Reading Mercury

Dated 2^nd January 1858

SUDDEN DEATH. – On Tuesday evening last, an inquest was held on the body of Henry New, aged 56, a hawker, who was found dead in his house. Phoebe Taylor deposed that she resided in the Rose and Thistle-yard, and the deceased lived in the next house. She had known him eight years. She went to his house about 11 o’clock that morning to inquire as to the state of his health, but got no reply. The door being unlocked, she went in, and then saw him in a sitting posture on the floor, with his clothes on, leaning against the bedstead, but quite dead. He had a mark on his face. She thought from the appearance that the deceased had fallen from a chair against the bedstead. He had complained of being poorly the last few days. She called in assistance.

William Lane said he lived next door to the deceased; was with him on Monday night; he complained of being rather poorly, and witness gave him some beer with peppermint in it. He saw him the next morning and gave him some tea and toast between 8 and 9 o’clock, saw him again shortly after, when he said he was much better. About 11 o’clock he was informed by the last witness that New was dead, and he found the deceased in the position described by Phoebe Taylor.

Policeman Justice said he was told about 11 o’clock that morning, that New was dead. Dr. Palmer happened to be passing, and he asked him to see the deceased; he did so, but said immediately that he was dead. Had known the deceased many years. He saw him on Monday when he complained that his breath was bad. Witness had frequently met him coming home from country, with his hawking basket, at a late hour.

The coroner asked the jury if they were satisfied with the evidence, they answered in the affirmative, and returned a verdict “that the deceased died from natural causes by the visitation of God.”