Sad Bathing Fatality at Newton: An inquest was held on Saturday at the Seven Stars Hotel, before Mr. Watts, deputy-coroner, touching the death of William John Fingle Holmes, cashier at Messrs. Watt’s and Co, Newton Abbot, who was drowned that morning whilst bathing. … (continues) … went to the river Teign, near Buckland Point, about a mile from Newton for the purpose of bathing … (continues) … Mr. Percival tried to swim ashore with him, but could not, and after holding up for four or five minutes, both began to sink, and Mr. Percival, having had to let go of his hold, barely escaped with his own life. He reached the shore in a very exhausted condition. The body of the deceased was recovered about four hours later and conveyed to his father’s residence in Newton Bushell. Deceased’s father is managing clerk to Messrs. Pinsent and Sons, brewers, and the deceased had been a clerk at the Newton Bank for some years … (continues) … The jury returned a verdict of “Accidentally drowned,” and expressed their deep sympathy with the bereaved family.
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Referenced
GRO0518 Devonport: John Ball Pinsent: 1819 – 1901