something, and I was much shocked there was not anyone with me at the time; I went to the ice-house by the direction of MRS THOMS; I never before knew MR THOMS out later than eleven or half-past eleven; I shut the door and called a man named Shears, to my assistance, and told him what had happened: Shears went and got a knife and we returned to the ice-house, when Shears cut him down and I caught him in my arms; when I first saw him, he appeared quite dead, being still and stiff: I let the body remain there and locked the door: I did not remove from his neck what he was suspended by, but I saw what it was afterwards: I then went and called two brothers of MR THOMS, but the Watch hearing me knock at the doors, demanded to know what I wanted and I told them and MRS THOMS got partial intelligence before I returned, when I told her what had happened; I afterwards went and saw the body removed to the Valiant Soldier Inn; there was a part of a white towel about the neck of the deceased, and the Watchman took away the other part of it; there was a handkerchief about the neck as I believe, and I think the towel was attached to the handkerchief; I have known MR THOMS for 20 years; he has certainly been very low in his spirits for two or three months past: He would be walking up and down the higher bake-house like a man in trouble; he would sometimes be talking as if he had a dozen to contend with; his conduct latterly was unusual and different from what I had before been accustomed to see; the family had observed his changing conduct: His daughters have said to me, "I can't tell what ails father, he's so different from what he used to be." When I last saw him on Monday evening he was leaning on the kitchen table and I called him out to speak to Mr Ford, after which he went up stairs, and which was the last time I saw him; when he was leaning on the table with his head upon his hand, he appeared sleeping or studying; he had done this frequently of late; he would get u about seven o'clock in the morning and open the shop, after which he would go into the parlour and lean his head upon his hand, appearing to be in a desponding state; latterly he would often go to bed again: Judging from all these circumstances, he appeared to be labouring under a sort of insanity, in my opinion; he had neglected to do anything in the bake-house and I had complained to him that, in consequence, the work was too hard for me, and I could not stand it, - on which he would reply "Never mind; got on, go on;" He had a very quick way of speaking; he would go away, and not assist me, and I have seen him walking up and down and slap his forehead, and he would be chattering to himself as if he had a dozen men to contend with; he has been very low indeed for some time past; I did not examine to what he was suspended; he was but a foot from the ground, and there was a ladder near. - The Jury expressed a wish to see the ice-house and they accordingly went and inspected it. - Thomas Fouracres, one of the Exeter Watch, corroborated some parts of the evidence given by the other witnesses. - John Shears. - I am a joiner; was called by Tucker on Tuesday morning, at a quarter after three o'clock; I went with him to the ice-house, and took a knife with me; I did not know MR THOMS: On entering the ice-house, I saw the body, which has since been brought here; he was hanging by a handkerchief which was fastened to a towel, and the towel was fastened to a nail, which was driven into a beam on the outside part of the roof, upon which the trap-door falls; I cut the towel and Tucker received the deceased in his arms; he was quite stiff; I did not touch him at all, and cannot say if he was cold or not. - Mr Alexander Alexander. - I have known the deceased for the last seven or eight years; I recollect about fourteen or fifteen months since of his having met with an accident in the ice-house; he told me he had fallen over into the pit, by which he severely injured the back part of his head; since that time I have had frequent conversations with him as to his houses and lands, as to which he would frequently ask my opinion; from these conversations it appeared that he had been very much harassed, particularly of late, and I think within the last fortnight he observed to me that the annoyance was sufficient to drive a man mad; I had never observed that his mind was affected by the accident until lately, when he has frequently complained of pain in his head; in the last conversation I had with him, he would frequently say it is enough to drive a man mad. - J. Tucker, Esq., Surgeon. - I knew the deceased and attended him professionally. His health has been good of late, excepting that he has complained in his head: I was consulted about the accident mentioned by the last witness, but he would not do anything; I then advised him to apply leeches and take medicine, but he would not; and he was advised by his wife to take medicine the day before his decease. He was always a peculiar man, but on Sunday week last, I met him near your garden (the Coroner's) and I went home and expressed to Mrs Tucker that THOMS appeared to me to be in a very strange way: He was not desponding, but flighty; I have no doubt that there has been considerable derangement of the functions of the brain going on for some time past, which led him to commit the act. - The Coroner summed up the evidence, observing that there were two points for the consideration of the Jury; first, whether the deceased came by his death by his own hand; and then, what was the state of his mind when he committed the act. There was no evidence whatever to lead them to believe that the deceased came by his death through the violence of any other person; and the testimony given by John Tucker, the foreman, particularly when coupled with that of Mr Alexander and Mr Tucker, the Surgeon, appeared to show that the deceased was labouring under derangement of the mind. - The Jury immediately returned a verdict - "That WILLIAM THOMS, the deceased, hung himself whilst labouring under a fit of Insanity." - The deceased was 59 years of age, the second son of the late MR ALEXANDER THOMS of this City. He was generally respected as an industrious, honest and upright tradesman, - as a kind husband and father, and a sincere friend; and he has left a widow and three children to lament his loss.

EXETER - An Inquest was held at the Anchor Inn, yesterday (Thursday) before J. Gidley, Esq., Coroner, on the body of JOHN BUCKINGHAM, aged three years and four months. It appeared from the evidence that the child was seen at eight o'clock in the morning by his grandmother at the residence of his parents in the Bonhay, and that about one o'clock a man named Willey observed a body in the leat near the Bishop Blaze public-house; he called out to another man named Dandy, who jumped into the water and took up the child, who was then quite dead. The poor child must probably have passed under two mills and two bridges before it was observed, the Bishop Blaze being a considerable distance below the place where he lived. - Verdict, - "Found Drowned."

BRATTON FLEMING - On Wednesday morning an Inquest was held before T. Copner, Esq., Coroner, on the body of a man called JOHN HUXTABLE, 24 years of age, servant to Mr Isaac of Chelfham Barton, in the parish of Bratton Fleming, who was returning from Barnstaple with his master's cart and horses, between nine and ten o'clock at night, was discovered lying senseless in the road near Yeotown Lodge, by two respectable individuals who happened to be passing by, and who immediately procured a shutter and conveyed him to the public-house, where he expired. There was no evidence to show the cause of his death, and there being no external marks on the body, the medical attendant who was called in gave it as his opinion that it was occasioned by apoplexy. - Verdict, "Found Dead."

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Saturday 16 July 1836
EXETER - An Inquest was held yesterday evening (Thursday) before John Warren, Esq., Coroner for the City and County of the City of Exeter, at the Custom-House Inn, on the quay, on the body of ELIAS FORWARD ELSON, a boy about seven years of age, who was picked up in the river off the Quay point, the same morning. It appeared from the evidence that the child was missed about seven o'clock on the preceding evening, from his grandmother, in the neighbourhood, having, as was supposed, gone with some other children to play and fallen into the water. An alarm was made the same evening, and the river was searched, but the boy was not then found. There was no evidence to show how the deceased came into the river and the Learned Coroner having summed up, the Jury returned a verdict, - "Found Drowned."

EXETER - Last week, an Inquest was held before John Warren, Esq., Coroner, at the Exeter Arms, on the body of ANNA CARTER. The deceased was left in good health on the previous afternoon, from which time she was not seen by her neighbours, until the following morning, when she was found dead in her bed. Her husband had been absent all night fishing, as he was frequently obliged to be. She had been subject to fits, and the Jury returned a verdict, "Died by the Visitation of God."

TEIGNMOUTH - On Monday, an Inquisition took place at the Bee-Hive in this town, before Joseph Gribble, Esq., Coroner, on the body of JAMES PASMORE, of Newton. The first witness called was Eliza, wife of Samuel Clarke, who deposed that the deceased lodged at her house, and had done so during the week; he complained of a great pain in his leg and went to bed about 12 o'clock on Saturday night, after drinking a pint of coffee; Charles Pitts went to bed about a quarter of an hour after; about a quarter past 4 Pitts called to witness, and said PASMORE was in a fit; she went immediately, and thinking he was dying, called further assistance, and upon her return found him dead. - Elizabeth Smith, mother of the last witness, corroborated several of the facts deposed to; she also heard the deceased complain of his leg, which she washed on Saturday evening with vinegar and butter. - Charles Pitts, a private in the Yeomanry Corps, deposed that he had slept with deceased whilst they had been on duty; deceased complained of his leg on Friday and said that he had an inflammation; he went on duty on Saturday and appeared much fatigued; both had coffee together before they went to bed; deceased desired him to be careful and not hurt his leg; witness was awoke about 4 o'clock on Sunday morning, by PASMORE'S making a noise in his throat; he did not feel him struggle at all; he called the deceased three times by his name, but could get no answer; he then alarmed the house, took PASMORE in his arms and the last breath went out as Mrs Clarke came in. - W. A. Cartwright, Esq., Surgeon, said he was sent for and when he arrived, found the deceased quite dead; and judging from the external appearance and from the evidence he had heard, he considered that the deceased had died from internal haemorrhage, brought on by over exertion and fatigues of the day, being naturally a weakly and debilitated constitution, and not by any violence. - Several witnesses were examined as to money found in the bed near the person of the deceased namely, 32 sovereigns and 13 five-pound notes, the whole of which was most satisfactorily accounted for, having been drawn the previous day to pay the Troop. - The Jury, after a short consultation, delivered a verdict of "Died by the Visitation of God." - The deceased was an inhabitant of Newton, highly respected for his integrity and good conduct and has left a widow and six children to bemoan their sudden bereavement. - The Sergeant-Major was buried with military honours, on Thursday as a mark of respect to a comrade universally esteemed and generally regretted, and who had been sixteen years in the corps. - [We understand the only duty done by SERGEANT PASMORE on the Saturday was that of orderly to the Inspector, in which he had only to walk his horse; the day previous he was excused from field day, and at half-past eleven o'clock, the night of his death, he was apparently in good health and spirits, taking wine with the other Sergeants and did not complain at that time, of any fatigue or over-exertion.]

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Saturday 23 July 1836
EXETER - An Inquest was taken on Wednesday last, at the Valiant Soldier Inn, in this city, before John Warren, Esq., Coroner, on the body of THOMAS GOLLOP, who died in the Devon and Exeter Hospital on Sunday evening. The deceased was driving two horses with a waggon laden with bales, in the parish of Broadclist on the 14th of May last: and, from the evidence of William Perram, it appeared that GOLLOP was a waggoner in the service of Mr Elworthy, woollen-manufacturer, of Wellington, and on that day he overtook the deceased a little beyond the turnpike-gate on the Collumpton-road; in about a quarter of an hour the deceased passed him again, driving as fast as the horses could trot, he appeared at the time to be in liquor; witness cautioned him, and followed with his waggon, and on arriving at Broadclist, they had some refreshment together. They went on together till they got near Mr Veitch's nursery, when the horses in charge of deceased started into a trot, deceased jumped upon the shaft for the purpose of riding, but immediately fell and the near wheels of the waggon passed over his right leg. Witness stopped the horses and found deceased unable to get up and apparently much injured: With the assistance of a man he was taken to the Crab-tree Inn, on the tail-board of the waggon, between six and seven o'clock in the evening; but the master and mistress of the Inn refused to receive him into their house. GOLLOP himself begged that they would let him be taken into the stable or anywhere, but the landlord and landlady told witness to go on, saying there was no bone broken, and the man was tipsy. In consequence of which he went on about a mile and half, till the deceased begged to be taken down: A cart was afterwards procured and GOLLOP was taken to the Devon and Exeter Hospital: - Mr Frederick Hobson Warren, pupil of John Harris, Esq., one of the Surgeons to the Hospital, deposed as to the state the deceased was in when he was brought to the Hospital, and the cause of his death through the accident. - The Coroner having summed up, the Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death," with the following censure - "The Jurors assembled to Inquire into the cause of the death of THOMAS GOLLOP are unanimously of opinion that the conduct of Mr and Mrs Badcock, who keep the Crab-tree Inn, in the parish of Broadclist, in refusing to receive or assist the said THOMAS GOLLOP, after he had sustained such a severe accident, is deserving of great censure."

EXETER - An Inquest was held on Monday morning at the Valiant Soldier Inn, by John Warren, Esq., Coroner for this city, on the body of JOHN SEGRAVE, who died in the Devon and Exeter Hospital on Sunday morning. The deceased had been in the Hospital for two months, where he lingered in a severe state of suffering. He was brought there in consequence of a dreadful accident he received by being thrown from a colt which he was breaking in, which fractured his skull. The deceased was a Roman Catholic and was attended in his last moments by the Rev. Mr Oliver, the Roman Catholic Priest of this City. Verdict, "Accidental Death."

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Saturday 6 August 1836
CHURSTON FERRERS - Melancholy and Fatal Accident. - On Tuesday last, the REV. P. GILLARD, whilst bathing at Ebbery-sands, in the parish of Churston, got out of his depth, and being alone, and unable to swim, was unfortunately drowned. The body, when picked up, had evidently been in the water a considerable time, and was discovered by the circumstance of the rising tide floating off the deceased's clothes, which led to a search. The body was soon discovered, taken on shore and every means used to restore animation, but without effect. An Inquest was held on the body the following day, and a verdict of "Accidentally Drowned" returned.

LYNTON - A very melancholy and deeply afflictive accident occurred at Linton, on the evening of the 28th ult. MISS MARY ANN WEBSTER, a maiden lady, of Birmingham, who was riding on a donkey, and enjoying the romantic and peculiar beauties of the Valley of Rocks, was accidentally thrown off the animal, fell some distance on a green plot below and then rolled down a precipice of 60 feet, into the water. The unfortunate lady was taken up alive, but survived only two hours. An Inquest was held on the body on Saturday last, before Thomas Copner, Esq., Coroner, and a verdict of Accidental Death was returned. The body was removed on Monday in a hearse for interment at Birmingham.

EXETER - Before John Warren, Esq., Coroner for the City and County of the City of Exeter. - On Saturday last, at the Valiant Soldier Inn, in this City, on the body of HENRY HAVILL, who died in the Devon and Exeter Hospital. The deceased, as will be recollected by our readers, met with a severe accident, through his leg getting entangled with a rope attached to one of the barges at the Double Lock, on the 14th of June last, when the Mayor and Council were returning from their excursion to the Turf. He received a compound dislocation of the left ankle joint and a fracture of the small bone of the leg: The main bone came through the skin, which occasioned a wound three or four inches in extent: In about a fortnight about the accident, erisipala followed, which caused the formation of extensive abscesses, and a consequent discharge beyond the constitution could bear, and the deceased lingered and died on Friday. Mr Harris attributed his death entirely to the injury he received in his leg. - Verdict, - Accidental Death.

EXETER ST SIDWELL - Before John Warren, Esq., Coroner for the City of Exeter, on Monday last, on the body of JOHN ALFORD, of Stoke Canon, in this County, labourer, who died in Southernhay, the same morning. It appeared from the evidence that the deceased had come to Exeter to have the advice of Dr Budd, as he had been very ill in a complaint on the chest, for a long time. He went from the Antelope to Dr Budd's, and received a prescription, but on his way back, he was taken worse and obliged to sit down; in that situation his wife found him, when he gave her the prescription, and she went to a druggist and procured the medicine; she returned to him, but in her absence he had been removed to a coach-house, and placed in a chair, where she gave him some of the medicine; after which John Harris, Esq., Surgeon and Mr Frederick Hobson Warren, one of his pupils, were called, and rendered the best assistance in their power, but he expired in about a quarter of an hour. Verdict, - Died by the Visitation of God.

EXETER - Mr John Warren, Coroner, held an Inquest on the body of WILLIAM HEPPER, a labourer, of Sandford, who fell from a hayrick and dislocated his neck: He was taken to the Devon and Exeter Hospital, where he died. Verdict, "Accidental Death."

EXETER - Mr John Warren, Coroner held an Inquest on the body of RICHARD BASTIN, who fell off the shaft of a waggon in St Thomas's-street, and the wheel passed over his head, from which he died in the Hospital. - Verdict, "Accidental Death."

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Saturday 13 August 1836
GEORGEHAM - Awful Death. - On Friday night last, a fatal accident occurred to a young man named GEORGE HURARD, a small farmer, aged about 28, of the parish of Georgeham, North Devon. The deceased had been to Barnstaple market, and left the town early in the evening, rather intoxicated; after which he remained at an Inn in Braunton, and drank to still further excess; he proceeded on his way home between eight and nine o'clock, and was found by two gentlemen at half-past nine, between Braunton and Georgeham, lying in the hedge, with a dreadful wound in the back of his head. He was insensible and speechless and was immediately conveyed home, where he lay in the same state until Sunday morning, when he died. From the nature of the wound, it is supposed that he was riding furiously, and was thrown from his horse, by which his head came in contact with a sharp stone. A Coroner's Inquest sat on the body on Monday and returned a verdict of "Accidental Death." It is said that the deceased exhibited money to the amount of £10 when he was in the Inn at Braunton and that but £2 was found upon his person when he was picked up; from this circumstance some have imagined that he was robbed and murdered, but there is no sufficient evidence to bear out the conjecture. The deceased has left an afflicted wife and three very young children to mourn his untimely end.

EXETER - Before John Warren, Esq., Coroner for Exeter, on Tuesday, at the Valiant Soldier Inn, on the body of JAMES GOODGROOM, who died in the Devon and Exeter Hospital from an injury he received in his leg. Mr Henry Stephens, pupil of Mr Luscombe, one of the Surgeons of the Devon and Exeter Hospital, deposed that he saw the deceased soon after nine o'clock on the morning of Saturday the 30th of July; he found, on examining him, that he had a lacerated wound above the back part of the inner ankle, with a considerable flow of blood from the wound; the bone was not fractured; deceased went on favourably till Saturday last, when he complained of pain in his stomach, and subsequently of a stiffness about the angle of his jaw; he died of lock-jaw about three o'clock yesterday (Monday); he attributed the death of deceased to the injury which he had received in his leg. - The deceased was one of the crew of a trader, and the accident was understood to have been occasioned from a rope getting round his leg, off Topsham; but no evidence could be procured to that effect, the vessel having sailed for Bristol. - The Jury returned a verdict, "That the deceased died of Lock-jaw, resulting from an injury he had received in his leg; but how or by what means the injury was occasioned, the Jury have no evidence before them."

EXETER - Before John Warren, Esq., Coroner for Exeter, on Wednesday last, at the Valiant Soldier Inn, on the body of THOMAS CROOTE, a joiner, who fell from the top of an unfinished building in Holloway-street, the same morning, by which he received severe injury in his left shoulder, his breast and the back of his head, and died in the Hospital a short time after the accident. - The Jury having viewed the body, - William Jones, a working mason, was examined:- I work for Mr Rowe, and was working with the deceased, who was a joiner, when the accident happened. Deceased came to work about six o'clock in the morning at the building in Holloway-street, and went up to the top about his employment; in about seven minutes after I saw some dirt falling from above, and, on looking up, saw deceased clearing away brick-bats and rubbish, which was on a scaffolding board; I went on with my work, and in about a minute deceased fell with his head downwards, and the board came after him; he fell through a part of the building called the well, which is the space left for the staircase. I went, with other workmen, to assist the deceased, and blood was flowing from his head; he never spoke a word and was all of a heap; he had fallen upon his head and shoulder; I assisted in taking him to the Hospital, where he died in a few minutes, in my presence, - which was about a quarter of an hour from the time he fell; the height of the place from whence he fell was thirty-nine feet; there were no other persons working near the deceased when he met with the accident. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death."

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Saturday 20 August 1836
DAWLISH - The Late MR IMESON. - The body of the man which we stated in our last, as having been discovered in a furze-brake between Starcross and Dawlish, has been identified as that of MR IMESON, tobacconist, who was missed from this City about eighteen months since, it being supposed by his wife that he had gone to America. An Inquest was held on the remains on Friday last, before Joseph Gribble, Esq., Coroner, at Cock-wood, in the parish of Dawlish; when, evidence having been given as to the finding of the body, Mr William Warren, bookseller and library keeper, near the post-office, Exeter, deposed: - I recollect that MR IMESON absented himself suddenly, a long time ago, and was never heard of since; the body now found in the brake, from all appearances is the body of MR IMESON, but I will not undertake to swear positively to it; MR IMESON lodged with me from Nov. to Feb. 1835; he left his home under embarrassed circumstances; he left his watch, brooch, snuff-box and everything of value, but did not say he was going away; was aged about 40. - ANN MARKIE IMESON, wife of the deceased, swore that the cane, part of the shirt, and pocket handkerchief, taken from the person of the deceased, who was her husband, was his property, and his name was ROBERT MATTHEW IMESON; that he left his house at Exeter, on the 13th of February, 1835. - Wm. W. Collyns, Surgeon, examined: I saw the body of the deceased, and examined it, and as far as I can judge, I think the body has lain in the brake at least 12 months or more. From the appearance of the body it is impossible to say whether any violence had been committed or not - I think none; there is no appearance of a fracture of the skull, or other injury; a small penknife with the blade open, was found near the deceased. - The Jury, after hearing this evidence, returned a verdict, "Found Dead in the brake, but how or by what means he came to his death, no evidence thereof appeared to the Jurors." - It is supposed that he must have repaired to the spot where he was found, and taken laudanum, it having been traced, at the time, that he had purchased some a few hours only before leaving Exeter. - An open penknife, however, was found at his feet. From the length of time the body had been exposed, it was utterly impossible to recognise a single feature, it having become a complete skeleton, presenting a most deplorable spectacle. - [The widow, with two small children, has since resided on the premises in Bedford-street, subsisting upon the proceeds of her snuff and tobacco shop; she was, we understand, left in the most straitened circumstances, and has since suffered much privation. She is a respectable woman, having seen much better days; and her case, we are assured, is one which claims the sympathy of the benevolent and humane. Some charitable ladies and gentlemen have already interested themselves in behalf of MRS IMESON and her family, and we doubt not, that, under the distressing circumstances of the case, many others will "go and do likewise."]

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Saturday 27 August 1836
ALPHINGTON - Fatal Accident. - On Wednesday evening, about eight o'clock, as MR WILLIAM BLATCHFORD, landlord of the Admiral Vernon Inn, at Alphington, was returning from the race-course, he fell off his horse a little way on the Exeter side of the Haldon Turnpike; he pitched on his head and by the force of the concussion ruptured the main artery of the neck He left the course in company with two friends, who had ridden on a short distance from him when the accident occurred; but on his horse coming up to them without a rider, they suspected that something had happened, and on going back, found him lying in the road, insensible and a man endeavouring to lift him up. He was taken back to his residence in Alphington, where he died at eleven o'clock the same evening. - An Inquest was held on the body on Wednesday, before J. Gribble, Esq., Coroner; and the Jury, after hearing the evidence, returned a verdict of "Accidental Death." The deceased was a single man, 41 years of age and much respected in the neighbourhood for his good temper and social disposition: He had, it is believed, drank rather freely during the day, and although a capital rider, lost the command of his horse.

PLYMOUTH - Sudden Death. On Monday morning last, MR WILLIAM GLOGUE, a respectable baker of this town, was seized with a violent fit of coughing while employed in preparing the morning's bread, and immediately desisted; but feeling, after the lapse of a few minutes, much better, he resumed his employment, but was again obliged to leave off. The persons employed with him seeing him faint, carried him to a sofa, where, in a few minutes after, he expired. An Inquest was held on the body, but the Jurors not feeling themselves competent to decide, without a post mortem examination of the body by a medical man. - This was most ably accomplished by Mr Freeman, when it was discovered that the deceased had ruptured a blood-vessel near the heart, which occasioned his death. Verdict accordingly. Deceased was a most temperate man, and highly respected by his friends and acquaintance.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Saturday 10 September 1836
EXETER - Inquest before J. Warren, Esq. [Coroner for the City and County of the City of Exeter.] - On Monday last, at Moore's London Alehouse, in St. Mary Arches-street, on the body of MARY JANE RHIND, aged about seven weeks, who was found dead by the side of her mother, in bed, the same morning. The mother being the keeper of a house of ill-fame, and the child illegitimate, the circumstance excited suspicion and occupied the Jury a considerable time. It appeared, however, from the evidence, that the child was small, and had been unhealthy from its birth; the only medicine given it was syrup of rhubarb. The child had been cross the previous night, but took the breast and went to sleep, and the mother did not discover it to have been dead till between five and six o'clock the following morning. Some of the witnesses stated that the mother always appeared fond of the child and that she was crying in the morning after she discovered it to be dead. - ELIZABETH RHIND, mother of the child, stated that the child had been troubled with cramp ever since it was born, and was very cross. Before going to bed she gave the child about half a teaspoonful of syrup of rhubarb, at eleven o'clock, and a woman in the house tasted the medicine; after she went to bed the child cried, and was brought to her; she gave the child the breast and afterwards laid it upon the pillow, when it went off to sleep; in the morning she examined the child and finding it cold and that it did not draw its breath as usual, she caught it up in a hurry, ran out of the room with it, and exclaimed "Oh my God, my child is dead!" She then sent for Mrs Warren, a neighbour, who came to her assistance and took the child, which was quite dead. The Jury returned a verdict, - "Died by the Visitation of God."

EXETER - Inquest before J. Warren, Esq. [Coroner for the City and County of the City of Exeter.] - On Monday last, at Wilcock's Valiant Soldier Inn, on the body of EDWARD PARSONS, a labourer, of the parish of Whitstone, who died in the Devon and Exeter Hospital, in consequence of a cut accidentally received in the heel from the point of a sickle, in reaping, with some other men in a field belonging to Mr Abraham Lake. It appeared that on the previous Friday in the afternoon, the deceased was reaping with some other men, and he cried out, "John Norrish, I do think you have cut my heel." Norrish, who was the next man to him, replied "I hope not." Upon deceased taking off his shoe and stocking, a small cut, or prick, was discovered in his left heel, from which some blood had flowed. Deceased was persuaded by Norrish to go into the house and get something put to his heel, as he was much given to inflammation; deceased refused to do so, and put on his shoe and stocking, after which he continued reaping for the remainder of the day. There had been no quarrel nor any angry words between the deceased and Norrish, nor with any of the other men, and Norrish expressed much sorrow for what had happened; nor was the deceased or either of the men in liquor. Mr Arthur Kempe, a pupil of S. Barnes, Esq., one of the Surgeons of the Hospital, deposed that on Friday the 19th of August he was called to the deceased at the Hospital, and found that the patient had received a cut in his left heel, which had not the appearance of a recent wound. The deceased told him it happened only three days before; and he was taken every care of. There was no unhealthy appearance at first, but about the 23rd of August inflammation appeared, attended by fever. From that time the deceased gradually got worse and died on Saturday evening. He saw the deceased the last time about half past nine o'clock and he was then dying. He considered that the inflammatory action which first showed itself in the wound, had extended to the body and probably to the heart; that inflammation being the consequence of the wound, he attributed the death to the wound. - Verdict,- "Homicide By Misfortune."

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Saturday 17 September 1836
TIVERTON - The New Poor Laws - Medical Relief. - An Inquest was held in the Town Hall, Tiverton, on the 6th instant, before F. S. Gervis, Esq., Coroner for the Borough, on the body of HARRIET SEARLE, which has excited much sensation in the town and neighbourhood. - The circumstances of the case are as follows:- The child of a labourer named JOHN SEARLE, was taken ill of scarlet fever and the wife applied to Mr Macdonald, one of the parish surgeons to attend it; he referred her to Mr Beck, the overseer, for an order for medical attendance. This, Mr Beck told her he could not give, as the wages of her husband and children amounted to 17s. 6d. per week. Mr Macdonald had, however, previously told her what was the complaint of the child, and subsequently advised her to give it senna and toast and water for a beverage, but she refused to attend to it. This was on the Thursday, on the Friday the child appeared rather better; but on Saturday it became worse, when she applied to the Coroner, Mr Gervis, who is a medical man, he pronounced the child to be dangerously ill, and gave the mother a note to take to Mr Mills, another of the overseers, stating the fact, who gave her an order to the Parish Surgeon, Mr Macdonald; he immediately attended and gave the mother some medicine. The child died at three o'clock on the Sunday morning. The Surgeon, Mr Macdonald, corroborated this statement of the mother. The overseer, Mr Beck, stated that he refused to give the order in consequence of having received a letter from the Clerk of the Guardians, requesting him to be careful what orders he gave for medical relief. He said that he could not see that the case came under the denomination of "sudden and urgent" necessity, so as to justify him in giving the order on application. But for this communication, Mr Beck said he would not have withheld the order. - The Coroner, in his able summing up, said nearly as follows: - Gentlemen of the Jury, - It appears, from the evidence brought before us today, that a poor woman by the name of MARIA SEARLE applies to the Overseer of the Parish on behalf of a sick child for medical relief. She takes to him a note from a Surgeon, who saw the child on the Thursday, stating that she required medical assistance. The Overseer, on enquiry, finds that her husband's weekly wages amounted to eight shillings, that she had six children, three of whom were daily employed in work and three maintained from her husband's earnings; he ascertains from her that she was not in the receipt of any parish relief, but did not know at that time what wages were obtained by the three children; he tells her that he has received a letter from the Guardians to be careful in giving orders to any paupers, except in cases of urgent necessity; he therefore refuses, considering that the case did not come under that denomination, In so doing he acts entirely in accordance with the order he has received. - The Guardians receive the law from the Poor Law Commissioners, and thus the difficulty arises, as to how it shall be decided that a case is "urgent" requiring medical aid. Now, in my opinion, an Overseer ought to have a discretionary power given to him, to act as he thinks proper in all cases where he considers medical aid necessary; and if, on being applied to, to grant an order, whether the person receive parish relief or not, provided he be too poor to pay a medical attendant, he should request the Parish Surgeon to visit the case, and depend on his testimony as to the necessity of medical attendance. This would at once remove the responsibility from the Overseer; for how can he rightly ascertain a case to be urgent, without knowing it from one who is the most competent to judge in such a matter? A person may be taken ill one hour and die the next, except promptly attended to. It is true that the poor man, if he cannot at any time get an order from the Overseer, has his remedy; he may apply to a Magistrate to grant an order for medical attendance, - and the Overseer dare not then refuse to attend to the case without incurring a penalty of five pounds. The Surgeon, Mr Macdonald, states on his evidence, that the child might have recovered, had he attended when first he was called in; but he received no order to visit the child until the Saturday afternoon. It is right, in order to prevent a similar occurrence, that there should be a perfect understanding between the Commissioners, the Guardians, and the Overseers, as to the class of persons to whom medical relief is to be administered; nor can I agree with the opinion which has been expressed, that accident only are to be considered as urgent cases. The Overseers at present are shackled; they have an imperfect power, not knowing frequently what cases to relieve. I do not cast a reflection on either party; but I leave you to decide where the blame lies in this case. You are to investigate and most seriously to consider every circumstance that refers to it: You are not to be guided by partiality, but to do your duty. The law, if good, must contemplate the preservation of life; and the life of the poor child is as valuable to the parents as the life of one in the higher sphere of society. You are to consider how you would feel, were you placed in humbler circumstances; and this should weigh with your opinions. I now leave the case for your deliberation. The child was afflicted with a malignant disease, the scarlet fever, by the Visitation of God; and from the evidence given it would appear, that its death was hastened from want of medical attendance. - The Jury remained some time in deliberation, and then returned a verdict, "That HARRIET SEARLE died of the scarlet fever, and that it appears to the Jury that her death was hastened for ant of timely medical aid," and they requested the Coroner to transmit their verdict, with the depositions on which it was founded to the Poor Law Commissioners.

EXETER - Charge Of Manslaughter. - An Inquest was held on Wednesday morning, at the Valiant Soldier Inn, in this City, before J. Warren, Esq., Coroner, on the body of JANE LUXTON, aged 60, who met her death from injuries she received on being knocked down and run over on the Heavitree road, by a horse ridden by John Page, the son of a butcher at Broadclist, on Monday. The following witnesses were examined:- George Gidley was driving two horses with an empty cart, and passed the spot where the accident took place; he saw the boy on the horse gallop past him, and also saw the deceased run very fast down the steps from the foot-path into the road, which she was crossing when the horse struck her down and went over her. - The boy looked back, but did not appear to be able to stop his horse. Witness helped the woman up into a waggon, when she was taken to the Hospital. - H. James, Esq., one of the Surgeons of the Hospital, saw the deceased soon after the accident. On examining her he found on the left side of the head, marks of a severe blow; there was a large quantity of extravasated blood on the left side of the brain, and bruises on other parts of the body. The appearances were such as were likely to have been produced by a severe blow, and quite sufficient to cause death. Deceased died at eight o'clock on Tuesday morning. - Richard Sanders, servant to Mr Shapcote, carrier, met the boy beyond Heavitree bridge, riding very fiercely; his master called out to the boy that he was a rascal for riding so fast; witness had no reason to believe that the boy had lost the command of his horse. - John Page, aged 15, who rode over the woman, stated to the Jury that he had a basket with meat in it on his arm, which he was moving, when the horse ran away, and he could not stop it until he came to Sandy Gate. - The Jury, after a very long deliberation, returned a verdict - "Manslaughter Against John Page."

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Saturday 24 September 1836
CHITTLEHAMPTON - Inquest held before H. A. Vallack, Esq., of Great Torrington, Coroner. - At Chittlehampton, on the 10th instant, on the body of SARAH GRADDON. There being a suspicion that the deceased had given birth to a premature child, a post-mortem examination took place, and from the testimony of D. Bate, Esq., of Torpoint, Dr Newholt, and Mr Joce, Surgeon, and other witnesses, the Jury returned a verdict of "Died in Consequence of Giving Birth to a Premature Child."

BLACK TORRINGTON - Inquest held before H. A. Vallack, Esq. on the body of ANN OSBORN, four years old, who in the temporary absence of her sister, caught herself on fire, and was so dreadfully burnt that she shortly afterwards expired. Verdict, "Accidental Death."

BUCKLAND BREWER - Inquest held before H. A. Vallack, Esq., on Monday last, at Buckland Brewer, on the body of JOANNA BOWDEN, who, the preceding day, feeling herself unwell, went upstairs to bed, but on lying down she instantly expired. Verdict, "Died by the Visitation of God."

HOLSWORTHY - Inquest held before H. A. Vallack, Esq., - At Holsworthy, on Tuesday, on the body of MARY AXFORD, wife of BENJAMIN AXFORD, of Stratton, yeoman, who was found dead in the stable, whither she had gone a few minutes previously to give a dog some meat. This case excited a deal of interest, from a report that the deceased was ill-treated by her husband; but the evidence did not bear out that statement, and the Jury returned a verdict, "Died by the Visitation of God."

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Saturday 22 October 1836
OTTERY ST MARY - Melancholy Occurrence. - On Friday last, a Coroner's Inquest was held by R. H. Aberdein, Esq., at the Greyhound Inn, Fenny-bridges, Honiton Road, on the body of MR EDWARD SMITH, who had drowned himself in the river Otter the preceding day. It appears from the evidence that the deceased reached the Greyhound Inn on foot about 11 o'clock on Thursday, and called for a glass of gin, which he drunk and left the house; he had not been gone more than a quarter of an hour before an alarm was given that a "man had jumped into the river." Two labourers who were near, ran to the spot, succeeded in dragging him out and conveyed him back to the Inn, where every means were resorted to, to restore animation, but the vital spark had fled. Mr Wreford, Surgeon of Ottery, was in attendance within half an hour of the melancholy affair, but too late to render any assistance. On searching the deceased's pockets a 10l. Bank of England note was found, some silver and half-pence, a gold watch, &c., &c. and a receipt dated Falmouth 10th Oct. 1836, signed Wm. Gay, Agent, purporting to be a receipt from EDWARD SMITH, of a bag of despatches addressed to the Right Honourable Lord Howard de Walden, Lisbon. From this as well as from the evidence given by Mr Blake of the Dolphin Inn, Honiton, it appears the deceased was a King's Messenger. He had passed through Honiton on Sunday the 9th of Oct; changing horses at the Dolphin on his way to Falmouth with despatches, and from the statement made by Mr Blake of his conduct then, and that given by other witnesses as to his manner at the Greyhound Inn, it was evident he was labouring under strong mental excitement, and the Jury returned a verdict accordingly.

MILTON DAMEREL - An Inquest was held last week, by H. A. Vallack, Esq., at Milton Damarel, on the body of a child named THERESA HARRISS, who in the temporary absence of her mother being at play with other children, caught her clothes on fire, and was so dreadfully burnt as to cause almost instant death. - Verdict, "Accidental Death."

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Saturday 29 October 1836
EXETER - We regret to state that MR EDWARD REGINALD WILLIAMSON, a respectable Commercial traveller for a Manchester House in the drapery line, died about five o'clock this morning (Friday), from the effects of taking a large quantity of laudanum last night. He had for some time past been observed to labour under lowness of spirits and despondency. - An Inquest has been held on the body before J. Warren, Esq., after hearing the evidence the Jury returned a verdict "That the deceased destroyed himself by taking laudanum, he being at the time in an Unsound State of Mind."

EXETER - On Friday evening last, an Inquest was held before J. Warren, Esq., Coroner for this city, on the body of an aged female named MARY BENT, said to be an Irish woman, which was taken out of the Mill leat, near Shilhay bridge on Thursday. The body was deposited in St. Edmund's Church, preparatory to the Inquest. - It appeared from the evidence that the poor woman was in distress, and having no friends, she threw herself into the water in despair: But there being some difficulty as to the proof of the circumstances, he Inquest was adjourned: and on Saturday, after further investigation, the Jury returned a verdict of "Found Drowned."

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Saturday 19 November 1836
EXETER - A woman named ENDICOTT died yesterday morning at the bottom of the Butcher Row. It having been reported that a quarrel had taken place between the deceased and her husband on the previous evening, and that she had been much injured, an Inquest was held before J. Warren, Esq., to Inquire into the circumstances. The body was examined, when it was found that the woman died from the bursting of a blood-vessel and that there were no marks of violence on her person. Verdict, "Died by the Visitation of God."

EXMOUTH - In this town on Friday last, an Inquest was held by R. H. Aberdein, Esq., Coroner, on the body of HENRY TILLER, shipwright, aged 40, who for the last eight years had been unable to work from the effects of severe asthma, and was in the habit of taking laudanum to procure sleep. On Wednesday night he took three pills, and being uneasy and not able to sleep, desired his wife to send for some laudanum, which she did, and gave him; the next morning he was found dead in his bed. After careful investigation before a respectable Jury, assisted by Mr Land, Surgeon, of Exmouth, the Jury returned a verdict of - Died from the effects of Poison administered by his Wife. - It appeared that the person who sold the laudanum is not a chemist or druggist, but keeps a shop for the sale of various articles and was in the habit of supplying them with a similar quantity, and therefore gave no particular caution or direction; but surely when poisonous articles are sold, a caution and direction should invariably be given. We are led from this, as well as other similar events, to remark that as all medical practitioners are obliged to produce proofs of their abilities to practice the same should be done by chemists and druggists as to their abilities for dispensing medicine and those articles should never be sold in hucksters' shops, or dispensed by persons not duly qualified.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Saturday 26 November 1836
PLYMOUTH - On Saturday an Inquest was taken before R. J. Squire, Esq., Coroner, on the body of SAMUEL BURSDEY, which was found in Sutton Pool on the same morning by some shipwrights at work on the schooner "Tantivy" lying at Smart's Quay. The deceased was an elderly man, a smith in the Dock-Yard and had gone to Plymouth Guildhall on Tuesday, to see his son, who, for some misconduct to his master, had been committed to Exeter Gaol. The old man was so overcome by his parental feelings, that he could not then bear an interview, and said he would come the next morning to see his delinquent child before he was sent off. He returned to Devonport in a state of much agitation, and was heard in a wild manner to express a wish that God would strike him "dead." The following morning he left, as was supposed to see his wretched son, and had not been heard of till the body was picked up. Verdict, "Found Drowned."

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Saturday 3 December 1836
EXETER - On Tuesday an Inquest was taken before John Warren, Esq., Coroner for Exeter, at Wilcock's Valiant Soldier Inn, Magdalene-street, on the body of a little girl named MARY ANN SMALE, of Bickleigh, who had been so dreadfully burnt, that she expired in the Devon and Exeter Hospital. A verdict was returned accordingly.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Saturday 10 December 1836
MARWOOD - A man named JOHN BERRY, of Marwood, North Devon, mason, aged 36, died on the 30th ult., after a very short illness. Reports were prevalent that the deceased had died by poison; and, in consequence, an Inquisition was held on the body on Saturday last, before Thos. Copner, Esq., Coroner, who directed a post-mortem examination, when it was proved in evidence that the death of the deceased was occasioned by inflammation. The Jury accordingly returned a verdict of "Natural Death."

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Saturday 17 December 1836
SAMPFORD COURTENAY - On Tuesday last, an Inquest was held by T. Copner, Esq., at Sampford Courtnay, near Okehampton, on the body of MR W. ASHLEY, of that parish, who on the Wednesday preceding in the middle of the night, left his bedroom in which his son was sleeping and descending into the back kitchen, put an end to his existence by hanging himself. - The unfortunate man had previously been afflicted with an aberration of mind, for which he had been in an asylum, and had since manifested symptoms of a return of the malady. Verdict, - "Insanity."

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Saturday 31 December 1836
EAST STONEHOUSE - An Inquest was held on Tuesday at Stonehouse, on the body of MR THOMAS SYMONS. It appeared that the deceased early that morning had gone into the house of his next neighbour, in the parlour of which he was left busying himself at the window. On some person entering the room a few minutes afterwards, he was discovered lying dead or dying on the floor. Mr Burrows was called in, but life was extinct: Mr B. had not the least reason to doubt that the death had been produced by natural causes. The deceased had been unwell for some time past. Verdict - "Died by the Visitation of God."

BIDEFORD - The result of the Inquest held on the body of a man named BATER, mentioned in our last, who was found dead on the beach near Bideford, supposed at first to have been murdered, has been, that after a long and impartial examination of all the circumstances, the Jury brought in their verdict, on Friday of "Found Drowned," being satisfied that he did not come to his death by foul means, as there were no marks of violence on his body.