Inquest, 7th July 1884
DESBOROUGH
—AN INQUEST was held at the George Inn, on Monday, before Mr. Parker
(coroner), touching the death of Ellen King, daughter of
Henry and
Sarah
King of New-street, Desborough, about 18 months old. The following
gentlemen were sworn on the jury:—Messrs. William Baines (foreman), H. Blunsom, A. Baines, L. L. Turner, A. Osborne, J. Turner, J. Goode, J.
Cursley, C. Page, G. Marlow, T. Coe, and C. Feakin. The evidence
received was that the mother of the child had made a tin of tea for the
purpose of her husband to take with him the next day. After the mother's
back was turned, the child deliberately caught hold of the can, pouring
the contents down its throat and bosom, and causing it such severe
injuries, that it died from the effects the next morning. Dr Moore's
assistant was called, and he found that the life of the child was
hopeless. After the jury had been sitting for about an hour, they found
that there was no fault attached to anyone, and returned a verdict of
"Accidental Death."
Northampton Mercury,
Saturday 12 July 1884
Note: Ellen was baptised on 5th July, probably as soon as it
was realised how serious her injuries were. Henry and Sarah had another
child the following year, naming her Ellen.