Village History
By Mr. Dodge :
The trousers were flaring, not smouldering. P.a. Stevens deposed that he met the deceased about 10 p.m. on April 7th opposite the Black Horse. They exchanged ” Goodnight,” and front his appearance witness judged him to be in a state of semi-intoxication. He had known the deceased for some months as a man of intemperate habits Deceased was walking towards his home; he was alone and smoking. Witness had been to the room where deeeasedre body lay now, and noticed the size of it. It was lift by l2ft and sft 9in high. The width of the coiling was 4ft 41n. The ceiling was composed of cloths and old shawls. ‘Mere was no fireplace in the Delmore. By Mr. G. Dodge Witness did not think it requisite to go home with deemed, as he thought he was quite capable of going without help. Mr. Brinkley (to the Coroner) : Has the size of the room anything to do with this inquest ? The Coroner The size and condition of the room would probably affect Vie progress of the wound regards its healing. Dr. Benson said on Sunday, April 10th, he was called to see deceased, and found him in bed in the room where he had been all along. The left thigh was severely burnt, and also the leg down to the ankle. Deceased went on pretty well till five or sin days ago, when tetanus set in. Deceased died from tetanus, which was the direct result of the burns, about one o’clock on Sunday morning. He did not know whether deceased was suffering from any visceral disease. He had sever attendee! demised professionally. The small room in which he lay would be unfavourable to his getting well. It would be impossible for a man in his condition to get over tetanus. From his own knowledge, deceased was habitually intemperate. He had known him about eight years. The Rireenan : In it not an acknowledged fact that nine out of ten persons affected with t-onus die? to be continued………
Northampton Mercury – Friday 01 March 1901
