ABEL MILESON/MILLSOM*

SUDDEN DEATH IN THE FAlR.—During Friday evening, a showman named Abel Millsom died suddenly in Bartholomew Fair Close. An inquest was held on the body on Saturday morning in the Council Chamber, before J. C. Pinniger, Esq., Deputy Coroner, and a jury of whom Mr. B. Smith was foreman.

Mary Ann Millsom, wife of the deceased, said that her husband, who had a small exhibition in the Fair Close, met with an accident about four or five months ago in the Whitechapel-road, but did not have any medical advice. Up to 10 o'clock last night he was performing as usual. He subsequently went to bed and got up about two, complaining of great pain in the stomach, and difficulty of breathing. She sent for Dr. Ryott, whose assistant came, but her husband died in the meantime. He was perfectly sensible, and said, " I am dying."

Believed he was born at Bromley, and was about 42 years of age. Had been married between 14 and 15 years.

George Hall, of Hounslow, said he had a riding machine in the fair, and had known deceased for 10 or 12 years, and was awoke by hearing a groaning. He found deceased outside his cart on the ground, complaining of great pain, and his wife rubbing him. Stayed with him till he died.

Mr. F. E. Ryott said the conclusion he came to from viewing the body and hearing the circumstances, was that some vessel near the heart had given way, from which he had died.

Sergt. Goddard deposed to the deceased having told him that he had a fearful fall, and he spat a quantity of blood in his presence.

Verdict" Death from natural causes."

Newbury Weekly News and General Advertiser - Thursday 11 September 1873

* Shown as Mileson in Burial Register, but Millsom in the NWN

BDS 02/2020