Here is the article about his death. (I'm never quite sure about copyright, so I've transcribed it)
"Crediton.
Fatal Accident – On Friday night last, a lamentable accident caused the death of Mr Samuel Hall, a respectable innkeeper of Coplestone. It appears that the deceased rode to the farm of Mr Bodley, which he left again about eight o’clock, and proceeded on his way home. A short distance from Mr Bodley’s house, a bridge with a very low parapet crosses the river Yeo, - over this bridge a boy was crossing about ten o’clock, and heard a great deal of plunging in the water, and upon his alarming some people who lived near, the horse which Mr H had ridden was discovered. All doubt as to the fate of the unfortunate man had now vanished, and every exertion was made to recover the body, but in vain, - till on Monday afternoon, when it was discovered in a deep hole of the river some 150 yards from the bridge. It is supposed that the horse (which was blind) became frightened, and plunged with his rider over the parapet, which, we believe, is not a yard high. Mr Hall leaves a widow and eight children to lament his untimely death. The bridge, we understand, is to be indicted at the ensuing assizes, on the principal of “when the steed is gone, shut the stable door.” There are many such bridges in the county, each of which, we hope, will not require a fatal accident to ensure its being rendered safe for travellers."
Exeter and Plymouth Gazette (Exeter, England), Saturday, March 4, 1848, Vol. LIX, Issue 2930, p.7.
And the sale of property after his death:
"Crediton
To be let by tender, for a term of seven years from Lady Day next.
Lot 1 – all that excellent and well established INN and POSTING HOUSE called the Copplestone Inn, situate near Copplestone, in the parish and about 4 miles from the town of Crediton, on the Turnpike road between Exeter and Barnstaple, with a large Malthouse, good Stabling, and about thirty Acres of Land (of which about four Acres are Garden and Orchard) adjoining the said Inn, for many years in the occupation of the late Mr Saml Hall, and now of Mrs Joanna Hall, his widow.
Lot 2 – all that MESSUAGE and FARM called HIGHER ELSTON, comprising a Dwelling House, with suitable Outbuildings and about thirty four acres of Orchard, Arable, Meadow and Pasture Land, situate in the said parish of Crediton, and recently also in the occupation of the said SAMUEL HALL deceased.
The Taker will be required to discharge all Rates and Taxes, including the Tithe Commutation Rent Charge, and to do the usual Tenants repairs.
Separate Tenders in writing for Taking the Property as comprised in the above Lots may be sent on or before the 31st day of March instant to the office of Mr Pring in Crediton.
To view the respective Lots apply at the Copplestone Inn aforesaid, and any further information may be obtained on application to Mr John HALL, High street, or to Mr Pring, Solicitor, Crediton.
Dated 13 March, 1848."
Exeter and Plymouth Gazette (Exeter, England), Saturday, March 18, 1848, Vol. LIX, Issue 2938, p.1.
