6th, Jan 1877.
INQUESTS
By Mr Clarke ASPINALL
On Saturday on Rebecca BROADHURST, aged 4, daughter of a labourer, 32 Iliad St, who was scalded to death by upsetting a pan of boiling water on her. – accidental
Saturday on James WILKINSON a seaman, aged 52 who lodged at, 25 Great George St and belonged to Baltimore. He had been drinking and was found dead in the street. Accidental due to drink and exposure to the cold.
Saturday on William ELLIS, aged 53, a Commission Agent of 59 Lennon St., deceased was in difficulties and had been feeling at a low for some time, on Wednesday week was found dead on the kitchen floor in a pool of blood, his throat cut, a cut throat razor by his side. – suicide while temporary insane.
Saturday on the body of a male child found under ashes in Leeds St, was a live birth but died due to neglect by persons unknown.
On Wednesday on Thomas MCVEIGH, a labourer aged 55, who lodged at 7 Sand St. On Saturday while in a state of intoxication, fell backwards onto steps leading to the house he lodged at, hitting the back of his head. –died from effusion of blood on the brain, accidental.
On Wednesday on the body of William FARLEY, aged 23 a tailor who lodged at, 24 Cazneau St. On Saturday last while sober asked his landlord to wrestle with him. They fell against the window of the parlour which broke and they fell into the street. Deceased was killed on the spot, concussion of the brain, accidental.
On Wednesday on Catherine GRAHAM, aged 37, wife of James GRAHAM, Hairdresser, 8 Rigby St. James GRAHAM, stated his wife had been in intemperate habits for some time and because of this and other reasons, he would not disclose, he had ceased living with her from the 7th, ult
P.C.633, found a bonnet attached to a rope from a telegraph pole, on the canal bank near Burlington St. In it he found a letter addressed to, Mr James GRAHAM, 3 Prussian St
The canal was dragged and the deceased body was found under, Burlington St, Bridge. The letter was accusing James GRAHAM of falsely accusing her of a wrong doing. Found drowned accidental
On Thursday on Eliza GUY, aged 42, who lived in a court in SHELLEY St, deceased who cohabited with a labourer, was addicted to drink. On Saturday returned home drunk and sat in a chair, was found next morning dead in the chair with her head on her knees, died of suffocation.
On Thursday on the body of, John RICE, labourer aged 57, of Henderson St. Three weeks ago the deceased who was subject to fits was left alone on the house for half an hour.. Was found shockingly burned. It is supposed he had fallen and pulled a lighted candle on him – accidental from burning.
Inquest at Widnes by Mr DRIFFIELD at the, Simms Cross Hotel, on Sarah Ellen MALON who died of scalding after upsetting a hot cup of tea.- accidental
Inquest at Chorley on Tuesday by Mr GILBERTON, on Henry PILKINGTON aged 36, a collier of Queen St, had a drunken quarrel with his wife and left the house in a passion. Wife heard noises at the back of the house in the night. Deceased was found dead in the yard, he was face down in a pool of water an inch deep, had his hands in his pockets. Accidental suffocation.
Inquest on Tuesday at St Helens on the body of George RIMMER, Joiner aged 56, was found floating in the canal opposite St Helens Chemical Works, Parr, had been missing since 26th November last, supposed he fell in, accidental.
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LIVERPOOL JOURNAL
Jan 13th, 1877
DEATHS AND INQUESTS
Inquests by the Borough Coroner Mr C. ASPINALL
On the body of Edward ROBERTS, aged 35, a stableman, deceased was of weak intellect and committed suicide on Thursday by hanging himself with a rope attached to a beam in a hayloft in Cockspur St – suicide while temporary insane.
Saturday on the body of Charles MATHEWS an apprentice fitter in the employment of Mr BAKER, Engineer and Boiler maker, Oil St. Deceased was killed in the yard when a derrick fell on his head – accidental death.
On Tuesday on the body of William Henry LANGFIELD, aged 36, an under warehouseman, in the employment of Messers MELLOR and Sons, Brewers of Hunter St. Four weeks ago the deceased was passing along Hunter St, when a cask was being lowered from a window in the 4 storey building. The cask fell on his head, he died from his injuries in the Royal Infirmary on Saturday last – accidental death.
Yesterday on the body of Catherine DALTON, aged 77, a cotton picker of Chisehale St. On 21st inst deceased was run over by a trap belonging to Mr W. BURROWS of Wavertree, in Great Howard St. She died in the Northern Hospital on the 9th inst – No blame attached to the driver, accidental death.
Yesterday on the body of Robert CHAPMAN, aged 65, Carter, employed by the Omnibus Stables, Park Place. While deceased was driving his horse and cart down Athol St, the horse fell, knocking down the deceased who was leading the horse by the head. He died at the Stanley Hospital the same night – accidental death.
Yesterday on the body of James MELIA aged 24 of Naylor St The deceased was a dealer in grease. On the 19th ult he got one of his fingers crushed while putting a barrel of grease into the cellar. Lockjaw set in and he died on Tuesday last – died from Lockjaw.
Wigan on Wednesday an inquest was held by Mr DRIFFIELD, County Coroner on the body of David ATHERTON, a small foundry proprietor, who died on Sunday evening, from injuries he received the previous evening, in a public house at Thwaites Delph, Pemberton, Some words passed between himself and a Labourer, Thomas DEMPSEY, the latter grabbed ATHERTON by the throat, and both fell down the cellar steps – DEMPSEY was remanded on a charge of Manslaughter.
An inquest was held at the North Western Hotel, Birkenhead on Thursday on the body of Olaf Ejebin ANDERSEN, a sailor belonging to the Swedish Barque COLLECTOR, lying in the West Float on Tuesday afternoon. The deceased fell off the foreyard into the dock, striking his head on the edge of the quay. His body was recovered 2 hrs afterwards – accidental death.
A shocking occurrence took place at Warrington last night, Rachael DUNHAVEN, aged 49, wife of a glasscutter of Watkin St. The deceased and her husband were returning from the market at about 7.30pm. The nearest way was across, BOLTON’S Brickfield in Orford Lane, which is full of brick pits. The night was dark, the woman fell into a pit, dragging her husband with her. The pits are 12 ft high and contain 10/12 ft of water. It was impossible for the unfortunate couple to extract themselves. Their crys for help were heard by two men passing, the husband managed to get out, but the wife sank and her body was not recovered till 2 hrs later.
At 5.30 am on Sunday a fatal accident occurred on the Ravenhead branch of the London and North West, Railways Co’s branch. Elizabeth Ellen CHEETHAM, aged 19, employed as a Brow Girl at the Ravenhead Colliery, was proceeded to her work. [NB 5am Sunday]. With a young man and girl named GARNETT. At the same time there was a train of wagons shunting and for this purpose, it was divided in the middle. The driver shouted to them not to go through the opening, but the young man GARNETT, succeeded and ventured to the other side. The deceased followed, the wagon being then in motion. She was caught between the buffers and crushed, death was instantaneous.
On Tuesday last one of the hero’s of Waterloo passed away, aged 84 yrs, namely Mr William PERRIN, of Birkenhead, father of Joseph PERRIN, one of the Commissioners of that town. The deceased fought in the ranks of the Coldstream Guards, on the memorable, 18th, June 1815, and was one of the few who witnessed the meeting of WELLINGTON and BLUCHER on the battlefield.
The death is announced of Rev Canon THOMAS, Vicar of Llanrhaidr-yn-Kemmerch and Canon resident of Bangor, for nearly half a century a leading Clergyman of North Wales. He commenced his Ministry at Ruabon, as Curate, was then appointed Vicar of Carnarvon, which he held for 20 yrs, terminating on the elevation of Rev R. M. BONNOR, to the Deanery of St Asaph. When Mr THOMAS was selected as his successor as Vicar of Ruabon. He spent the last years of his life in comparative quiet at Llanrhaidr.
The remains of Mr Peter WRIGHT, Clerk of the Peace of this Borough were interred at Flaybrick Cemetery Birkenhead on Saturday. He died Thursday week at his residence, Victoria Rd, New Brighton.
The funeral was performed by Rev E. ANDERSON a Son-in-Law.
Those present :-
4 sons, Major WRIGHT, Mr Fredrick WRIGHT, Mr Albert T. WRIGHT [Chairman of the Wallasey local board], and Mr G. E. WRIGHT.
Rev R. D. FOWELL, New Brighton, Rev. C. A. GRAHAM of Bidston, Rev W. TOMLIN of St Lukes, Tranmere, Rev Mr GLYNNE, Mr J. B.ASPINALL, Recorder of Liverpool. Mr John HOSACK, Dept Recorder, Mr Alderman CHAMERS, Mr H. GUTRIDGE, Dept Clerk of the Peace, Mr C. J. PRESTON, Stipendiary Magistrate of Birkenhead. Capt SANDWITH, Major Sample ISHAM, Messers, H. E. GILL, R. T. TIDSWELL, H. BRENNER, J. GOLDNEY, W. H. BUTLER, C. E. SAMUEL, W. R. MC CONNELL, F. D. LOWNDES, R. PAYNE, A. T. SQUAREY, Solicitor to the Dock Board, W. G. BATESON, T. B. HUGHES, P. F. GARNETT. J.P, John BOUCH, James HOSACK, R. STATTER, John EDEN, W. CARSON, Joseph HAQUE, Capt STOCKLEY, Mr BECKETT of the firm of which deceased was a member.
Arrangements entrusted to the care of Messers, HOOK and EVANS, Undertakers of Bold St.
The coffin was of polished oak and bare the inscription:-
“Peter WRIGHT, born, January 12th, 1798, died January 4th, 1877.”
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Liverpool Journal, 20th Jan, 1877
Deaths and Inquests
Inquests held by the Borough Coroner, Mr Clarke ASPINALL
On Monday
On the body of Christina HYSLOP, aged 13mths, of Arlington St, who died on Thursday week from injuries sustained when a jug of hot water fell over her – accidental death
On Monday
On the body of George BLACK, a seafarer, aged 31, who died on Friday. He came back from sea on the 3rd inst and went to live with his sister in Haigh St. He complained of feeling ill, and had crushed his hand between the ship and the boat. He attended the Royal Infirmary as an outpatient till the 9th, when the doctor told him he had lockjaw. He was admitted and died from tetanus on Friday – accidental death
On Tuesday
On the body of Maxwell STEVENSON, aged 43, wife of John STEVENSON, Iron turner of, 6 Court, Prince Edwin St. For years she had been addicted to excessive drinking and on Sunday went to bed under the influence of drink. On Monday morning she was seized with an illness and Dr A. C. HUGHES was called. She died at 11am of pulmonary apoplexy as a result of excessive drink and exposure – verdict in accordance
On the body of Mary Ann BOYLAN, aged 3mths, daughter of John BOYLAN, Cattle Drover, 9 Court, Raymond St. On Saturday night last her mother was going to the pawn shop with the child in her arms. She met her sister and young man and went to a public house with them. She had a glass of port wine and after 5mins looked at the child, finding she was dead – death through suffocation.
On Tuesday on the body of a German, named Henry REAS, 103 Ashfield cottages, Ashfield St, who died as a result of being assaulted on Sunday night by another German, named Frederick WALTER who lodged with REAS. WALTER was at the police court on Thursday before Mr RAFFLES. A quarrel took place and WALTER hit the deceased several times with a pair of tongs, he is remanded for 1wk.
On Thursday
On the body of Henry WALKER, aged 3, son of a lithograph printer of Harker Place, Harker St. On Monday week a kettle of hot water fell on the deceased and he was severely injured on his legs and body – accidental death.
On the body of John DOOLAN, Dock labourer of Darnley St. 3 mths ago deceased fell in the street and broke his leg, he died from his injuries on Monday – accidental death
On the body of, Alexander ROBINSON, Traveller. On Friday last he was found dead in bed at a Temperance hotel in Houghton St – jury returned that death was due to erysipelas due to an injury on his nose, how the injury occurred there was no evidence.
St Helens
Inquest held on Tuesday by Mr C. D. DRIFFIELD on the body of George WESTHEAD, aged 36, who died of injuries sustained by being struck on the head by a fellow-workman On New Years Day. Jury found deceased died from Erysipelas resulting from a head wound, but how or by whom the wound was inflicted they were unable to say due to conflicting evidence.
Suicide by a Publican
On Monday, Thomas JONES, Landlord of the Dolphin Inn, Whitford St, Holywell, committed suicide by hanging himself. For some time he had been somewhat deranged and a close watch was being kept on his actions. At 6am on Monday he went to his workshop at the Holyway Mine. There was little work for him to do. He was away for a long time, his wife became concerned and sent his daughter to look for him, she found him hanging by a rope attached to the roof of the workshop.
Shortly after 9pm on Tuesday, a young woman threw herself in the river for the North end of the Princes Pierhead, leaving an infant child on the stonework. Previous to the occurrence the young woman, Mary Ellen FAIRCLOUGH was in the company of William ALLISON, Sailmaker’s apprentice, he stated whilst walking along the pierhead, she suddenly threw the 18mth old, infant on the ground and deliberately jumped in the water. A boat was sent out from the landing Stage, but nothing was found only her handkerchief floating in the water.
It appears ALLISON of Gibbons Lane, Queen St, New Quay is the father of the child and was having words with the young woman before she leapt into the water, she was also in an advanced state of pregnancy.
Mr John STUBBS, aged 72 a member of the Select Vestry, died at his residence, Canning St, on Saturday after a 10wks illness. He has been a member of the Select Vestry for 8yrs and for 2 to 3yrs, an overseer of the poor.
Rev John GUBBONS, United Methodist Minister for 2yrs stationed at Sheffield committed suicide on Saturday at Bodmin. Having exhibited suicidal tendencies he was committed to the Cornwall Lunatic Asylum last month and specially watched. He managed to purloin an attendants knife and on Saturday morning cut his throat. He had told the attendant the previous evening he felt much better having got over one delusion – that it was his destiny to eat the world.
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LIVERPOOL JOURNAL,
27th, Jan 1877
Deaths and inquests
Inquests held by Mr Clark ASPINALL
On Tuesday on the body of Catherine MADDOX, aged 2yrs, daughter of Henry MADDOX living in a court on Tatlock St. On Saturday the mother was washing and went into the yard for a short time to put out the washing, when she returned to the kitchen she found the child head down in the wash tub – accidentally drowned.
On Thursday on the body of Anne ANDERSON, aged 33yrs, wife of Peter ANDERSON a seaman who resides in Frank St. The deceased was addicted to drink and had not been seen for several weeks. On Wednesday her body was found in the Herculaneum dock – open verdict.
On Tuesday on the body of Edward STOCK, Pattern maker, aged 48, 6 Mould St, had been for some time delicate in health, 3 wks ago had a quarrel with his wife and hit her in the face with his fist, his knuckles swelled and became inflamed he died last week – death due to blood poisoning from Erysipelas from the hand injury.
Inquest was held at Tunbridge on Mr TOMPSETT a retired farmer and formerly J.P, on Tuesday while on the Benlah Esate, Tunbridge Wells, a building recently constructed, partly fell in, deceased was buried in the ruins – accidental death.
An inquest was held at Birkenhead on the body of John GARRETT, who had his legs broken by a hawser on board the ship GATERSON in the West Float, on Thursday week. He died on Sunday morning in the Borough Hospital – accidental death.
An inquest was held at Walton-le-Dale near Preston, by Mr GILBERTSON on the body of Elizabeth KNOWLES, aged 26, wife of a railway labourer at Cuerton. On Sunday morning he missed her from the house and 2hrs later her body was found 50yds away. Her husband said she had been “out of sprits,” for some time, her 3rd child died on Friday week and she took it much to heart – suicide while in unsound mind.
An inquest was held at Ravensmoor, near Nantwich yesterday on the bodies of two aged persons, Joseph and Elizabeth PRINCE who met their death by burning the previous day – accidental death.
At Manchester a woman named DOWNES committed suicide and drowned her son aged 11yrs, at Droylesden. She was the wife of a joiner and had suffered melancholia for some time. On Wednesday she supposed, threw the boy in the water in the Ashton canal, and then jumped in herself, their bodies were found close together.
2 young men, William BROWN and Charles MURRAY were passing across Widnes marsh on Sunday morning and found the body of a boy in the mud by the canal side. The body was badly mutilated but by the clothing was identified as that of, William RADLEY, aged 8 whose parents reside at Greenbridge Lane, Tarbuck, On the 28th November last the deceased fell from a plank crossing the Greenbridge Brook, on going to school in Halewood. A search was made and he was not found, it was thought he had been carried out into the Mersey.
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Liverpool Journal, Feb 3rd 1877
Deaths and inquests
Serious accident Boundary St
On Monday carter, Thomas HALE, who was delivering sacks of flour to the Albert Flour Mills, Boundary St, was accidentally caught in the hoisting tackle, after being hoisted a considerable distance he fell to the ground and was seriously injured, his life is despaired of.
Death of Mr Charles WILCOCK
We have to announce the sudden death of Mr Charles WILCOCK, one of the most prominent citizens of St Helens. The deceased was returning home in his carriage from Lowe House Church after attending divine service, he was in usual health, cheerful and conversed freely for half of the journey, then suddenly died. Dr TWYFORD was sent for and pronounced life extinct, in his opinion the cause of death was probably apoplexy. The deceased was aged 58, and during his lifetime had filled many important positions, a member of the Town Council since 1870, 4-5 yrs previously he was a member of the Board of Commissioners and also a member of the Burial Board. His loss will be much felt by the poor, at least 50 persons were weekly in receipt of his bounty.
Inquests
The borough coroner held an inquest on Wednesday on the body of David YOUNG, cooper, aged 52, of 26 Squire St, employed by the Dock Board. On Saturday last he was working at the Stanley Dock and attempted to walk across a bar laid across an opening to one of the warehouses, he over balanced and fell 11ft into a cellar, he died from his injuries at the Northern Hospital on Sunday morning - accidental death.
The borough coroner held an inquest yesterday on the body of Edward BIRMINGHAM, aged 40, a porter who was occasionally employed at a chemist shop in Byrom St. On Tuesday last while engaged in the shop he called an assistant over and told him he had taken some contents from a bottle, the bottle was marked Carbolic Acid, he was taken to the Infirmary where he died at 9pm that night. He told a witness he had taken the mixture in mistake for cough mixture, the bottle was labelled but the deceased could not read - open verdict.
Inquests by Mr Clarke ASPINALL
Tuesday
On the body of William AUDLEY, sailor, aged 23, on Friday week was working on the steamer MANGROVE in the Sandon Dock when je fell into the hold, he was seriously injured and died at the Northern Hospital shortly afterwards - accidental death
On the body of William BOLTON, carter of 190 Burlington St. On the 9th inst the deceased received an injury to his leg in consequence of a spring cart coming into collision with his float while sitting on the fore part of the vehicle, death occurred on the 27th inst, the cause being lockjaw - open verdict
Wednesday
On the body of Thomas MARTIN aged 13mths son of a flatman of Dawsons Terrace, Johns Place, Northumberland St. On Saturday night the infant pulled a cup of hot tea over himself and was so severely scalded he died - accidental death
Yesterday
On the body of Jane MC LEOD aged 11, daughter of a bricklayer of Marshall Terrace, Clare St. On Sunday night alone in the house deceased fell asleep while sitting at the fire, her clothes caught fire and she received severe burns and was sent to the infirmary where she died on Tuesday night. The parents were at a family funeral and sent the deceased home to light the fire. - accidental death
Drowned in the Mersey
On Wednesday Mr DUNSTON held an inquest at Warrington on the body of Sarah Ann LLOYD, aged 14, who fell into the Mersey on Monday afternoon and was drowned. The girl was a Sunday scholar at St James Church School, she attended church and school on Sunday. She had a situation as a servant but came home at night to sleep. Father said, he had scolded her for staying out late that evening and sent her to bed, the next morning she did not go to work and went to a relatives, she told him she was looking for another place, he reproved her and sent her home. She did not go home and was seen to fall back on some iron railings into the Mersey, before assistance could arrive she drowned.
In answer to the foreman of the Jury the father denied he had ill-used the girl or threatened her, or that the woman who lived with him as his wife had done so. One of his other children had died from drowning but, that was an accident. He had not threatened to cut her throat, he told her he would not allow her to stop out all night.
A witness deposed seeing the girl falling from the iron-railings, her mistress was called, who said, the girl was a good girl, but, very stubborn and self-willed, she appeared to be very jealous of a half-sister who lived at home.
Several of the jurors strongly expressed themselves as to the rumours that had been rife of LLOYD’S conduct towards his daughter, the Coroner said, no evidence of cruelty was before the Jury, nor conclusive evidence of suicide - verdict found drowned.
Suicide at sea
A case of suicide occurred on the ship ANNE AND MARY just arrived at this port from Smyrna. On the homeward passage one of the sailors was requested to perform some order and went on deck to execute it, not being seen for some length of time a sailor went to look for him and found the deceased suspended by the neck by his own chest lashing to the lee side of the foremast. Deceased was immediately cut down and attempts were made to restore animation without success. Deceased name was John JOHNSON, aged 29, a native of Sweden.
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Liverpool Journal, Sat Feb 17th, 1877
DEATH THROUGH EATING MUSSELS
A man named Henry WILSON, who had been in the employment of Mr SKIRVING, Journeyman at Walton as head-gardener, for many years, has recently died from the effects of eating mussels. An inquest was held on the body last week, and the evidence was to the effect, that the deceased had eaten some mussels, which he had purchased from a hawker in the street. He immediately became ill, and died a couple of days afterwards, a verdict was returned in accordance with the medical evidence, which showed death had been caused through blood poisoning, which had resulted from eating mussels. The deceased was 57 and well known and highly respected in the neighbourhood.
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Liverpool Mercury Feb 19th, 1877
Coroner's inquests before Mr C. ASPINALL, borough coroner
On the body of George GRIFFITHS, aged 25, a horsekeeper at the postoffice stables in Nelson St, of 25 Laxey St, who died suddenly on the 28th ultimo. Dr James BRADY house surgeon at the South Dispensary, who had made a post mortem examination on the body, stated death was due to compression of the brain. There were two "clots" on the brain the result of rupture of a blood vessel from natural causes. He saw the deceased about half an hour before his death and he was then in an epileptic and apoplectic fit. The jury returned a verdict in accordance with the evidence.
On the body of Julia FEGAN, aged 3, daughter of a sailor now at sea, whose wife lives in 12 court Saltney St. On Tuesday last the deceased was badly scalded by the upsetting of a pan of water, which was boiling on the fire. Verdict, "Accidentally scalded."
On the body of Mary Ellen OAKES, aged 3wks, daughter of Alfred OAKES, a porter of 3 court, Beau St. On Wednesday night last deceased went to bed with her mother, and on the following morning was found dead in bed. The jury returned an open verdict.
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Liverpool Mercury, Feb 24th, 1877
Coroner's Inquests, before Mr SAMUEL, Deputy Coroner
On the body of Elizabeth ROBERTS, aged 60, the widow of a mariner of 17 Holford St. On Tuesday night she went to bed in her clothes, being at the time under the influence of drink. In the morning she was found dead in bed. Verdict "Suffocation caused by drink"
On the body of Eleanor THOMAS, aged 3, daughter of Samuel THOMAS, cigar maker, who left her some time ago. The deceased was an inmate at the Industrial School Kirkdale. On Wednesday she strayed into the boy's room, she went to the fire and her clothes ignited. She was seriously burned and died 2 hours afterwards. Verdict, "Accidental death."
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Liverpool Mercury March 19th, 1877
Death through swallowing false teeth
On Saturday last the police buildings Dale St, Mr Clark ASPINALL, borough coroner, held an inquest on the body of Maria SHUKER, aged 46, who died at the Royal Infirmary under most peculiar circumstances. The deceased was a domestic servant and came to the Royal Infirmary, about a month ago from Wrexham, and stated that she had swallowed some of her false teeth while she was asleep, owing to the breaking of the plate fastening them. Dr Damer HARRISON, house surgeon of the infirmary, stated that the teeth had lodged in the passage of the woman's throat, and had set up inflammation. They were removed by an operation, but death took place on Tuesday last from the inflammation, which had given rise to an abscess on the deceased's lungs. The jury returned the following verdict, "Died from the affect of an abscess in her lungs, set up from inflammation resulting from a lengthened lodgement of some false teeth in the passage of her throat, which teeth she had accidentally swallowed."
Horrible affair at Preston
Early yesterday morning a shocking case of death from burning happened in Vicar St, Snow Hill, Preston, a quarter of the town inhabited principally by the lower class of Irish. The house No 12 was occupied by a widow, Mary GROARKE, aged 64, and her son Luke GROARKE, a labourer. Saturday being St Patrick's Day, both mother and son indulged freely in whiskey, and when the old woman tried to rest, long after midnight, she was very drunk, as stated by her son Luke, who with another man named JOYCE, fell asleep on some chairs, they also being very drunk. About 3.45am yesterday Luke GROARKE was awakened by the crackling of the ceiling of the kitchen, in which he and JOYCE were sleeping, and he saw the house was on fire and full of dense smoke. As well as he was able in his muddled condition, he groped his way upstairs to the wretched shake-down of straw, which his mother occupied as a bed in the corner of the room, and seizing her by the legs, the flesh peeled off the bones into his hands, and he found that his mother was dead. The floor was giving way beneath his weight and with some difficulty he scrambled down stairs again. JOYCE had ran for the fire brigade, which arrived soon after GROARKE had gained the street. The flames were then issuing from the bedroom window, but were speedily extinguished, the window frame being burnt out, and the whole of the bedroom floor except the corners. The rendered it a work of difficulty and danger to reach the deceased, whose body was found to have been literally roasted, and great care was required to prevent the remains from falling to pieces in their removal to the mortuary where the body now lies waiting an inquest. It is supposed the fire was caused by the old woman leaving a candle burning on the floor near the bed.
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Liverpool Mercury April 13th 1877
Inquests before Mr Clarke ASPINALL, Borough Coroner
On the body of Frances PENDLEBURY, aged 10, who lived with her mother in Waterhouse St. Last Tuesday deceased was lifting a kettle from the fire when her clothes ignited, she was so seriously burned she died the next morning at the Royal Infirmary. Verdict, "Accidental death."
On the body of Mary Ann JONES, aged 42, wife of a boiler maker, living apart from her husband in Mansfield St. She had been drinking heavily for some time and was found dead on the floor of the room which she occupied with her two sons. It was supposed she had fallen as her head was injured. Dr SMALLMAN of the East Dispensary, was of the opinion that death had resulted from concussion of the brain, in consequence of the fall. A verdict in accordance with this evidence was returned. It was stated that the deceased lodged in a single room with her two sons aged 24 and 25, who earned between them £2-18s, the rent for the room was only1s-3d a week and the deceased slept on the floor while her sons occupied a bed. One of her sons said that his mother had been a drunken woman for as long as he could remember, and would sometimes go on the "spree" for months together.
On the body of Thomas CORNTHWAITE about 26 yrs old, abode unknown. Last Friday a PC saw the deceased running about Dale St in a wild state, apparently suffering from drink. The officer took him to the main bridewell and a doctor was called, who found the deceased suffering from, delirium tremens. He was taken to the Workhouse where he died on Tuesday. Dr CLARKE said death was due to excessive drinking and exposure. Verdict accordingly.
On the body of Marmaduke George BATEMAN, aged 39, master builder of Heath St. The deceased had built a number of houses in Bedford St, South, and on Friday last was engaged in examining waster water pipes on the outside wall. He got on scaffold and it gave way causing him to fall 11ft. He struck the kerb of the area wall and fractured several ribs. He was taken to his mother's residence in Berkley St [his own family being out of town] and died on Monday last. Verdict, "Accidental death." A plumber who was examining the pipes at the same time also fell and was so much injured, he was unable to attend to give evidence.
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Liverpool Mercury May 3rd, 1877
A woman drowned at Birkenhead
Yesterday an inquest was held at the North Western Hotel, before Mr Henry CHURTON, coroner, on the body of Ann CHRISTY, aged 60, of Davies St, Birkenhead. The deceased was found in the early hours of yesterday morning in the Great Float, with a florin, a half-crown and two and a half pennies in her hand. The jury returned a verdict of, "Found drowned."
Child fatally scalded at Tranmere
An inquest was held yesterday at the Beehive public house, Tranmere, before Mr H. CHURTON, coroner on the body of Samuel LIVINGSTON, aged 3, son of Peter LIVINGSTON, of Chapel Place, Higher Tranmere. On Sunday the deceased whilst playing with some other children belonging to the house, fell into a pan mug of hot water, which had just been filled off the fire by his sister. The child was very badly scalded and death ensued on Monday. A verdict of, "Accidentally scalded." was returned.
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Liverpool Mercury June 20th 1877
An inquest on the body of Robert THOMAS, diver was resumed at Holyhead yesterday. Dr HUGHES who made a post mortem examination said that the cause of death was syncope brought on by atrophy and fatty degeneration of the heart. The evidence of the diver who found the deceased having been taken, a verdict was returned in accordance of the above evidence.
Death in police van
About 2am yesterday police constable No 360, took into custody Patrick CUNNINGHAM, a coal heaver, who lived in Back Portland Street, he was taken to the Athol Street Bridewell and booked in for being drunk and incapable. It was then found he was bruised about the head, a doctor was sent for and the wound was dressed. At 3am CUNNINGHAM was placed in the police van to be taken to the main bridewell. It is stated he was carried by two officers and placed on the floor of the van in which there were nine other prisoners at the time. When the van arrived at Cheapside it was found that CUNNINGHAM was quite dead. An inquest will be held today touching the cause of his death.
Sad results of drink
Mr C. E. DRIFFIELD held an inquest at Skelmersdale yesterday on the body of James DAVIES a labourer, who was, found drowned in the reservoir belonging to Blaquegate Colliery near Ormskirk on Saturday morning. Deceased had worked for Messers BROMILOW FOSTER and Co for nearly twelve months, but was dismissed a fortnight ago for drunkenness, and since then had been drinking very hard. On Friday last he seemed in low spirits, and was seen to go towards the reservoir. A verdict was found to the effect that the deceased committed suicide whilst labouring under temporary insanity.
Mr DRIFFIELD also held an inquest on the body of John TAYLOR a bookkeeper at one of the collieries who died suddenly on Saturday morning. Deceased had drunk very hard for the past 12 months and for the past three or four months had scarcely left his house, having drink supplied to him there. On Saturday morning when his wife got up he complained of being unwell, but she supposed it was the effects of drink and went downstairs. She went up again shortly afterwards and found him dead. A verdict of “Died from excessive drinking” was returned.
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Liverpool Mercury July 2nd, 1877
Suspected suicide
On Friday night PC 794, was informed that a woman named Jane LOWNDES, who lodged at 31 Aberdeen St, had taken laudanum. Seeing the precarious condition of the woman, the officer took her to the Southern Hospital where she was attended promptly by Dr GWATKIN, but she died half an hour after her admission. A bottle labelled "Laudanum" was found in the room occupied by the deceased.
Fatal accident at Preston
On Saturday at about 7am, a fearful accident occurred at the works now in progress for the erection of a new railway station at Preston. These works necessitated the widening of the permanent way, and on the east side of the line north of Fishergate, a cutting 30ft deep had been made for the erection of a retaining wall. During the week Mr Thomas SMITH of the firm of Messers SMITH, RADLEY, nr Leeds, had been engaged in fitting up a steam crane for lowering blocks of stone into the excavation, and his work was finished on Friday evening. The crane and its apparatus of engine, boiler etc, weighed 10 tons, and was calculated to work a weight of 3 tons easily. On Saturday at the time mentioned, Mr SMITH left the crane for 10 to 15 mins in charge of Edward BRAMLEY, the man who was to work it, and who was then getting up steam. At this time 15 men were working in the excavation, and BRAMLEY who has previously had the management of such engines turned a lever to pump more water into the boiler having previously turned steam on to warm the cylinders and the crane had travelled forward and backward once each way, on its restricted working line of two yards. On its second advance towards the cutting, BRAMLEY who was then on the crane, found that it was "over-getting" him, and seeing that it was "going down the hole" he jumped off as it was going over the edge of the excavation calling to the men below, "Hey lads get out of the way." The crane fell with a terrible crash smashing the strong beams and uprights that supported the sides of the cutting. Thirteen men saved themselves by a rush to the south end of the excavation, and two, Michael SPENCER, aged 34, and Patrick BRENNAN were buried under the soil and planking which had fallen in with the crane. SPENCER was soon found not far down in the rubbish, but dead, and shockingly cut and disfigured, especially about the head. He has left a widow but, no children. BRENNAN was recovered after 5hrs, hard digging, alive but greatly exhausted, scalded by steam from the boiler, and somewhat crushed. He was removed to the infirmary, and hopes are entertained of his recovery. Long before he was extricated Dr BROWN was able to administer brandy to him by means of an India-rubber tube.
At the inquest held upon the body of SPENCER on Saturday, the coroner Mr GILBERTSON said, the question for the jury seemed to be whether there had been a subsidence from the earth through the late rains, or some tampering with the block that should have checked the crane. The jury returned a verdict of "Accidental death."
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Liverpool Mercury, Aug 18th, 1877
Poisoning of a workhouse patient
Mr C. E. DRIFFIELD, county coroner, held an inquest yesterday at the Whiston Workhouse, on the body of James STARKEY, who came by his death under the following circumstances:-
The deceased was admitted to the hospital of the workhouse about a fortnight ago suffering from smallpox and was placed in the smallpox shed, of which a nurse named Catherine M'GUIRE has the superintendence. SHARKEY became convalescent and on Saturday last wishing for an aperient medicine, a dose of what is called, "house medicine" was brought by a messenger named MURPHY by the nurse, but he changed his mind and declined to take it then. He, however asked for it on Tuesday last, and when what was thought to be the "house medicine" which had been kept in the storeroom in a cup in which it was first placed, was given to him by the nurse. Immediately after swallowing the contents of the cup he became ill, and Dr HALL the medical officer of the workhouse, was sent for, but before he arrived the deceased was dead, after having had carbolic acid administered to him instead of the "house medicine". The evidence given at the coroner's inquiry yesterday showed that the "house medicine" the carbolic acid and the turpentine were kept in three stone jugs, which were placed in a coal box in a chest under the stairs. The jugs were about the same size and there was no labels on them, and the most noticeable difference was that the jug containing the "house medicine" was enclosed in wicker-work. On Thursday week Nurse M'GUIRE sent the messenger MURPHY for some carbolic acid for disinfecting purposes, and this was supplied to him by Frank MAGUIRE, another messenger in a feeding cup. The evidence of MURPHY and Nurse M'GUIRE was that the whole of the carbolic acid was used for the for which it was obtained. On Saturday MURPHY was sent for the dose of "house medicine" and the testimony of the nurse was that when the patient declined to take it she put it to one side in the storeroom, where it remained in the cup in which it had been brought until Tuesday. The medicine and the carbolic acid were under the charge of Margaret LINEHAM, the nurse in the fever ward and according to her statement the messenger MAGUIRE was told not to dispense the contents of the jugs without applying to her, which he had not done so in this case. After hearing the evidence the coroner and jury expressed their opinion that the blame was attributable for the lax way in which the medicine and disinfectants were kept and distributed, to the messenger MAGUIRE, who, from the evidence must have sent a dose of carbolic acid instead of the "house medicine" and to nurse M'GUIRE, who, it was stated was a nurse of great experience for not finding out that the dose she was administering was carbolic acid. The jury returned a verdict to that effect, and expressed a hope that steps would be taken to prevent a similar mistake in the future
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Liverpool Mercury, Dec 25th, 1877
Coroners inquests before Mr Clarke ASPINALL, Borough Coroner
On the body of John James STEPHENSON, aged about 3mths, son of a mineral water, manufacturer of Adelaide Terrace, who was found dead in bed by its mother on Sunday morning. Verdict, "Accidentally suffocated."
On the body of John ROBERTS, aged 3 wks, son of a storekeeper of Dee St, mother found the child dead by her side when she woke on Saturday morning. Verdict, "Accidentally suffocated."
On the body of William CLARKE, aged 18, apprentice mason, of No 4 court, Hygia St. The deceased was in the employ of Messers FOX, CROFT and WILLIAMS, now engaged in rebuilding the Rotunda Theatre. The deceased was engaged in laying a stone on the top of that building on Friday last when he slipped and fell about 36ft, receiving injuries which terminated fatally at the Stanley Hospital the same night. Verdict, "Accidental death."
On the body of George MACDONALD, aged 36, seaman, engaged on the steamship Europa, of the Anchor Line, lying in the Prince's Half-tide Dock. On Wednesday last the deceased and other men were ordered to polish the mainmast, for which purpose what is technically called a "triangle" was employed to support those who were thus engaged. One of the ropes seemed to have slipped through a hole in the triangle, being knotted underneath, this caused the stage to go up at one end, causing four men then on it to fall on the deck a depth of 35-40ft. MACDONALD was most seriously injured and died at the Northern Hospital the following day. Verdict, "Accidentally killed."
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