Bridport, Beaminster, and Lyme Regis Telegram and Dorset, Somerset, and Devon Advertiser. — 1886-02-05 (Bridport, Dorset, England)

STRANCR DEATH.—An inquest was held, before Mr. Boyton Smith assured them he should be pleased Mr. Coroner Sylvester, on Tuesday aftei noon, on the to do his best for the society. They had finished their body. of Elizabeth Ann Pearce, aged 25, wife of 16th year, and in two more years they would be out Edwin Burt Pearce, of Back-street, chemist's porter, of their teens. He felt the responsibility lay much and treasurer of the local corps of the Salvation more heavily upon him than it used to do. They had Army, who died very mysteriously on Saturday been a prosperous and successful society, and after night.. The deceased had been married about nine having existed so long, it would,be a great pity if anymonths, and of late she and her husband had led a thing were to occur which would tend to bring it to very unhappy life, owing, as stated by Pearce, to an end. (Hear, hear.) He felt very proud of having the fact that his wife neglected her house and kept had the society under his conductorship for so long, loose company. They lived with his mother, and for but he hoped it was not the pride that went before a several months past Pearce had handed his wages to fall, (Laughter and applause.) He would take care his mother, who had had the management of the , to do highest to ensure its successful continuance, and household. The deceased went out frequently to to promote in every way its efficiency. (Applause.) —f chart but never accounted to her husband for her Mr. Boyton Smith then proposed the re-election of earnings. On Saturday night, at ten o'clock, she Mr. Hodges as hon. secretary. They all knew how Caine home apparently in her liana' health, and after well he pulled them through their difficulties and sitting with her husband for a few minutes went to embarrassments, and he was confident they could bed. She had been taking medicine for some time not he in better hands. ( Applause.)—The Mayor fo; diarrhcea pains, but on this occasion refused to seconded, and Mr. Hodges, who expressed his willingtake it, remarking that she was going to have Rome- nem; to serve again in the capacity which hefi I_B so thing better. Pearce followed his wife in ten well, stated that the strength of the society had een minutes' time, and got into bed. About ten minutes well maintained. The number of members in been minutes' Past 11 he was aroused by a gurgling noise and the was 00, and in 188587. The attendances had always cries of "Oh, Ted, eh, Ted i" uttered by the deceased. been wonderfully good. He was glad to say he had liwho he assured He got up and struck a light and on looking at his also obtained a few more subscribers. , z d for the wife believed she was dead. He called his mother and them, were very difficult to get. He aske and a neighbour, and ran for Dr. Willcox, who on his co-operation of members in getting new members arrival was of opinion that the deceased had been subscribers.—Mr. Holland proposed Mr. ,T. Robinson, Poisoned. He looked round the room, and while inn., as accompanist. and Mr. Boyton Smith, in d he doing so Pearce said he called his attention to a bottle seconding, said they were in very good hand s, an change.A istanding in the window, which contained some fluid, was sure they could not wish for any_ (s 1 but the doctor stated that when Pearce fetched him pianse.)—The Mayor remarked that Miss In ;sine he told him he believed his wife was dead, and that was of great value to the society, .and h which g: had he had noticed "a glass of something in the window." would continue to act in that capacity w r In the deceased's pockets the doctor found some of filled for several years. (Applause.)— M Battle's vermin killer. In the glass he fiend some assured them he should always be happy to . Robinson do his best Rion "late Powder. He had made a post-mortem exam- for the society.—Mr. Boyton Smith took °cm to iatti °n of the body, and found arsenic in the stomach. allude to the generous act on the part of the Clyffe He believed this caused her delta'. Mr. Wb;tteek, Choir, and explained that from the inauguration of an apprentice at the shop where Pear had done his utmost was employed, the Clyffe Choir Mr. Irindersley From first stated that the bottle of arsenic was placed on a side to dispel any passible feeling o ' f rivalry v: rhea' were Counter on Satnrday evening, and between seven and to last he had behaved most hand s ,ornA . it was sigh o'clock, on going into the cellar, he found Pearce all extremely indebted to the Clyffe Choir; at the arsenic cask, refilling the bottle. It was ex- extremely kind of them to come forward and extricate tilaMed, however, that the bottle had been placed on them from their difficulties, _e could assure themand he took the H s counter where all empty bottles were placed for opportunity of thanking them. between the two Tee Ptirpoets of being refilled. Pearce, his mother, there was no feeling of rivalry and a •they would be alwaya neighbour stated that. the deceased had fre- associations, and he hopedif at any time they (the Inlay said she should not live long. Pearce spoke ready to help each other. : •society a good could do the other Willcox,ot wife as having a violent temper, and Mr. Vocal Aasociation) cou, did not anticipate they would ever who spoke of her as a simple minded girl, turn, though he said he should not have been surprised to hear that require it, they would be happyto do so. Mr Smith sh e had committed suicide. Other witnesses said announced it MIA Prnix'ke to give Mendelsaohn's she after Easter. He explained tat,'" anything but a girl of that kind. ,The jury " Learseaang" for theViref: .SL the evidence WOW very unsatisfactory, and they had some difficulty in selecting new works owing retuned the inquiry till Tuesday next. The affair to the necessity there for a full orcheatra.—A ers: nd a vote of thanks to the avcaused great excitenient in the town. Pearce IS short discussion follow and _n among the Salvationists as " Happy Ted," Mayor for presiding concluded the meeting. On o the (mad sah„._,_, , ion of his wedding there was conPAROCHIAL