Gwennap OPC
Newspaper Archives
These transcriptions come from the following web site with the permission of the authors.
http://freepages.genealogy.rootsweb.com/~wbritonad/
From The Cornwall Gazetteer 1817,
New road to Gwennap.
PORTEATH, a village in Illogan, where there is a small haven for importation of coal and lime, and the exportation of copper ore to the copper-works in Wales. The haven has been much improved by a company, who now hold it under Lord De Dunstanville; they have laid out £10,000 on the pier, and a large sum on making a road to the Gwennap mines.
1836 WEST BRITON
26th Feb 1836
Coroner's
Inquest: Murder of a daughter by her father (two columns of testimony and
description) Details about the "cold blooded murder" of Caroline
Manuel by her "aged father", Philip Manuel, at Carnmarth, Gwennap.
Jurors Geo. Michell, foreman Joseph Grenfell, Richard Mager, Richard Cocking,
Anthony James, William Bray, John Vivian, John Kendall, William Wilton, William
Hensley, Jonathan Bawden, Richard Kendall, Richard Skinner, Thos. Kitto, Hugh
Carlyon, John Philp, Charles Hawke, and John Hawke.
Witnesses: John Matthews, Samuel Pellew Arthur, Surgeon,
Martha Matthews (who refused to shelter the girls), William Webb, Mr. Burnett,
constable, St. Day, Christian Manuel (Caroline's sister), Henry Peters neighbor
(My summary of case: Christian and Caroline, who lived
with their mother separately from Mr. Manuel, went to his home. He shouted at
them to leave. They "teased" him by calling him a name. He picked up
the gun, and started chasing them. They ran to a neighbor's, who refused
"to take sides in a family argument". They got about ten feet away,
when the father shot at Caroline. The shot struck her in the head, and she died.
The doctor testified about the wounds, and the constable from St. Day gave
evidence as to Manuel's temper and history. {JM} ) Verdic
"From the evidence adduced here this day, we xxx unanimously of opinion,
that Philip Manuel has committed the crime of Wilful(sic) Murder, and we return
a verdict accordingly: - yet, from xxx knowledge of the man for many years past,
and xxx personal observation of his conduct, we are of the opinion that the
peculiarity of his disposition and the natural irritability of his temper, xxxx
would justify any man in considering him to xxx of sound mind at times bordering
on Insanity".
11th March 1836 - WEST BRITON
Court
of Relief for Insolvent Debtors - "At the Court house in Bodmin - 31st day
of March instant, at the hour of Ten in the Morning precisely:
Thomas TREGONING, (sued in the name of Thomas Tregonning)
formerly of the parish of Gwennap, and late of the Parish of Kea, both in the
County of Cornwall, Miner, Butcher, and general Grocery and Drapery Shopkeeper.
1
April 1836 - WEST BRITON
Cornwall Assizes
Introductory statement from the Judges the case of Philip Manuel, who is charged
with the willful murder of his daughter. I believe there is no doubt as to his
having committed the crime of murder, but at the Coroner's inquest a doubt was
expressed as to the man's being of unsound mind. That, however, is no reason why
you should not find a true bill; and if on his trial he should be proved to be
insane, the case will be disposed of a late Act of Parliament."
6th May 1836 - WEST BRITON
Coroners Inquest
Yesterday, at the dwelling-house of Thomas Michell, innkeeper, at Wheal Rose, in the parish of St. Agnes. James Snell, miner. The deceased was working in the Consolidated Mines, Gwennap, and was engaged with a pair of men driving an end at the 230 fathom level. Whilst they were working, a piece of ground (a horse between two lodes) fell away from above, and injured Snell so severely that he died in about two hours. The poor fellow was only 20 years of age, and left a wife and one child. Verdict, accidental death.
ADVERTISEMENTS NOTICE - To be SOLD, 17 June 1836 WEST BRITON
The FEE-SIMPLE and INHERITANCE of and in all that ONE-QUARTER PART of the MANOR OF TREVETHAN, situate in the Parish of Gwennap, in the County of Cornwall. Consisting of the following MESSUAGES, TENEMENTS, and PREMISES, with their APPURTENANCES, in the several occupations of the Tenants, and pendant on the Lives, and subject to the Rents, Heriots and Redeemed Land-tax hereinafter stated, and containing about 35 Acres; and One-Fourth of the Common, containing about 16 Acres undivided. Through this Property run the Cooper Lodes from Huel Damsel, and other adjacent Mines, which have been very productive to the Adventurers, as well as the Lords. A Stream of pure and excellent Water issues from Huel Hope Adit, and supplies the Town and Population of St. Day, and serves the adjoining Mines, for condensing the Engines and dressing the Ores and Halvans. Two Setts have been granted to John Williams, Esq. over this Property, but no workings have been carried on for some years, and the Setts are long since forfeited, but it is presumed that if effectually worked, they would be very profitable. See here for more details.
No Tenements -
Tenants - Lives - Ages in Lives In 1836
1 - Richard's Tenement - Richard Mitchell - Thomas Hodge - 44 - Thomas Mitchell
- 22
2 - Skewes - Elisha Morcum - Matthew Vivian, jun - 52 - Elizabeth Rilf - 65 -
Catherine Vivian - 62
3 - Trevethan - Melch. Williams - Grace Blamey - 18 - Mary Blamey - 16 - Grace
Roberts - 13
4 - The Reens - James Powning - Jane Hichens - 38 - Mary Powning - 22
5 - Divided part of Thomas Mitchell - William Mitchell - 46 - commons - Thomas
Mitchell - 44
6 - Inclosure - Thomas Simmons - Ann Simmons - 65 - George Simmons - 76
7 - Dwelling Houses - Philip Manuel - Philip Manuel - 56 and
8 - Philip Manuel, jun - Christian Manuel - 17
9 - Middle Betha - James Powning - Mary Hichens - 32 - Rounds - Grace
Bawden - 32
10 - Dwelling House - James Powning - Jane Hichens - 30 - Bussa Meadow, Croft -
Thomas Michel - 17 & c - Peggy Morcum - 22
11 - Higher South - John Hart - Richard Hart - 38 - Trevethan - Alice Jacks - 36
- Mary Ann Angove - 33
12 - Dwelling House - Richard Mitchell - Ann Mitchell - 46 - gardens - Francis
Angove - 44
13 - Lower Field, Furzy - Richard Mitchell - William Mitchell - 47 - Plot &c
- John Dyer - 24
14 - Gilbert's Croft - Thomas Mitchell - John Mitchell - 43 - Thomas Mitchell -
44 - Grace Mitchell - 30
For this purpose, a SURVEY will be held on Tuesday, the
19th of July next, at Andrew's Hotel, in the Town of Redruth, by Four o'clock in
the Afternoon. In the interim, the Tenants on the respective Premises will shew
the Property. Information may be obtained on application to Mr. Chilcott,
Solicitor, Truro..... Dated 3rd June, 1836
5th August 1836 WEST BRITON
Cornwall Summer Assizes
Richard Quick,
William Rawling, and Joseph Whitbourn, were indicted for stealing three pounds
of candles in the parish of Gwennap, on the 27th of June last.
[Stephen Kessell, miner, testified that he had found
boxes of candles at the Wheal Jewel Mine ripped open, and 4 lbs. of candles
stolen. John Climo testified he saw Quick take a stone, break into the box,
hand candles to other boys, and run away. Saw John James take Richard
Quick by the collar. He admitted he had seen this from the stocks, where
he had been sent for stealing apples.]
[John Jones said he saw the boys run away, stopped them
and asked them what they had; they dropped the candles and ran, but he held onto
one boy. He saw John Climo, who was not with the other boys.]
The Jury found all the prisoners quilty; they were
ordered to be severely whipped, and then discharged.
Richard Quick, William Rawling, and Joseph Whitbourn, were indicted for stealing
three pounds of candles in the parish of Gwennap, on the 27th of June last.
[Stephen Kessell, miner, testified that he had found
boxes of candles at the Wheal Jewel Mine ripped open, and 4 lbs. of candles
stolen. John Climo testified he saw Quick take a stone, break into the box,
hand candles to other boys, and run away. Saw John James take Richard
Quick by the collar. He admitted he had seen this from the stocks, where
he had been sent for stealing apples.]
[John Jones said he saw the boys run away, stopped them
and asked them what they had; they dropped the candles and ran, but he held onto
one boy. He saw John Climo, who was not with the other boys.]
The Jury found all the prisoners quilty; they were
ordered to be severely whipped, and then discharged.
2nd September 1836 WEST BRITON
Coroners Inquest's
On Saturday last an
inquest was held before the Coroner Hosken James Esq. at Chacewater, on the body
of Richard Grey, about 33 years of age, who worked as a tributer in the
Consolidated Mines, Gwennap. It appeared that on Friday morning, the
deceased was working at the back of the 210 fathom level, west of Woolf's Shaft,
in Wheal Fortune, and was standing on a solar breaking rubbish to be taken to
grass, when the solar suddenly gave way and he was precipitated about 7 fathoms,
and buried in the rubbish and water. When taken up, he was quite dead.
It seems that about five weeks ago the Agents were obliged to change the boiler
of Wheal Fortune Engine, and it is supposed that the water having in consequence
risen above the seller, weakened the walls in which it existed, and occasioned
his fall. Verdict, accidental death.
Another inquest was held, on Tuesday last, before Hosken James Esq., at
Chacewater, on the body of Martin Northey, a boy of about 12 years of age, who
attended a pair of outwork men in Wheal Tehidy mine. It appeared from
evidence in this case, that on Monday afternoon the deceased was going below, at
the Engine shaft, to work, and that on arriving about 12 fathoms from grass, he
slipped his hold, and falling out of the ladder was precipitated to the depth of
12 fathoms, upon a ladder solar below, and was so much injured by the fall that
he died in about a quarter of an hour. Verdict, accidental death.
18th November 1836 - WEST BRITON
Coroner's Inquest -
On Wednesday last,
an inquest was held at the Account-house of the United Mines, in the parish of
Gwennap, before Hosken James, Esq. on the body of a miner, named Joseph Francis,
about 23 years of age. The deceased worked as a tutwork-man at the United
mines, and was engaged with other men in driving the 140 fathom level, west of
Hocking's engine shaft. About 16 years ago, the mine had been worked by a
former set of adventurers, who had driven the 130 fathom level above, and taken
ore from the botton of it; and in driving in that direction at the 140, the
miners were instructed to be cautious, as they would, in all probability, cut
into the water which might be accumulated in the level above them. On
Wednesday morning between four and five o'clock, the miners perceived water
oozing from the ceiling of the level, and suspecting that the body of water was
over them and about to break away, they all hastened to the surface for safety.
After remaining about half an hour, and finding the water had not passed off as
they expected, they returned below, and bored a hole in the ceiling. It
unexpectedly gave way, and the level was instantly filled with water. The
other miners made a precipitate and safe retreat up a ladder, through a winze
just by; but deceased in endeavouring to effect his escape through a safety door
was caught between the edge of the door and the post, where, as the water
subsided, he was found quite dead in an upright position. Verdict,
Accidental death.
9th December 1836
Coroners Inquest -
On Sunday last, an inquest was held before Hosken James, Esq. at the Consolidated mines, in Gwennap, on the body of John Scoble, a miner about 37 years of age. The deceased worked as a sumpman at the Consolidated Mines; and, on Saturday, was engaged with other men at Taylor's engine shaft, in drawing up, by means of a capstan and shears, an old useless pump, and a rod about 30 feet long. Between twelve and one o'clock, they had got the rod nearly to the surface, when it accidentally slipped about 12 feet through the rope to which it had been fastened, and striking deceased, killed him on the spot. At the time of the accident, deceased was so nearly up that his head was seen above the surface, but the end of the rod knocked him back into the shaft, and he was found quite dead on a door 23 fathoms below. He has left a wife and six children to lament their loss. Verdict, accidental death.
1837 WEST BRITON
ADVERTISEMENTS NOTICE - To be SOLD - Feb 17, 1837 WEST BRITON
Gwennap To be Let, a Tenement at FERNESPLAT, now in the occupation of Mr. Treweek, consisting of a dwelling, house, dairy, stable, and about 4 acres of meadowland. A mow of oats, arts, wain, plough, harrows, roller, and every requisite farming inplement, along with excellent household furniture, may be had at a low price. To treat for the same, apply to Mr. TREWEEK, or to Mr. PASCOE, Casgarne, Gwennap.
PROPERTIES FOR SALE March 1837 WEST BRITON
Gwennap To Sell, at Auction, at the late residence of Captain James Treweek, called FERNEY COTTAGE, Fernsplat, The Farm stock, including a Mow of Hay, Two Harrows, etc., and all the Household Furniture, including Excellent set of mahogany dining tables, Venetian and Kidderminster Carpets, etc. The whole must be cleared, the proprietor having sailed for the Island of Cuba, and the premises being let from Lady-day next. Mr. Ellis, Auctioneer
3rd March 1837 - WEST BRITON
Coroner's Inquests -
The following inquests have been held during the week before Hosken James, Esq., Coroner; On Saturday the 25th ult., at the Cornish Arms Inn, St. Day, in the parish of Gwennap, on the body of Sally Bray, a single woman, about 22 years of age. Deceased resided with her brother, George Bray, who farms Ninnes estate, near St. Day, in Gwennap. On Thursday last, she went with her brother in a small pony cart to Redruth, where, among other things, they purchased a chair at a sale. On their return home in the middle of the day, the cart was upset, and the body separated from the wheels, by one of the projecting granite rocks with which the road near Ninnes abounds; when the deceased, who was sitting on the chair in the cart, was thrown headforemost with considerable violence, and was so much injured that she died about seven o'clock the same evening. Verdict, Accidental death. Deodand on the cart and horse, 1s.
ARSON ON FARM WEDNESDAY, March 29 1837 WEST BRITON
[somewhat condensed, as it was a long description] [the mandatory punishment for arson was death]
George WALLIS, 22, indicted for having, on the 19th day of November, last, in the parish of Gwennap, unlawfully and maliciously set fire to a certain stack of hay, the property of Hugh Barratt. Hugh Barratt, beer-shop owner at Gwennap, had a stack of hay 72 yards from the house. On the 18th of Nov., he was alarmed by a person coming at night, knocking at the door, and calling fire; came downstairs, and saw prisoner and William Slanter* outside. Went to the rick, and found it enveloped with flames. Steven Mitchell works in Poldice Mine. Prisoner came to the Blacksmith’s shop about eleven o’clock. He lighted the fire with a rope, as is usually done in mines. John Penrose came with the prisoner, and they had a feat of strength with the anvil. Prisoner took up the rope, and lighted it. Witness took it away, and threw it back. Prisoner lighted it again. Penrose asked what he was going to do with it; prisoner said he only wanted it a few minutes, and walked away. Witness looked after him, till he had got about 241 yards off (measured the distance the next day) and saw him about 120 yards beyond the engine-pool. The rope was alight then; the wind caused it to blaze. A little while after he saw the rick on fire. William Stanton* saw the rick on fire, and called up to Mr. Barratt. While he was doing so, prisoner came to the door, and said he had been knocking before, but could not make any one hear. Witness said he would knock the door down, but that he would make them hear. Maid came immediately. John Penrose confirmed the statement of Mitchell, so far as he was concerned. James Barnard, constable, apprehended the prisoner, who told him (constable) that he did not set fire to the hay; that he threw the rope into the engine-pool. Witness requested him to go with him to find it; he did so, but it could not be found. William James Genn testified the prisoner stated he took the rope away from roguishness, and threw it away. He saw the fire before he got home, but he went in to eat something, then came out and went to alarm Barratt. Mr. Cockburn made a very able defense. The Judge recapitulated the evidence to the Jury, who, after sitting some time, requested to withdraw. Jury returned after about three hours, finding the prisoner guilty, but recommended him to mercy. The Judge informed the jury that if the hay stack had adjoined the house, he could not have attended to their merciful recommendation; it now nearly approaches to the capital offense, but he should recommend the prisoner to the merciful consideration of his Majesty. Death was recorded against him. * John Staton and John Slanter are probably the same person.
18th August 1837 - WEST BRITON
Gwennap Cottage Gardening Society - To the Cottager who had brought up the largest family without parochial relief: £1 to Thomas Moyle, second, 10s. to John Luke, and third, 7s., Stephen Whitford. For the neatest and best stocked Garden, £1 to James Nicholls, second, 10s. to Henry Kneebone, third, 7s to W. Rowe. Extra prizes of 5s each were awarded to Thomas Brown, Henry Bluette, Henry Kneebone, James Blamey, Henry Williams, and Elisha Nicholls.
1838 WEST BRITON
2nd March 1838
Gwennap
By a very handsome and munificent donation received from the Rev. Mr. Blencowe, and aided by public subscriptions of the inhabitants, this parish has been enable to distribute to the poor, during the late inclement weather, upwards of 800 bushels of coals, and a supply of blankets, baizes, &c to destitute widows and distressed families.
Coroner’s Inquest
An inquest was held on Tuesday last, before John Carlyon, Esq., coroner , at the house of Thomas Tabb, innkeeper, in the parish of Gwennap, on the body of John Jose, then and there lying dead. It appeared from the evidence that the deceased, in crossing the Redruth Railroad, near Consols account-house, on Friday last, was knocked down by a horse that was drawing a train of wagons, when the wheels of the vehicles passed over him, breaking his left leg and seriously bruising his right thigh. He was taken to his house the same evening, and died in the course of Sunday night. Verdict, accidental death. Deodand on the horses and wagons, 5s.
Mar 9, 1838 WEST BRITON
Court for Relief of Insolvent Debtors
The matters of the petitions and Schedules of the Prisoners hereinafter named, are appointed to be heard at the Court-house of BODMIN, in the county of Cornwall, on the 31st day of March 1838, at the hour of ten o'clock in the morning.
Frederick MICHELL, formerly of the Borough of Penryn afterwards of the Parish of Stokeclimsland, and late of the Parish of Gwennap, all in the County of Cornwall, Innkeeper and Mine Agent
INSOLVENT DEBTORS COURT April 13, 1838 WEST BRITON
Frederick MITCHELL, on being examined, stated he had received notice of opposition; that his wife lived with her father in Gwennap, to whom the furniture of his house belonged. He took proceedings against Mr. Richard Williams, and Mr. Carne would rather take 12s. 6d on the pound than he should proceed further against Mr. Williams. He kept an inn at Penryn, and Mr. Williamas debt was on account of electioneering expenses. Discharged, and one of the firm of Gilbert and Co. appointed assignee.
St. Austell Games June 15, 1838 WEST BRITON
On Tuesday last, the annual wrestling commenced, in a field near the town, and finished on Wednesday. Forty standards were made, and at the end of some good play, the prizes were awarded as follows: First, GBP 5 to Richard Gundry, Sithney; second, GBP 4 to William Hodge, St. Blazey; third GBP 2, to Wm. Collins, St. Blazey; fourth, GBP 1 to John Real, St. Austell; fifth, 10s to John Gillard, Gwennap.
CORNWALL MIDSUMMER SESSIONS, July 13, 1838 WEST BRITON
Wednesday, July 4 The Grand Jury found no true bill against John RICHARDS, who was charged with stealing a pair of trowsers, the property of Richard BARTLE, of Gwennap.
William TREWARTHA, 22, was charged with breaking open the changing houses belonging to the Consolidated mines in Gwennap, and stealing twelve candles, the property of John BRAY. The parties were employed on the mines, and the prisoner was seen by one of the persons employed on the mine, trying some keys in the changing house, in consequence of which, he was afterwards searched, and twelve candles were found upon his person, besides a bar of iron with which he had forced a lock, and three loose keys in his watch-pocket. The prisoner afterwards made a confession of his guilt. Guilty. Three months' hard labour.
26th October West Briton
Mary MASTERS, 17, and Eleanor MASTERS, 10, were charged with having stolen a quantity of merino, the property of Grace BARNETT, of Gwennap. Elizabeth MASTERS, 39, their mother, was also charged with receiving the merino, knowing the same to have been stolen.
Grace Barnett testified; runs a grocery and drapery shop in Gwennap. Mother bought some groceries, girls were looking at and handling fabric on other side of the shop. Were in the shop about 20 min. The girls did not buy anything. Prisoners came and left together.
Cross – examined by Mr. Smith. Witness suspected the young prisoners, and kept her eye upon them as much as she could. Did not see them take anything. The mother would not have taken it. Witness missed the piece of merino as soon as they left.
Thomas Bray, constable of Gwennap, on the 9th Oct. searched the house of Anron Masters. Did not find any merino there. Afterwards saw Eleanor Masters at Tresavena, who said she was not at Mrs. Barnett’s the evening before, and that she had no sister, but afterwards told witness that her sister had got the merino concealed in a croft, in a cavern, and if he would go home with her, she would show it to him. On the way home she said, “ I did not tell the truth over to the mine, for fear that Capt. Jennings would turn me away. I took the merino myself, and carried it home to my mother, who finding it to measure 11 ½ yards, said it was not enough for a cloak for two, but would make a cloak for Mary, and a frock for one of the smaller ones, and that I should have a cloak next time.” She said the board on which the merino had been rolled was thrown into the wood corner, and that her father lit the fire with it. Witness apprehended all the prisoners. (The examination of Mary Masters was here put in, to the effect that she knew nothing of the merino, till after she returned home from Carharrack.) The witness, when cross-examined by Mr. Smith, said that he made no promise whatever to Eleanor Masters.
Edmund Halse was at Tresavean on the 9th of October, when Eleanor Masters was sent for by the agents. Witness heard her say that she had gone to Mr. Barnett’s shop with her sister and mother; that her mother was buying some groceries; when her sister said “take that piece of merino”. She said she did not take it the first time and her sister again said “take it – there is no one there but that woman.” She said she then took it and her sister took some barley. She added that after she got home her mother measured it and it was 11 ½ yards. After this confession, witness went with her to a cavern , which she looked into and said “it is not here”, and it could not be found. On the previous evening witness was in Mr. Barnett’s shop and saw the two girls looking into the drapery window. Cross-examined by Mr. Smith. Capt. Jennings neither threatened her, nor made any promise to her, in witness’s presence. (The examination of Eleanor Masters before the magistrates was here put in, in which she stated that her previous confession to the constable was not true, but was made in fear.) After an able address from mr. Smith, the jury found all the prisoners Not Guilty.
Nov 2nd WEST BRITON
FOR
Apply to the
Gardener, at Pengreep, Gwennap
Dated
Nov 16, 1838 WEST BRITON
Perplexing Marriage At Gwennap,
In this county, in March, 1823, Miss Sophia Bawden was married to Mr. R. Bawden, both of St. Day. By this marriage, the father became brother-in-law to his son; the mother mother-in-law to her sister; the mother-in-law of the son his sister-in-law; the sister of the mother-in-law her daughter-in-law; the sister of the daughter-in-law her mother-in-law; the son of the father, brother-in-law to his mother-in-law, and uncle to his brothers and sisters; the wife of the son, sister-in-law to her father-in-law, and aunt-in-law to her husband; and the offspring of the son and his wife would be grand children to their uncle and aunt, and cousins to their father.
1839 WEST BRITON
Advertisement To Builders, February 1, 1839 WEST BRITON
Carpenters, and others. PERSONS willing to undertake the Building of a new CHAPEL of EASE in the Parish of Gwennap after the Designs and under the superintendence of G. WIGHTWICK, Esq., architect, are requested to send in Tenders, free of expense, for the whole, or part of the Work, to the Rev. T. PHILLPOTTS, Vicarage, Gwennap, on or before the 23rd day of February next. The Plans (of which no copies will be allowed) and the Specifications may be viewed on application at the Vicarage any morning, Sundays excepted, at Nine o'clock. The Committee do not pledge themselves to accept the lowest offer. Gwennap, Vicarage, Jan. 28, 1839.
5th April 1839 - WEST BRITON
CORNWALL LENT ASSIZES - Thursday, March 28
William JENKIN, 20,
charged on an inquisition taken before the Coroner, with manslaughter of Joseph
HARVEY, at Gwennap.
John BRAY examined - On the evening of Saturday the 1st of September, about ten
o'clock, was on the road leading from St. Day to Twelve Heads, with six men and
six females. The same party had been drinking at a public house. While walking
on, the prisoner came up and insulted Elizabeth CORNISH, one of the two women.
She was not leading by any body. Jenkin came up, and said she should take hold
of him, and he would accompany her home. She refused. The young man who kept
company with Elizabeth Cornish said "you let her alone, the maid don't want
to have any thing to say to you." Jenkin still continued as he was before.
Witness turned about and said "if you had been insulting any body belonging
to me, as you have insulted that girl, I would make you be quiet." Jenkin
said he would fight either one of the company. Witness turned about and struck
him, and they had a scuffle, in which Jenkin was thrown on the ground, and when
he rose, he took a stone in his right hand and threw it at witness. The stone
did not strike witness, but went behind him. Jenkin then went into CURNOW's
house close by. Witness, on turning round, saw Joseph HARVEY on the ground about
10 yards from where witness had stood, in the direction the stone took. Witness
lifted Harvey, and perceived blood flow from his nostrils and forehead. Witness
said "Joe, what's the matter?" but could have no mouth-speech. Harvey
lived from Saturday evening about ten o'clock till Monday noon.
Mr. Samuel Pellew ARTHUR, surgeon. On Sunday, the 2nd of September, was called
to attend Joseph Harvey, and found him labouring under all the symptoms of
fractured skull. He died on Monday. Witness made a post mortem examination, and
found that a fractured skull had been the cause of death. The blood vessels were
lacerated, and there was an extensive fracture. The Judge, in summing up, said,
when a man did an unlawful act, by which he caused the death to another, whether
the person be the one intended by him, or not, was equally manslaughter, which
was "doing [an action] by which death was caused." Verdict, GUILTY.
The Judge commented on the consequences of little .. regulartities, and hoped
this would induce caution in the prisoner's future conduct. In consideration of
the circumstances, and of the punishment the prisoner had already received, the
sentence would be lenient. Sentence 20 days, no hard labour. The Judge desired
Mr. Everett not to put the prisoner among the thieves.
The Judge also made some observations to the jury on the diversity in the crime
of manslaughter, and on the large discretion vested in Judges in consequence of
the diversity.
24th May 1839, WEST BRITON
Coroner's Inquest -
An inquest was held yesterday before John Carlyon, Esq., coroner, at the house of Mary Bray, innkeeper, in the parish of Gwennap, on the body of Nicholas Spargo, a miner, 36 years of age. The only witness examined was John Moyle, who stated that the deceased was a sumpman at Poldory mine; that on Wednesday morning, about five o'clock, the boiler sprung a leak, which caused the engine to stop working, and the water, in consequence, rose to the back of the level; that as soon as the engine was put to work again, and the water forked, witness went to look for deceased, and found him in the 145 fathom level, lying on his belly, quite dead and cold. There was no water there at the time, and the death of Spargo might have been occasioned by want of air, or by drowning. Verdict, accidental death
1850 WEST BRITON
2
August 1850, Friday West Briton
WRESTLING. On Monday and Tuesday last, the days appointed
for the play at Hayle, the weather was remarkably fine, and a great number of
people collected, it is estimated to the number of four thousand. Sixty-six
standards were made. LONG, of Gwennap, and ROBERTS, of Ludgvan, played one hour
and twenty-five minutes, when the toss was in favour of Long. Edward DELBRIDGE
of Gwennap, and BERRIMAN played half-an-hour, when Delbridge was thrown. FORD of
Phillack, a fine man, and TREGLAWN, of Ludgvan, played half-an-hour, and it
ended by FORD being thrown in first-rate style. The WILLIAMS's (six brothers)
all made a find display. The award of prizes was follows:- first prize, Wm.
TREGLAWN, £4; second ditto, Stephen WILLIAMS, £2; third ditto, John WILLIAMS,
£1; forth ditto, Matthew TREGLAWN. JEFFERY, of Ludgvan, threw Wm. PENHALE, of
Gwinear, a fine fall, but it was discovered they had previously agreed, and
consequently they were excluded from any participation in the prizes.
23 AUGUST 1850, Friday West Briton
CORONERS' INQUESTS. The following inquest has been held before Mr. John CARLYON, county coroner:- On Saturday last, at Gwennap, on the body of Thomas DAVEY, aged 16 years, who died on the morning of that day from injuries he received the preceding Wednesday by accidentally falling from one level to another through a pass, in Great Consols mine, where he was at work. - Verdict, "accidental death,"
NOTICE. I, SARAH JOHNS, of Trevogue Moor, near St. Day, widow, admit and acknowledge that the statements which I and my daughter NANNY JOHNS have made impeaching the character and reflecting upon the conduct of Mr. WM. MATTHEWS, of St Day, in the parish of Gwennap, Van Proprietor, and ELIZABETH JOHNS, of Wheal Pink Moor, Trevogue, in the said parish, widow, are wholly false and unfounded, and I do hereby apologize for the same on my own and daughter's behalf. The mark or sign of SARAH JOHNS. Witness. H. L. PENPRASE. Dated the 20th day of August, 1850.
25 OCTOBER 1850 West Briton
On Wednesday last, at Stithians, on the body of John OPPY, aged 39 years. Deceased was a timber-man and pit-man, and worked at Wheal Comfort Mine in the parish of Gwennap. On Tuesday he was engaged in repairing the shaft at the 30 fathoms level, and was mounted on a short ladder, which he had placed there to enable him to reach the spot where he was at work. The ladder turned with him, and both fell down the shaft. His body was subsequently found on a collar at the 70 fathoms level, after which he survived only ten minutes. Verdict, "accidental death."
1 NOVEMBER 1850, Friday West Briton
CORONERS' INQUESTS. - The following inquests have been held before Mr. John CARLYON, County Coroner. On Thursday, the 24th instant, at Stithians, on the bodies of Wm. HOOPER, aged 21, and Wm. MARSHALL, aged 20. Both the deceased were miners, and were killed by an unfortunate accident in Poldice mine, in Gwennap, on the preceding day. On their way up from underground, when near the adit, the footway ladders by which they were ascending broke from the fastenings, and they were precipitated, with the ladders, down the shaft. Their two comrades, who were going up at the same time, had a narrow escape, having the moment before just stepped out of one of the ladders which gave way. In consequence of the falling of the men and ladders, there was an upward rush of air which put out the candles of the whole party; but the comrades who had escaped suspected what had happened, from feeling a jerk of the ladder on which they were proceeding, and from their not being able to get any "mouth-speech" from their comrades below. They, therefore, proceeded to grass as quickly as possible, and, after getting lights and reporting what had happened, they went down by another shaft, and with some difficulty got at the deceased, at the fifty fathom level. They found them quite dead among a lot of broken pieces of ladders, slaves, collars, and loose rubbish. No one had been down the shaft at the time of the inquest, and therefore it could not be stated positively how many ladders had given way, but it was supposed that all the ladders and collars from the adit to the fifty fathom level had fallen. The Coroner particularly examined the witnesses as to the nature and condition of the ladders, which they all agreed in saying were supposed to be perfectly secure and in good order. The jury, composed principally of working miners belonging to the mine, did not say any blame to the agents or to the timberman, whose duty it was to inspect the ladders. Verdict "accidental death".
1853 WEST BRITON
24th June 1853
CORONER'S INQUESTS. -
The following inquests have been held before Mr. John CARLYON, county coroner;- On Thursday last, at Gwennap, on the body of William DAVEY, aged 10 years, who was killed in Great Consols Mine on Wednesday week, by falling from one of the ladders as he was going underground with his uncle to work. He fell from the 70 to the 90 fathoms level, and was killed on the spot. Verdict, "accidental death."
8th July 1853
CORONER'S INQUEST. -
The following
inquest has been held before Mr. John CARLYON, county coroner: On Wednesday at
Gwennap on the body of George ROBINS, aged 65 years. The deceased has been a
servant to Mr. Michael WILLIAMS, of Trevince for upwards of forty years; and it
appeared that he sat down to dine with the other servants on Tuesday, apparently
in his usual health. After dinner they were all joking and chatting together,
when the butler observed him suddenly drop his head on the table and went
forward and supported him, but in two minutes he was a corpse. There was no
doubt that disease of the hart was the cause of death, and they jury returned a
verdict to that effect.
1887 WEST BRITON
20 January 1887, Thursday
Lannarth Vicarage - The Rev. W. FOX, assistant-curate of St. Day, and formerly of St. Aubyn's, has been appointed by the Bishop curate-in-charge of Lannarh, Gwennap, vacant by the preferment of the Rev. G.J. SCOTT, and he purposes to remove there at the end of March. Lannarth has an acreage of 1,81(3?), with a population of 2,671. The living is worth about £184 a year in the gross.