Taunton Courier 14 Sep 1853 Taunton includes Suicide Joseph HEAL Huntworth North Petherton HILL West Monkton Joseph CONYBEARE Labourer of KING of Pyrland Hall

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Taunton Courier and Western Advertiser for Somerset, Wilts, Dorset, Devon and Cornwall Wednesday 14 Sep 1853

Page 4 Column 3


TAUNTON.

Wednesday, September 14, 1853.

Very fine harvest weather has prevailed, with the exception of a few intervening showers, every day since last Wednesday. Very little Wheat or grain of any sort consequently remains on the ground, and the rain which has fallen, having for the greater part of it occurred principally in the night, little if any hindrance has been felt in securing the crops, and the plough has been thus facilitated in its operations over the stubble land, with diminished labour. The Turnips are exceedingly healthy, and promise abundantly.

ST. MARY MAGDALEN'S CHURCH. - A substantial wooden gallery has been erected around the Tower of this Church, at the base of its Pinnacles, for the purpose of the restorations in progress for that edifice. Seen at a short distance, a spectator might imagine that some decorative addition had already been made to that beautiful portion of the ancient structure. Mr. GILES is the architect engaged for the effectuation of the repairs, and Mr. STAPLE, of Stoke-sub-Hambdon, is the contractor for the stone work – the material for which will be quarried from the excellent supplies of Ham-Hill.

A sad instance of neglect of duty recently occurred in Wilton Parish on the occasion of a funeral. The particulars are too repulsive and nauseating for detail, but are now sufficiently notorious to ensure the immediate attention of the Churchwardens, who will, no doubt promptly take measures for preventing a recurrence of the disgraceful and disgusting scene to which we have alluded.

SUICIDE. - Mr. Joseph HEAL, farmer, of Huntworth, North Petherton, was found dead in an outhouse belonging to his farm, on Saturday morning last, having hung himself. He was discovered suspended and cold by the same man who cut him down a few weeks previously. The unfortunate man has been in a desponding state of mind for some time, and leaves a widow and two children.

Captain HILL and Lady, of Springfield House, West Monkton, last week, kindly gave to 150 poor children, tea and cake; after which games were benevolently provided for them. Those who witnessed the great joy of the youthful partakers of this festive scene were much gratified in contemplating the happy groups. Each received a welcome present at parting.

TAUNTON TURNPIKE TRUST. - At a Meeting of the Trustees on the 6th inst., the Shuttern Turnpike Toll-house was purchased by Mrs. STARK, of the Westgate Inn for £400. Mr. LEVERSEDGE was appointed Surveyor of the Roads; and the Tolls were then let by Auction to Mr. Robert BELBEN, of Plymouth, for £4000. Mr. BELBEN afterwards agreed to continue them for three years.

John BOBBETT, a butcher's labourer, was fined 4s, by the magistrates at their sitting on Wednesday last, for fighting in the market place.

INQUEST. - On Thursday, an inquest was held at the Hospital, before W. W. MONCKTON, Esq., coroner on the body of Joseph CONYBEARE, aged 23, a labourer in the employ of R. M. KING, Esq., of Pyrland Hall, who met his death under the following circumstances: The deceased and another man, named Thomas BURROWS were employed on the 10th of August in drilling turnips, the deceased being engaged in feeding the drilling machine. A stick, which he used for the purpose of raking the ashes in the drill having broken off in the machine, the deceased put his hand among the spokes with the intention of taking it out, but the drill being in motion his arm was caught and lacerated, from the effects of which he died. - Verdict accordingly.

The vicarage of Chard, Somerset, has become vacant by the death of the Rev. W. B. WHITEHEAD. The benefice is worth 500l. a year, and is in the gift of the Bishop of Bath and Wells. By Mr. WHITEHEAD's death the vicarage of Timberscombe has also become vacant. It is worth 200l. a year, and is in the gift of the Bishop of Bath and Wells.

COMMISSIONS SIGNED BY THE LORD LIEUTENANT OF THE COUNTY OF SOMERSET. - West Somerset Regiment of Yeomanry Cavalry. - George Henry Warrington CAREW, Esq. to be Captain vice RANDOLPH, resigned; Colonel Vincent WOOD to be Lieutenant, vice GEORGE, resigned; Colonel Theobald WALSH, to be Lieutenant, vice CLARK, promoted.


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