the family of james belcher of waterford, ireland - University of ...
the family of james belcher of waterford, ireland - University of ...
the family of james belcher of waterford, ireland - University of ...
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77<br />
The Deponent on his oath said as follows:<br />
I am a miner and live at Shicers gully Guildford. About half past seven, yesterday morning, I<br />
went down to <strong>the</strong> river to see how my machine had stood after <strong>the</strong> flood. I saw <strong>the</strong> body <strong>of</strong> a man<br />
entangled to a stake in <strong>the</strong> river. I called William Watts, he came with <strong>the</strong> assistance <strong>of</strong> a man<br />
named Fox. The body was got out & recognised as that <strong>of</strong> John Belcher. Word was <strong>the</strong>n sent to<br />
<strong>the</strong> Police.<br />
Taken and sworn before me <strong>the</strong> 8th day <strong>of</strong> June AD 1863, at Guildford<br />
Benjamin Alexander<br />
Wm Preshaw<br />
Coroner<br />
Coroner’s inquest deposition <strong>of</strong> witness<br />
Castlemaine Victoria<br />
To Wit<br />
The Examination <strong>of</strong> John O’Niel <strong>of</strong> Guildford taken on oath this eighth day <strong>of</strong> June AD 1863,<br />
at Guildford before <strong>the</strong> undersigned, a Coroner in <strong>the</strong> said District.<br />
The deponent on his oath said as follows.<br />
I am a legally qualified Medical Practitioner residing at Guildford. This day at <strong>the</strong> request <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong><br />
Coroner I have examined <strong>the</strong> body <strong>of</strong> deceased. The clo<strong>the</strong>s loaded with sand. There was great rigor<br />
mortis face livid. The clo<strong>the</strong>s all on. No marks <strong>of</strong> violence, <strong>the</strong> appearance such as if <strong>the</strong> person has<br />
died <strong>of</strong> asphyxia from drowning.<br />
Taken and sworn before me <strong>the</strong> 8th day <strong>of</strong> June AD 1863, at Guildford<br />
John O’Niel<br />
Wm Preshaw<br />
Coroner<br />
Coroner’s inquest deposition <strong>of</strong> witness<br />
Castlemaine Victoria<br />
To Wit<br />
The Examination <strong>of</strong> Eliza Belcher <strong>of</strong> Shicer Gully taken on oath this eighth day <strong>of</strong> June AD<br />
1863, at Guildford, before <strong>the</strong> undersigned, a Coroner on <strong>the</strong> said District.<br />
The Deponent on his oath said as follows.<br />
I am <strong>the</strong> wife <strong>of</strong> deceased. On Saturday afternoon last, my husband between three and four<br />
o’clock, went with his mate to divide some gold. He was <strong>the</strong>n quite sober and had just returned<br />
from work. I was expecting him every moment & it was yesterday morning that I heard that he<br />
had been drowned. He was an Irishman & has left three children. He was in <strong>the</strong> habit <strong>of</strong> taking<br />
some drink. When my husband was about to go , a man named Plummer ............. him to go to<br />
Kangaroo to vote at <strong>the</strong> Mining Board Election. I live at Shicer Gully. He is 40 years <strong>of</strong> age. There<br />
is a creek in front <strong>of</strong> my house which was also flooded on Saturday.<br />
(her mark)