Sarah
Hawkins Genealogy Site
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Taunton
Courier. Bristol and Exeter Journal, and Western Advertiser Wednesday
13 Apr 1904
Page 5 Column 3
SAD END OF A CRIMEAN VETERAN.
SUICIDE AT TAUNTON.
On Saturday afternoon, at the Taunton and Somerset Hospital, Taunton, Mr. T. FOSTER-BARHAM, the coroner for West Somerset, held an inquest concerning the death of a Crimean pensioner, named William GRILLS, aged 69 years, who died on the 7th inst. from injuries to his throat sustained from a cut with a razor. - Mr. W. CLARKE was foreman of the jury, and P.C. HALL acted as Coroner's officer. - From the evidence it appeared that deceased had suffered for some time from pains in his head and dyspepsia. On the 7th inst. he rose at 7 a.m., and, going to a wash-house adjoining his house in Cann-street, Taunton, he did some mangling for his housekeeper, Jane OATEN. At eight o'clock Mrs. OATEN came downstairs, and, not getting, an answer to her calls, she went into the wash-house and saw the deceased lying on his back with his throat cut, a razor lying by his side. In reply to enquiries the deceased said “My head.” - P.C. HALL said he was called to the deceased's house, and saw him lying in the wash-house with his throat cut, and with an open razor by his side. Witness bandaged his throat up, and got his head well down that the slit in his throat might join. He then asked “What did you do this for?” and the deceased answered “I wanted to go home; I couldn't help it.” - Dr. WILLCOCKS was called, and after he had stitched up the man's throat deceased was taken to the Hospital, where he died. - The jury returned a verdict of “Suicide whilst of unsound mind.”
KINGSTON.
EVENING CONTINUATION SCHOOL. - During the past winter 25 of the lads who attended the County Council Evening School became entitled to certificates for regular attendance. The school was opened on 50 evenings, and six of the lads never missed one attendance. In addition to certificates the Council also returns the school fees, which were repaid them on Wednesday evening last. Before leaving the school the scholars presented Mr. BUNSTON, the master, with a handsome silver-mounted inkstand, to show their appreciation of what he had done for them during the school session, and expressed a hope that he would be spared to help them again in like manner when another winter season came round.
HUISH EPISCOPI.
BELLS FREE FROM DEBT. - It is satisfactory to note that the Tower and Bell Fund, amounting to over £500, has now been fully subscribed, with the result that the bells are free from debt.
ISLE BREWERS.
MARRIAGE OF DR. MUNDEN AND MISS J. COLE. The marriage of Dr. MUNDEN, of Ilminster, and Miss Janie COLE, daughter of the Rev. J. and Mrs. COLE, was solemnised at the Parish Church on Wednesday week. In honour of the event many of the houses in the village were decorated, and the interior of the church was adorned with lilies, &c. The service, conducted by the Rev. C. L. MARSON, vicar of Hambridge, was fully choral. The bride was dressed in white satin, trimmed with Honiton lace, and wore real orange blossoms with wreath and veil. Her ornaments were pearls and diamonds. She carried a bouquet of roses, lilies of the valley, and carnations, the gift of the bridegroom. Her diamond ear-rings and pearl brooch were also the gift of the bridegroom. Miss Annie COLE (sister) was the only bridesmaid. The bridegroom's gifts were a silver belt and a bouquet. There was a large congregation at the church. Miss SMYTH (Weymouth) presided at the organ. The school children lined the path from the church porch to the gate, and strewed flowers before the bride. A maypole was erected just outside the church gate. A tea in the School room took place at 3 o'clock for the children of the parish. The church bells rang at intervals throughout the day. The bride and bridegroom left for London, where the honeymoon was spent.
ILTON.
SUCCESSFUL ENTERTAINMENT. - A very pleasing and highly successful entertainment was given in the School-room on Thursday evening by the members of the Coral League, assisted by a few friends. The items on the programme, other than the two set pieces, were:- Pianoforte solo, by Mrs. JEFFERY; dance, “Tom, Tom, the Piper's Son,” by Ella BEAVAN, May GOODLAND, Robin and Escot HARCOMBE (encored); song, “The Tin Gee Gee.” by Miss K. WILLIAMS; dance, “The Hornpipe,” by Lily PAYNE and Lucy FEWINGS; recitation, “The Miniature.” by Miss E. SANSOM; song, “Cherry Ripe.” by Mrs H. P. BEAVAN; song, “We'd better bide a woe.” by Miss L. MEAD (encored); song, “The young man from the country.” by Miss C. POOLE (encored). The musical sketch, entitled “Merryton Market,” was well performed by the children, and gave much evidence of the careful training and constant attention received at the hands of Miss C. POOLE and Miss K. WILLIAMS. They are indeed to be congratulated upon the success of the whole performance. The acting of “Cinderella” was entered into by all concerned with great zeal. The part of Cinderella was splendidly sustained by Miss K. WILLIAMS. The proud sisters were well pourtrayed <sic> by Mrs. H. P. BEAVAN and Miss E. FEWINGS. The part of Baroness was well performed by Miss L. ROWE. The parts of Fairy Godmother, taken by Miss C. HARCOMBE), Prince (Miss D. HARCOMBE), and his attendant Muley (Miss H. FEWINGS) were capitally rendered. Altogether “Cinderella” was a great success and reflects great credit upon the performers. A vote of thanks to all who had helped was received with acclamation and the singing of “God Save the King.” brought the evening to a close.