Southeastern Gazette 16-7-1872
Inquest
On Monday evening an inquest was held at the
Harvey Inn, Mill Lane, touching the death of Charles Newington, a labourer, 50
years of age, late in the employ of Mr. J. Bowley.
Mr. Bowley deposed: The deceased was mowing on
the lawn in front of my house about six o’clock on the morning of Saturday, the
15th June, when he out the knuckle of the little finger of his left hand. He
showed it me immediately afterwards, and was going to pull the piece of skin
off. I persuaded him not to do so. It bled but a very little. I obtained a
piece of rag and bound his hand up for him. He continued his work the whole of
that day, and worked on the farm at Cheriton up to the 29th of June. On that
day, when he took his money, I noticed a peculiar look on the right side of his
face, which was drawn up. I asked him what was the matter. He said he had got a
bit of a cold and a stiff jaw, and that he could not get his mouth open except
to get his finger in. I asked him how long it had been so, and he said about
three days. He stated that when he was out in the field he gaped, and when he
shut his mouth his jaw cracked and had been stiff ever since. I asked him
if he had seen the doctor about it, and he said he had not. I told him to do so
as soon as possible. He said he thought it would be better in a day or two; it
was only a little cold. I missed him on Monday from work, and sent round to
enquire about him, and heard he was laid up.
Jane Mcklin said she lived at Bridge Street and had known the deceased about four months. She was living in the same
house with him. Three weeks ago last Saturday he came home to dinner and said
he bad cut his hand, but was in no pain with it. When he came home at night he
washed and dressed it. He told witness he was sharpening his scythe, when it
slipped, and, in catching it, he cut his hand. It. was healing up very nicely,
and he made no complaint about its hurting him. On the Thursday he complained
of stiffness and stayed at home the day, but went to work the week after and
did not leave work the whole week. On the Thursdav he complained of a stiffness of the jaw, and difficulty
in opening his mouth. On the Monday witness sent for the doctor. Deceased went
to bed on the Sunday and did not get up again.
Mr. Bateman surgeon, deposed: I was sent for
to see the deceased. I found him in bed complaining of stiffness on the right side
of the jaw. While he was speaking to me he had spasmodic catchings of the
muscles. I immediately said, “Have you met with some accident and cut yourself
anywhere?” He said he cut his hand a fortnight ago, and showed his left hand,
from the knuckle of the little finger of which a small piece of skin had been
shorn off. Marked symptoms of tetanus showed themselves—spasms of the muscles,
of the body, and neck. The attempt to swallow brought, on spasms in the muscles
of the throat. I attended him till Saturday afternoon, when he died from
tetanus, no doubt brought on by the slight accident he had met with.
The jury returned a verdict in accordance with
the medical evidence.
Folkestone Chronicle
21-12-1872
Local News
Folkestone Catch Club
On Tuesday evening last the first concert was given in
connection with this lately formed Club, at Mr. Marsh`s Harvey Hotel. Mr. Marsh
had taken great pains, and went to considerable expense to fit up the large
room in his hotel for the accommodation of the Club and the public. The result
gave every satisfaction, as every one of the large party who assembled on this
occasion were comfortably seated, and their wants quickly attended to by those
who waited upon them for orders.
Folkestone Chronicle
22-2-1873
Catch Club
On Tuesday last the fifth concert in connection with the
club was held at Marsh`s Harvey Hotel, under the presidency of Alderman T.
Caister. The room was crowded.
Folkestone Chronicle 14-6-1873
Coroner`s
Inquest
On Saturday
last, an inquest was held at the Harvey Hotel, on the body of Thomas Campion, a
shoemaker, aged 41, lodging at 27, Charlotte Street, who was killed by falling
into the harbour. Dr. Eastes said he was called to attend to deceased at about
two o`clock on Wednesday morning last. He had all the symptoms of a person
suffering concussion of the brain, but the only visible external injury was a
lacerated wound on the scalp. He died on Thursday afternoon, having remained
insensible during the whole of that time. William Henry Forbes, late of
Hastings, stated that he lived at the Dew Drop Inn, Fancy Street. Had known the
deceased about six years. On Tuesday last he was in witness`s company all the
evening, and at about eleven o`clock he asked him to have a ramble. They were
both perfectly sober. They went down to the harbour, to the lower standing,
where the people fish. Deceased went past and witness followed. It was very
dark there. All at once witness missed deceased, and cried out “Tom, where are
you?”. There was no answer, and on looking over the harbour, the tide being
out, witness fancied he saw deceased lying on the rocks. He must have slipped
and fallen six or seven feet. Having obtained assistance, he was conveyed home.
They had no particular motive in going to the lower standing. They were on the
best of terms, and had not quarrelled. John Kelway, a Custom House officer,
confirmed the evidence of this witness. The jury returned a verdict of
“Accidental Death”.
Folkestone Express 14-6-1873
Inquest
In our last
impression we briefly recorded the fact that a man named Thomas Campion fell
among the rocks under the lighthouse at the end of the quay at the harbour, and
died from the effects of injuries received. An inquest was held on Saturday at
the Harvey Hotel, before John Minter Esq., and a jury. After viewing the body
the following evidence was taken:
S. Eastes
Esq., M.R.C.S. deposed to being called to see deceased at 27, Charlotte Terrace
at two o`clock on Wednesday morning. He found him in bed, the only visible
injury being a wound behind the right ear. Endeavoured to raise him from his
state of insensibility without effect. Deceased had all the symptoms of severe
concussion of the brain. Gave directions as to what should be done and called
again early in the morning; found patient still insensible. Saw him five or six
times during the day and used the proper remedies. Deceased continued in the same state until three
o`clock the following morning, when his breathing became difficult and he was
no longer able to swallow, and gradually sank and died at half past two in the
afternoon from concussion – not compression – of the brain, most probably caused
by a fall which witness had been informed deceased had had.
Elizabeth
Impett, 27, Charlotte Street, said deceased had lodged at her house about seven
years, was 48 years of age. Knew nothing of his friends. Deceased left home
between eight and nine on Tuesday morning; passed him between eight and nine in
Dover Street, when he appeared sober. He was generally a sober man, but
sometimes he got out a bit. Two policemen and Forbes brought deceased home
insensible about one o`clock on Wednesday morning.
William Henry
Forbes said he lived at the Dew Drop, Fancy Street. Had known deceased about
six years. On Tuesday evening deceased had tea with him, had a game of draughts
after tea, had four pints of half-and-half among three of them, went to the
harbour and down the lower landing along the jetty leading under the
lighthouse. Deceased was eight or ten paces ahead of him, and he missed him.
Called out “Tom, where are you?”, and receiving no answer went in search of
him. Found him lying among the rocks under the lighthouse. Both of them were
sober. Thought the deceased, in trying to step upon the transoms, missed his
footing. It was dark, and low water.
The Coroner
remarked that it was a curious thing for witness and deceased to go to such a
place at that hour of night. What were they going to do?
Witness said
they went for a ramble. Jumped down to deceased and found he had fallen six or
seven feet and was lying on his back unconscious. Went immediately for
assistance. Deceased was perfectly sober, and they were not larking or
spreeing, and were on good terms and smoking their pipes.
John Kelway,
an extra man in Her Majesty`s Customs said he was watchman at the harbour on
the night in question, and corroborated the last witness. Went to his
assistance and found deceased jammed in a hole between two rocks. Procured
further assistance and deceased was got up and sent home. Deceased and Forbes
were perfectly sober, and appeared to be on good terms.
Wilson
Willis, the Company`s night-watchman corroborated.
Verdict “Accidental
Death”.
Folkestone Express 3-1-1874
Monday,
January 2nd: Before The Mayor, Col. De Crespigny, J. Tolputt, J.
Gambrill and J. Clark Esqs.
William
Court, father of the prisoner in the previous case, on bail, was charged with
assaulting John Moulden Wilshere, Cheif Superintendent of Police.
Mr. Wilshere
deposed: Last evening about seven o`clock I apprehended William Court, one of
the prisoners in the last case, at his father`s house. There was no-one in the
house at the time. On the road to the police station I had occasion to call at
Mr. Pierson`s, baker, Dover Road, and on leaving there prisoner got hold of me
and asked what I was going to do with the boy. I told him to go to the police
station, when I would give him information. He then became very abusive, and
followed me to the Harvey Hotel, where I took the boy for the purpose of
identification, and he said I should not take him. I told him the boy was in my
custody, and if he would go to the police station I would give him every
information. I went into the Harvey Hotel, and asked Court to remain outside
and meet me at the police station. I then put the boy in the parlour at the
Harvey Hotel, and prisoner forced his way into the house and took hold of my
collar and tried to throw me. I then asked Mr. Marsh, the landlord of the
hotel, if I could speak to him privately. Prisoner forced his way in and tried
to shut the door and we had a struggle; he afterwards became a little quieter.
P.C. Keeler was outside, and I requested him to take Court to the police
station. Shortly afterwards I went outside and saw prisoner scuffling with
Keeler and we were obliged to handcuff him. P.C. Hogben came to our assistance
and it took us all three to handcuff him.
By The Mayor:
I shut the door when I went in the Harvey Hotel. I did not know the boy was
Court`s son. Prisoner did not ask for any information, but said I should not
take the boy. I took the boy to Marsh`s for the purpose of identification as I
did not wish to take the wrong boy.
By prisoner:
You took me by the collar. You did abuse me and handle me and said more than
once that I should not take the boy.
By The Mayor:
Prisoner said “What has the boy done?” and I told him he was in my custody, and
if he would go to the police station he should have every information, but I
could not tell him there.
P.C. Abraham
Keeler deposed: About a quarter to seven last night I was called out by the
Superintendent to go in search of the two prisoners in the last case. The
Superintendent apprehended the boy Court himself, and as he was going along he
went into Mr. Pierson`s shop and I remained outside. Prisoner followed him into
the shop. When they came out prisoner asked the Superintendent what he was
doing with the boy, and the Superintendent directed him to go to the police
station, where he would give him information. The Superintendent then went
across to the Harvey Hotel into the parlour, and prisoner followed him into the
room. I was standing in the passage. When prisoner was following the
Superintendent into the room he requested him to keep outside a little while,
as he wanted to speak to Mr. Marsh privately. Prisoner said he should not go,
but should be where his boy was. The Superintendent then closed the door and
prisoner shoved against it and burst it open, and then caught hold of the
Superintendent by the collar, and asked him what he was going to do with the
boy. The Superintendent turned round and put prisoner out of the parlour into
the passage. Prisoner forced the door open again and collared the Superintendent
a second time. They then closed with each other and came out of the passage and
the Superintendent requested me to take prisoner to the police station, and I
asked him to come with me quietly, and he said he should not until the boy came
out. I asked him a second time to go out, and, as he would not, I was obliged
to put him out by force. When we got outside he swore he would not go to the
police station with me or any other constable. We were obliged to handcuff him,
and with the assistance of P.C. Hogben, he was taken to the station.
By prisoner:
The Superintendent did not shove you out like a bull and try to throw you down.
He did not rush at you when you collared him.
By The Mayor:
Mr. Marsh was there the best part of the time.
The Mayor to
the Superintendent: Did you ask Mr. Marsh to come here this morning?
The
Superintendent: Yes, but he is not here.
Mr. Henson
here stepped forward and said Mr. Marsh was obliged to be away on business in
the country.
This was the
case, and on prisoner being asked if he wished to call Mr. Marsh, he replied
that he could not say whether Mr. Marsh saw him, and on being further asked if
he wished the case to be adjourned, he said it might as well go on, and went on
to say: All I can say is I was going past Pierson`s about a quarter to eight
last night, when I saw the Superintendent and my lad. I went to his side and
said “What is the matter?”, and he replied “The boy is in my custody”. If he
had said he had been breaking into the church I would have said “Take him and
let it be proved”. They went across to Marsh`s and I asked him again, and he
shoved me out of the door and said “It`s no business of yours. Go out”. He then
came to me with both hands and nearly shoved me down; he rushed at me like a
bull. I will swear I never laid a hand on him. If he had said one word I should
have been contented. I did not touch him till he did me. He asked me to hit
him, but I knew better than that.
The Court was
cleared for about twenty minutes, and on the re-admission of the public The
Mayor said: Prisoner, you have been brought here on a very serious charge,
which we are bound to take into consideration, and we are bound to uphold the
police. At the same time the police should be strict as to what they do. We
think the Superintendent erred in judgement in not at once telling you what he
had got your son in custody for, but still that did not justify you in
collaring the police. We have taken into consideration the provocation you have
received. You have rendered yourself liable to a fine of £10, or six months
hard labour, but taking into consideration the provocation you received in not
being told what your son was in custody for, we only fine you 5s. and 5s. 6d.
costs, or seven days` hard labour.
Prisoner: I
will have seven days.
Prisoner was
removed in custody, but a friend came forward and paid the money, and he was
released.
Folkestone Chronicle 13-5-1876
Inquest
An inquest
was held at the Harvey Hotel, on Monday evening last, before the Coroner, J.
Minter Esq., on the body of James Williams, 56 years of age, who committed
suicide by hanging himself. Dr. Mercer stated that deceased has for some time
been suffering from disease of the brain, and he ordered that he should be
watched. Arabella Ball, adopted daughter of the deceased, said deceased had had
a good night`s rest, and when she took him his tea in the morning he asked for
brandy and water which he would have at eleven o`clock as the doctor had
ordered it. At a quarter past ten she went to his room again, when she found
him lying on the bed with his legs on the ground, and a piece of cord round his
neck, fastened to the top of the bedpost. Dr. Mercer was sent for. Lucy Jenkins
deposed to Mrs. Williams and the last witness visiting her in great excitement
and telling her what had happened. She took a knife, went upstairs, and cut him
down. He was not quite dead, but expired about ten minutes afterwards. The jury
returned a verdict that deceased had destroyed himself whilst in an unsound
state of mind.
Folkestone Express 13-5-1876
On Monday
morning last considerable excitement was created in Folkestone by a report
being circulated to the effect that Mr. James Williams, confectioner and ginger
beer manufacturer, of Fenchurch Street, had committed suicide. Upon enquiry it
transpired that the report was but too true, the unfortunate man being
discovered hanging to the bedpost. For some time he had been suffering from
disease of the brain and a watch had been kept upon his actions, but on Monday
morning he appears to have taken advantage of the temporary absence of his
attendant and committed suicide.
An inquest
was held the same night at the Harvey Inn, Dover Road, before Mr. Coroner
Minter and a jury. The following evidence was adduced:
Mr. Richard
Mercer said: I am a surgeon, practicing in Folkestone. I identify the body as
being that of James Williams, of Fenchurch Street, confectioner. I have
attended him occasionally since Christmas. He was suffering from disease of the
brain. The family knew that; I cautioned them to watch him. This morning I was
sent for and found him dead with the marks of the cord round his neck. Death,
in my opinion, was carried by strangulation.
Arabella Ball
said: I live at deceased`s house. Deceased went to bed at ten o`clock on Sunday
night and had a very good night. This morning at nine o`clock I took him up a
cup of tea, and he said he would have some brandy and water at eleven o`clock
according to the doctor`s order. I went up again at a quarter past ten o`clock
to ask him if he would have his brandy and water. I found him partly lying on
the bed with his legs on the ground, and a piece of cord round his neck. The
other end of the cord was fastened to the bedpost. I gave the alarm and then
went for Mr. Mercer. Deceased was 56 years of age.
Lucy Jenkins:
I am the wife of John Jenkins, mariner, and live in Fenchurch Street. At about
ten o`clock this morning the last witness and Mrs. Williams came to me and
asked me to go in. I went upstairs and took a knife. He was half lying and half
sitting, and the cord was round his neck. I got over the bed and cut the rope.
With assistance I placed him on the bed and took the rope off his neck. It had
been tied thrice round his neck. He was not dead when placed upon the bed, but
died in about ten minutes. I produce the rope.
The jury
returned a verdict to the effect that the deceased committed suicide while in a
state of unsound mind.
Folkestone Chronicle 22-7-1876
Inquest
An inquest
was held on Monday evening at Marsh`s Harvey Hotel, on the body of John Pope,
aged 84 years, who came to his death under the following distressing
circumstances:- From the evidence of his daughter, Mrs. Wallace, it appears
that deceased, who had been a mariner, had, with his bed-ridden wife, lived
with her four years. He received support from the parish, which had been taken
off. The principal burden of the support of her parents fell upon her, although
she had four sons, one being a hall porter at Messrs. Rothschild`s, a second
proprietor of pleasure boats, and a third a captain in the merchant service.
She had applied to them for support and they had given a trifle on a few
occasions. The eldest brother, who lives in North Street, had given nothing,
but she had never asked him to contribute, although he knew that she wanted
help. Her father had not been out since Christmas, and sometimes she sat up a
whole night with him, and on Sunday she did not go to bed until two in the
morning. Deceased got up three times to go to the Mayor to speak about the
relief being stopped. The relief was disallowed the previous Thursday, and that
had evidently distressed his mind. She found him lying in the back yard, with
his feet doubled up nearly to his chin. She had fastened the door of the room.
From signs made by his wife, who is paralysed and cannot speak, she learned
that deceased had crawled to the window (a distance of 20 feet from the ground)
and got out. He went out once before, and she put wedges in the windows to
prevent him from doing so again. Iden Hall, a carpenter who lived nixt door,
deposed to hearing a fall and finding deceased on the ground, and Dr. Mercer
stated that death had resulted from concussion of the brain caused by the fall.
The Coroner, in summing up, referred to the burden that had been borne by Mrs.
Wallace in supporting her parents, which ought to have been shared by her
brothers, who were apparently in a good position. The guardians had recently
taken off relief from several, and thinking that the children were in a
position to support their parents, they thought they should do so in this case.
It had evidently affected the man`s mind, as he was imbued with the idea of
going to the Mayor about it. He thought the proper thing would have been for
them to have summoned the sons to support their father, and not thus suddenly
to disallow the relief, to the distress of the old man`s mind. According to the
suggestion of the Coroner the jury returned a verdict of Accidental Death, and
gave the fees to which they were entitled to Mrs. Wallace as a mark of approval
of the manner in which she had supported her aged parents.
Folkestone Express 22-7-1876
Inquest
Considerable
excitement was caused in the town on Sunday by the report that a man named John
Pope, who had attained the venerable age of 84 years, and resided with his
daughter in Harvey Street, had by some means or other fallen out of his bedroom
window, and received an injury to the brain which proved almost immediately
fatal. The report unfortunately proved to be true. At first popular feeling was
much excited by the belief that the poor old man had committed suicide because
his parish relief had been stopped by the Board Of Guardians. This matter, it
will be seen, was inquired into at the inquest, and the evidence seemed to show
that though the old man`s mind had been much disturbed by this discontinuance
of relief, his mental faculties had long ere this been in such a state as to
cause much alarm to the widowed daughter who so affectionately tended him. The
deceased, before old age laid him aside, was by occupation a mariner. He was
one of the few remaining links connecting the present busy age with a
generation long passed away. His boyhood and early manhood were spent when
George III was King; he was 17 years old when the glorious news of Trafalgar
arrived in England, and was yet in his early prime when Waterloo was
fought. Those who were pained by the
first rumours attending his death will be glad to share in the humane view
taken by the Coroner, and to think that the venerable old man, who had passed
through so many vicissitudes and escaped so many perils by land and sea, did
not at last hastily rush headlong into the presence of his Creator, but “in age
and feebleness extreme” was gathered like a ripe seed into the everlasting
garner. And very satisfactory it is to know that no painful question was raised
as to whether the deceased should be denied the rites of a Christian burial,
but that over the grave of the aged sailor “delivered from the burden of the
flesh” have been uttered those words of ineffable beauty and comfort concerning
the hope beyond the grave with which the church is wont to console bereaved and
sorrow-stricken hearts.
The inquest
was held on Monday evening at the Harvey Hotel, before John Minter Esq.,
Coroner and a jury.
The first
witness was Charlotte Wallis, who deposed: I am a widow, living at No. 26,
Harvey Street, and identify the body which the jury have just seen as that of
my father, John Pope, who was 84 years of age and lived with me. He was
formerly a mariner, and had lived with me for the last four years and upwards.
His widow also lives with me. She was paralysed several years ago, and is
utterly incapable of helping herself. For the last eighteen months the deceased
had been in receipt of parish relief. He and his wife had 5s. a week allowed
between them. Beyond that they had been principally supported by myself, with
occasional assistance from my sister, Mrs. Nicholls, wife of a painter, and two
of my brothers, one of whom is a porter in the employment of Messrs.
Rothschild, and the other captain of a vessel. I have another brother, William
Pope, who lives in Folkestone, and owns boats, but he had not contributed to
his parents` support. With the exception of lucid intervals my father has been
out of his mind since Christmas, and I have had on several occasions to sit up
with him all night. On Saturday the deceased was very restless, and dressed
himself three times, saying that he must go out to see Mr. Sherwood (the Mayor)
respecting his relief having been stopped. Last Thursday it was that I sent my
little girl for the relief and received a message that no more would be
allowed. I told my mother and then my father. He said nothing about it until
Saturday, when he dressed himself several times with the intention of going to
see Mr. Sherwood. Between tow and three on Sunday morning, Mr. Ivan Hill called
me up, and in consequence of what he said I went into the back yard and found
my father lying in the yard. He was insensible and never opened his eyes. He
was bent almost double. With the assistance of Mr. Hall I carried him in, and
Mr. Mercer was sent for. My father slept in the same room as my mother, being
on the second floor back. I had fastened the bedroom door as usual, to prevent
my father coming out, and it was still fastened when Mr. Hill found him in the
yard. On going into the bedroom I found the bottom sash open. My mother cannot
speak so as to be understood by others, but by signs to me she indicated that
he had gone to the window and got out, falling a distance of 20 ft. to the
ground. In my opinion he fancied that he was going out to Mr. Sherwood`s. The
deceased died at twenty five minutes past three on Sunday morning. On Good
Friday he attempted to walk through the window and fell into the yard, but did
not appear to have hurt himself much.
By a juryman:
I think the withdrawal of the relief he had been in the habit of receiving had
affected his mind.
The Coroner
said the brothers ought to be ashamed of themselves for not rendering further
assistance. (Hear, Hear)
Ivan Hill, a
carpenter living at 14, Harvey Street, deposed: About half pat two on Sunday
morning I heard groans proceeding, as I thought, from a room in the next house.
About ten minutes before I had heard a noise, as of someone slamming a door. I
went to my window and saw the deceased lying on the ground. I got up and called
Mrs. Wallis, and went with her and we together carried the deceased into the
house. I then went for Mr. Mercer.
Mr. Richard
Mercer, a surgeon practicing in Folkestone, deposed: On Sunday morning I was
called to 26, Harvey Street, and found the deceased lying on a sofa in the back
room, suffering from very severe concussion of the brain which might have been
cause by a fall similar to what I have heard described. I saw that he was
dying, and his injuries were so serious that there were no means of assisting
him. There was a slight wound on the top of the head. I have no doubt that his
death was caused by concussion of the brain brought on by the fall from the
window.
The Coroner,
in summing up, said it seemed to be clear that the poor old man had at times an
idea that he could walk anywhere, and on the Saturday before he died he dressed
himself several times with the intention of going to the Mayor respecting his
relief. The daughter, who, greatly to her credit, had supported her poor father
and mother without that assistance which she ought to have had from her
brothers, who, he durst say, were much better able to assist her, seemed to
have taken every possible care of the old man which in her position was
possible. She even took the precaution of fastening the window, but on the
present occasion he managed to unfasten it and get out. It was supposed at
first that the stoppage of his relief had so preyed upon his mind that the poor
old man had committed suicide in consequence. But the evidence rather seemed to
show that the deceased imagining, as was natural in his state of mind, that he
could get through the window as easily as through the door, opened it, and
falling to the ground came to his sad end. It was to be regretted perhaps that
the relief had been stopped in the way it was, though even had this not
occurred the old man might have determined on going out for something else. The
jury and himself had nothing to do with the action of the Board Of Guardians,
though they might have their own feelings as to the propriety of stopping the
relief without first making the sons contribute to the support of the deceased.
Still it was not for them to pass judgement on the action of the Guardians, as
they had not all the materials before them, and the Board, it must be
remembered, had a duty to perform to the ratepayers. Nevertheless he rather
wondered why they did not summon the sons before stopping the relief. It was
not to his mind a case of suicide at all, but one of accidental death.
The jury were
of a similar opinion and returned a verdict accordingly.
Mr. Trevanion
said the jury all agreed with the remarks the learned Coroner had made. They
thought the Guardians should have made the sons contribute before discontinuing
the old man`s relief.
The Foreman
proposed that the jury should give their fees towards the expense of burying
the old man, but others of the jury thought the sons ought not to be relieved
of their natural and legal obligation. Most of the jury, however, the Foreman
included, kindly gave their shillings to Mrs. Wallis, whose conduct they
heartily commended.
Southeastern Gazette 24-7-1876
Inquest
On the evening of
Monday last, the borough coroner, J. Minter, Esq., held an inquiry at the
Harvey Inn, touching the death of John Pope.
It appears that
deceased, who was in his 85th year, had for some time been in failing health,
and was living at 16, Harvey Street, the residence of his daughter, Mrs.
Wallace, who is a widow. He had been for the last 18 months in receipt of a
parish allowance of 5s. per week for himself and wife (who is bedridden, and
upwards of 30 years of age). On Thursday in last week, however, an intimation
was given the poor old couple by the relieving officer that the allowance would
be discontinued from that date by order of the Guardians. The old gentleman
regarded this as a great hardship, and on Saturday several times attempted to
dress himself to go to the Mayor respecting the matter. His daughter was unable
to get him to bed till two o’clock on Sunday morning, when she fastened the
window and door. Half an hour after he was found in the yard beneath the bedroom
window. He was picked up, but expired an hour afterwards.
Dr. Mercer
deposed that deceased died through concussion of the brain. It was shown in evidence
that three sons of the deceased are in good circumstances, but have only
occasionally assisted Mrs. Wallace in the maintenance of their parents.
The jury, who
censured the conduct of the sons, returned a verdict of “Accidental death.”
Folkestone Express 26-5-1877
Tuesday, May
22nd: Before Captain Fletcher, J. Kelcey and R.W. Boarer Esqs.
George Hart,
a tramp, was charged with being drunk and disorderly in Dover Road on the 21st
of May, and with assaulting P.C. Keeler in the execution of his duty. The
prisoner pleaded Guilty.
Mr. Marsh,
the landlord of the Harvey Inn, stated that the prisoner was in his house on
the previous evening, and as he was intoxicated he refused to serve him, but
while witness`s back was turned his wife served him with some beer, and he
tried to take the glass away from him. Prisoner conducted himself in a
disorderly manner and witness called in P.C. Keeler, who took the prisoner into
custody.
Mr. Tunbridge
deposed that P.C. Keeler called upon him to assist him in removing the prisoner
from the Harvey Hotel, and he did so. The prisoner was very violent and
struggled with them, and once succeeded in throwing Keeler to the ground.
Superintendent
Wilshere stated that when the prisoner was brought into the station, Keeler
complained of a pain in his back, and he directed him to go home. Dr. Bateman
had since seen him, and from examination found that he was suffering from a
severe sprain in the back, caused by a fall.
The Bench
fine the prisoner 5s. and 3s. 6d. costs for drunkenness, and for the assault
upon the police sentenced him to fourteen days` hard labour.
Folkestone Chronicle 12-1-1878
Inquest
On Saturday
evening an inquest was held at the Harvey Hotel by the Coroner (J. Minter),
respecting the death of Robert Burley, a member of the Borough Police Force.
James Burley,
K.C.C., deposed: I identify the body as that of my brother, Robert Burley. He
was a member of the Folkestone Borough Police and was 21 years of age. I saw
him on Thursday last at two o`clock. He was in bed, and told me that when he
came off duty on Tuesday he went out with a friend, and remained with him until
three or four o`clock in the morning, leaving him at the bottom of Dover
Street. On going up Dover Street a little way he ran against two artillerymen,
who turned round on him and gave him a thrashing, knocked his hat all to pieces
and cut his head. He found blood was running down, and went to a friend`s house
and knocked, but could not make anyone hear. He then hurried home to his
lodgings, and on going up to the front door fell into the area. He remembered
nothing more until he found himself in bed.
William
Willis Cooper, landlord of the British Lion, deposed: On Thursday afternoon I
went to see the deceased. From information I received I went and asked him if
he had called at my house on Wednesday morning at 3-45, and he said “Yes”. I
also asked him if he went to my mother`s house at 103, Dover Street, near
Radnor Bridge, the same morning, and he replied “Yes”, but did not say what
for. He pointed to he left eye, and said he had been knocked about by two
soldiers.
Elizabeth
Cooper deposed: I am a widow, living at 103, Dover Street. I knew the deceased,
Robert Burley. On Wednesday morning, about 20 minutes past four, I was in bed
and heard someone come to the door. He knocked with his fist and tried the
latch. I got out of bed and opened the window. I said “Who`s there?”. He said
“Oh, Mrs. Cooper, will you come down? I am nearly murdered”. I replied “I don`t
know who you are. You had better go home. I know nothing of you”. He said “Thank you” and left a few seconds
afterwards.
Frank Martin
deposed: On Wednesday last, about twenty minutes to five, I was in bed and was
aroused by some groaning, and in consequence of that I looked out of the
window, and afterwards went down and saw deceased lying in the area. I then
called Mr. Woodlands and we took him up to bed. He was insensible. We sent for
Dr. Mercer, and he came. There was a large scar on the left eyebrow. It was not
bleeding. There was no blood on his face.
Mary Ann
Hayward, living at No. 6, Queen Street, deposed: I saw two artillerymen on New
Year`s Day in the Bellevue Tavern. They told me they had been out all night,
and had strayed away from Dover. As they had no money, my friend and I treated
them to a quart of beer. The short one said he did not mean soldiering. I saw
them again on Wednesday morning in the Bellevue Tavern. Jarvis told me
afterwards that outside the Raglan Tavern they knocked up against a policeman
between three and four o`clock in the morning.
Dr. Richard
Mercer deposed: I found deceased lying perfectly insensible. He had a small
graze over the left eyebrow, which appeared to have been done some time, as the
blood was quite dry. I saw him again at eleven o`clock, when he was quite
conscious, but paralysed below the left breast. I examined him, and found a
fracture of the spine between the shoulders. There were no other marks of
violence about him. I asked him if he was perfectly sober at the time, and he
said “No”. He had had a little more than was good for him. Deceased died
yesterday morning, the 4th instant, the cause of death being fracture
of the spine, which in my opinion was caused by the fall. Supposing he had
received the injury in a fight with soldiers it would have been utterly
impossible for him to have got home.
The Coroner
summed up, and the Jury, after putting a few questions to the Superintendent of
Police, returned a verdict of Accidental Death.
Folkestone Express 12-1-1878
Last week we
reported that Robert Burley, a member of the Borough police force, was
seriously injured through having fallen down into the area of the house where
he lodged. The poor fellow died about eleven o`clock on Friday morning. From
statements made by the deceased to his brother, it seemed that before he got
home on Wednesday morning he had been ill-treated by two soldiers, and in
consequence of this report a considerable amount of interest was felt in the
affair.
An inquest
was held on Saturday evening at the Harvey Hotel, by J. Minter Esq., the
borough coroner, when the following evidence was taken:
James Burley,
a police constable stationed at Lyminge, identified the body as that of his
brother. He deposed: His age was 21 last birthday. I saw him on Thursday last,
having come to Folkestone in consequence of hearing of his accident. I found
him in bed, and I asked him to tell me how it happened. He told me that when he
went off duty he changed his clothes and went out with a friend. He was with
him until between three and four o`clock in the morning, and left him at the
bottom of Dover Street. He went up the street a little way and “ran against”
two artillerymen, and they turned round and “dropped into him” and gave him a
good thrashing, knocked his hat all to pieces and cut his head or eye. He found
blood was running down his face and he went to a friend`s house and knocked.
Thinking he could not make anyone hear, he hurried home to his lodgings. Going
up to the front door he kicked his left toe against the steps. He put his right
foot out to try to save himself, and that slipped on the flag stones, in
consequence of his boots having steel brads in them. That threw him round on
his left side, and his back came on a low wall and pitched him over into the
area. He remembered no more until he found himself in bed. He did not say if
the soldiers followed him.
By a juror: I
believe the soldiers recognised him as a policeman.
By the
Coroner: I do not know if he meant to take them into custody.
The Coroner:
From what I can learn, it appears that he thought they were two men absent
without leave, and he might as well have the money for apprehending them.
William Wills
Cooper, landlord of the British Lion, Bayle, said: On Thursday the 3rd,
in the afternoon, I went and saw the deceased. Two men having come to my house
on at 3.40 on the Wednesday morning, I asked the deceased if he was one of them
and he said “Yes”. I also asked him if he went to my mother`s house in Dover
Street, and he said he did. He did not say what he went for. He lifted his
right arm and pointed to his left eye and said he had been knocked about by two
soldiers.
Mrs.
Elizabeth Cooper, a widow, living at 103, Dover Street, said: I knew the
deceased, Robert Burley. On Wednesday morning, about twenty minutes past four
o`clock, I was in bed. I heard someone come to the door and knock with their
fist, and then try the latch. I opened the window and saw a man and asked
“Who`s there?” A voice replied “Oh, Mrs. Cooper, will you come down? I am
nearly murdered”. I said “I don`t know who you are; you had better go home”. I
could not see who it was. He said “Thank you”, and left a few minutes after. I
did not know who it was, nor do I now, except from what my son has told me. The
man appeared to be sober, as far as I could judge.
Frank Martin,
a waiter, living at 28, Harvey Street, said: About twenty minutes or a quarter
to five on Wednesday morning last I was in bed and was aroused by hearing
someone groaning. I got up, went down to the front door, and looked over into
the area, and there saw the deceased. He was lying on his left side, with his
arm underneath him, and his hat was about a foot and a half from his head. He
was insensible. I called the assistance of my father-in-law and we got deceased
into the passage. We sent for Dr. Mercer, and afterwards put deceased to bed.
There was a slight scar on his left eyebrow but there was no blood on his face
or any part of him that I could see.
Mary Ann
Hayward, a single woman, living at 6, Queen Street, said: On New Year`s Day I
saw two artillerymen in the Belle Vue Inn. They told me they had been out all
night, and strayed away from Dover. I told them if they did not go back they
would be taken into custody. I and a friend treated them to beer, and bread and
cheese, as they had no money. The short one, Jarvis, said he did not mean
soldiering. They left me at half past eight on Tuesday night, when I gave them
twopence to go home with. I saw them again on Wednesday morning in the Belle
Vue Inn. They bid me good morning. I asked them why they did not go home, and
they said they met the picquet out marching, and if they had gone further they
would have been taken in. Jarvis said they were at the Raglan about half past
eleven, and that they had knocked up against a policeman about three or four
o`clock in the morning. The tall soldier pushed Jarvis, and motioned him to say
nothing, and Jarvis laughed. They told me they were hungry and we got them some
bread and cheese. About an hour afterwards I hear that a policeman had been
ill-used. I asked Jarvis what he had been up to, and he got up and laughed and
they both went out. One of them had told me previously that he meant murdering
someone. He had had six months imprisonment and did not mean soldiering. He
also said he had just had a fortnight`s confinement.
Mr. Richard
Mercer, surgeon, said: On Wednesday morning between six and seven o`clock I was
called to deceased in Harvey Road. I found him lying in the passage of the
house, perfectly insensible. He had a small graze over the left eyebrow, which
appeared to have been done some little time, as the blood was quite dry. I
assisted to carry him to bed and saw him again at eleven o`clock, when he was
quite conscious, but paralysed below the breast. I examined him and found a
fracture of the spine between the shoulders. There were no other marks of
violence whatever – no bruises or cuts. I asked the deceased how it occurred,
and he said he had been spending the evening with some friends and came home
about four in the morning. When he got on the doorstep his foot slipped and he
fell over the wall into the area. I asked him if he was perfectly sober at the
time, and he said “No, I had a little more than was good for me”. In
consequence of the reports about deceased having been knocked about by soldiers
I have today and yesterday again examined the body, and there are no marks of
violence other than those I have described. He died yesterday morning, the
cause of death being the fracture of the spine, which in my opinion was caused
by the fall. Deceased knew the critical state he was in, as I told him he was
mortally injured, and he made the statement to me after I had so informed him.
It would have been utterly impossible for him to have got home if he had
received the injury at the hands of the soldiers.
Superintendent
Wilshere, who was called by request of a juryman, said no report was made to
him of the constable having been attacked by soldiers, and he only heard of it
accidentally. It was quite probable that he attempted to take the two men into
custody as deserters. He would be doing his duty if he did so.
The Coroner
said that although at first it seemed that deceased had been ill-treated, the
evidence of Dr. Mercer showed that such ill-usage was not serious and did not
in any way contribute to his death. Had the soldiers followed him, and had he
fallen in endeavouring to escape from them, it would then have been a question
whether they would not be liable to a charge of manslaughter.
The jury at
once returned a verdict of “Accidental Death”.
It having
been stated that the deceased, out of his very moderate pay, contributed
towards the support of his parents, the jurymen gave their fees to be
transmitted to the old couple.
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