Something in the Marylebone Mercury, 13 Nov 1880
Full transcript below. Note that the names
Barker and
Barber are both used in the item.
Marylebone Mercury
13 Nov 1880
page 3, column 7
Sudden Death In Little North Street
Dr Hardwicke held an inquest on Tuesday at the Buffalo's Head on James Lake, or Barker, aged 26, a costermonger. Martha Hoare, in whose house deceased lived, said on Thursday morning deceased was taken in a fit when in bed, and died before she could get medical assistance. He had been unable to work lately, being subject to fits. She had kept him since May last. Dr Harris said death was from an epileptic fit. Mr Overton, relieving officer, said deceased was born in St Marylebone Workhouse. He was known to witness by the name of James Barber. On May 11, 1876, he was admitted to the infirmary, suffering from swollen feet. On the 3rd January, 1877, he was in the workhouse, where he had been for nearly eight months. On that day he appeared before the House Committee and applied for "stock" money. The application was not granted being contrary to law. He then took his discharge. On the 21st July, 1879, he applied to Mr Overton for an admission order to the workhouse. He was then suffering from scabies; order granted. He left the house on the 24th December, 1879, and after being out four days again applied for admission, which was granted. He once more left the workhouse, but on the 29th of September, 1880, applied for a medical order only, which was granted. Since that time Mr Overton had lost trace of him. A juryman said he had known deceased for two years, and he believed him unable to work as he was suffering from rupture. The Coroner and Jury agreed that great credit was due to Mrs Hoare for keeping deceased for so long a time. Verdict: Death from epilepsy.
