THOMAS KIMBLE

SUDDEN DEATH WHILST MOWING.

A melancholy case of sudden death happened on Friday morning last, when a man named Thomas Kimble, aged 66, residing in the Independent Chapel Yard, Newbury, died without a moment’s warning. Kimble started early in the morning in question with several others and drove to Red-farm, Long-lane, in the occupation of Mr. Bowley, of Newbury.

Deceased had some refreshment at the Coffee House previous to starting, and was apparently in his usual health. He was going to the farm to thatch some ricks, but being very fond of mowing, he said to a man named Benjamin Barlow “Would you let me have your scythe and cut a little swathe!” meaning to cut some grass.

Barlow let him have the scythe, and deceased began mowing, saying “What a beautiful scythe this is to cut, this is just my delight.” He cut some more grass, and then came back to Barlow for him to whet it. As Barlow was doing so deceased fell face downwards. Barlow said “Holloa, Thomas, what’s the matter?” Receiving no answer he picked him up, put him across his knee, and sent for some brandy and water, which he put to deceased’s lips.

It was no avail, however, as deceased had passed beyond mortal aid. The dead body was conveyed to Mr. Bowley’s cottage, and remained to the following day when it was brought to Newbury. No inquest was held, the doctor certified that deceased had died from heart disease.

He was buried on Tuesday in Newbury cemetery.

Newbury Weekly News and General Advertiser - Thursday 25 August 1887