SINGULAR DROWNING CASE.-On Wednesday an inquiry was held by Dr. Gilbertson at the McKenzies Arms, Walton-le-Dale, into the circumstances surrounding the death of a youth named John Alston (14), who was found drowned in a pit the previous day. From the evidence adduced it appears that the deceased was a farm labourer, and resided with his parents at Lemon House Farm. He was in robust health, and there was nothing strange in his demeanour on Tuesday or any time previous. On the day mentioned he was last seen by his mother in the forenoon, about twelve o’clock. She had words with him relative to some money. Deceased said nothing in reply, and went out of the house stating that he was going to chop some hay in the barn. As he did not return his mother went to the barn, but could see nothing of him. Shortly afterwards her attention was attracted by the dog running to and fro in a field – which is located close to the house. She went, and there found the deceased’s hat on the side of a cattle -pond. An alarm was given, and the police were communicated with.-P.C. Cain deposed to dragging the pit in question with a farmer named Gerrard. In due course they discovered the body of deceased in deep water four or five yards from the side. Deceased had fed the cows at dinner time, but there was no hay “Found drowned” Was chopped. A verdict of returned.
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WALTON-LE-DALE AND BAMBER BRIDGE.
Date: Saturday, Nov. 19, 1892
Publication: Preston Chronicle
Gale Primary Sources, British Library Newspapers:
https://link.gale.com/apps/doc/Y3207510921/BNCN?u=lancs&sid=bookmark-BNCN&pg=5&xid=90efa4fc
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