THE SAD CASE OF OLIVE MITCHELL (1864-1900)

by LYNNE CLEAVER

The coroner, Mr A.J. Morton Ball, was called and the inquest took place the following day at Kemble Railway Station. The proceedings were adjourned for a few days, reconvening the following Wednesday for Dr Craddock to give his medical report. The verdict was that Olive committed suicide whilst in an unsound state of mind. It was also noted that her father, Thomas, had made an attempt on his life, and died from 'softening of the brain' and her mother was 'rather peculiar'.

Mrs Cleaver didn't come out of the event unremarked either. The coroner remarked on her leaving the patient unattended which she greatly regretted but she was cleared of culpable negligence. Even though she was cleared I suspect this event remained with her for the rest of her days.

Those mentioned in the newspaper report are:

• Mr Kirk, inspector GWR company
• Mr W.A.Bye clerk to Tetbury Board of Guardians
• Mr J Dolman foreman of jury
• Elsie Rodway 7 Railway Cottages, Kemble
• John Thatcher, fireman of goods train
• John Whitworth, driver of goods train
• Raymone Roberts, shunter of Coates
• John William Boyd, stationmaster at Kemble
• Mr E.M.Harmer relieving officer to Tetbury Union

(Reported in the Gloucester Citizen Newspaper on 29 June 1900 with a further summary and conclusion in the same newspaper on 4 July 1900.)

For more information, or genealogical research in Tetbury and/or Gloucestershire, England, please visit Lynne Cleaver Research Services