Oxford Journal 9 January, 1869
Inquest before Wm. Brunner Esq.
On the fist inst., at the dwelling house of Samuel priest, 49 Friars St, St Ebbes, on the body of Ann, wife of Henry Dell, shoemaker, aged 66.
Henry Dell deposed to his wife having being generally in good health, but was taken giddy at suppertime, 10 o'clock the previous evening, and fell on the floor from her chair. With the assistance of her neighbour, Mrs. Priest, he got her upstairs to bed, and laid down beside her, but did not take his clothes off. Almost directly he found she was cold, and had ceased to breathe. He was not aware of her having taken anything to do her harm and believed she had died by visitation of God. They had been married 47 years.
Elizabeth Priest had known the deceased many years, and with her daughter had assisted to get her upstairs on Thursday evening, when she complained of giddiness. Her work was on the table, and from what she knew of her, witness believed she had taken nothing to cause the giddiness. After she was comfortable in bed, witness left her but was called again in 10 minutes, and found she was lying in the same position but was dead.
Verdict- Died by the visitation of God.
You are very welcome. I really enjoy reading all these newspaper reports, they are so dramatic.
Julie (also from Oz)
