The Dorset County Express and Agricultural Gazette.
Dorchester, Dorset, England, 1861-07-16 00:00:00

Somerottobirc.

CHARD.
MYSTERIOUS DEATH OF A MAN IN A WOOD.

Considerable excitement has been caused by the find-
ing of the body of a man in an advanced state of decom-
position, and with a razor in his hand, in a copse called
" /tether's Copse," some little distance from the high
road leading from Ihuinster to Chard. A man of the
name of Henry Jeffery, residing near the reservoir at
Chard, had been missing for some time past, and no
doubt can be entertained that the body found was his.
The corpse presented one of the most frightful spec-
tacles that can well be imagined, certainly the moat
harrowing spectacle we ever beheld. The flesh of the
head, face, and neck had been eaten entirely away by
vermin and birds' chile the body was "alive" with
every description of "creeping thing."
An inquest has been held, and the following evidence
adduced :
William Gale, sworn, said :—I am a farmer, and
reside at Ely Water, in the parish of Coombe St. Helier.
On Saturday last, about five o'clock. I saw Miss Blake,
of Moor Farm, running out of the Louse towards we.
She told me her brother had found a man in Hellier's
Copse, which is close to • field of mine. I imme-
diately rode down to the place, and saw the body just
viewed by the jury. There was an open razor in the
right hand. The body was lying on its back, near a
hedge, under an oak tree. A hat was lying two or
three yards front it. I took it up, and tried to read
some writing on it, but could not do so. I sent for
William Hoard, and lie saw the body, as did also Mr.
Suckuill. Pulicemonstable Whitting then came up.
He took the razor out of his hand, and we saw the
word "Jeffery" marked upon the handle. I sent bra
cart, and we brought him to this place. I thought it
was Jeffery, as I knew he had been missing. I last
MIS him about three weeks ago. Ile appeared at times
to be oat of his =Md.. He had given way to drinking
for the pad seven or eight years. •
Acting-Sergeant Wbitting produced the razor, and
corroborated the evidence of the first witness.
Francis Walker: I sin a tailor, residing at Ilminster,
and am brother-in-law to the deceased. From his
clothe. I believe it to be the body of Henry Jeffery. I
have seen the razor before in his poeseasion. I believe
li. has been out of his mind at times for the last seven
or eight years, chiefly through drink. Twelve months
ago some steps were taken to get him into an asylum,
but the attempt failed. He conveyed port of hie
property to me about twelve months ago. Mr. Lang•
worthy made the deed.
Ann Jeffery sworn, said : I live near the reservoir
at Chard, and am the wife of decanted. A fortnight
ego last Thursday I last saw him alive. In the
morning of that day be left early, and said he had a
mind to go to Winshsm. He soon after returned and
said he had been up to the old house. He said he
was going to get sorne money. I asked him where,
and he said be did not know. He then left. Ile had
on a scarf. I believe the razor produced is his.
Just before he went away be said, • You'll be re-
spected." He had been in • strange way for • long
time pest, chiefly about some property. He dnuik
too. In the morning before he left be said, •' It is
all on the brain." I have seen the scarf, boots,
trousers, and stockings produced, and I believe they
belonged to my husband.
Thomas White : I sin • labourer, and reside at Chard.
I knew deceased well. A fortnight ago, hut Thursday,
about six o'clock in the morning, deceased overtook
me as I was going to my work along the Ihninster
road. We 7arted at Ely water. I went up the old
road, and be went on towards Ihninster. He seemed
much as usual. I did not notice anything particular
in his conduct, only he seemed very low, who:h he has
done for some time past.
Richard Spines, sworn, said: I am a eurveyor, and
reside at Chard. I have examined ths body. I; is in
such an advanced state of decomposition that it is
impossible to tell bow or by what means be catue by his
death. The fleshy part of the throat has all disappeared.
The larynx is perfect, and there is no appearance of
external injury. Have examined the razor, but there
was no blood upon it.
The coroner briefly recapitulated the evidence, and
suggested that an open verdict be returned; to which
ie jury unanimously agreed ;—" That on Saturday
last Mae body of Henry Jeffery was found dead at the
place, and under the circumstances described, but by
what means he came by his death there was not
sufficient evidence to show."
The deceased was buried about half-past nine the
same evening, in Combe churchyard. An immense
concourse of people gathered together to witness the
unusual scene.