Research Forum

Death of John Matthews 22 June 1892
published by hazbeanz1 on Sat, 24/08/2013 - 12:32

My great great grandfather, John Matthews, was owner/manager of the Royal Potteries in the 1870's and 80's. He died on 22 June 1892 at the Imperial Hotel, WSM, as a result of an accident. The cause of death was 'laceration of the brain produced by fracture of the base of the skull, result of an accidental fall'. An inquest was held on 23 June 1892. Does anyone have any further information, please? Newspaper reports? Is it possible to get hold of a copy of the coroner's certificate or inquest report?

Comments ..

Submitted by on Tue, 27/08/2013 - 10:06

If the inquest record still exists, it will be in the County Archive in Taunton. Unfortunately for you, I suspect that a record such as this from the 19th century has probably not survived. Their website has a searchable index and inputting "John Matthews" and "1892" does not appear to produce it.

Submitted by Pat Hase on Tue, 27/08/2013 - 14:46

The Western Daily Press of Thurday, 23rd June 1892 does have a short item about him which can be seen on the British Newspaper Archive or Findmypast but you will need to pay to access either site. It simply states:

"WESTON-SUPER-MARE

DEATH OF MR JOHN MATTHEWS - We have to record the painfully sudden death of Mr John Matthews of this town, the sad event taking place shortly after noon yeaterday. Deceased came to Weston 22 years ago and purchased the Royal Potteries, where for many years he carried on a lucrative business."

There will probably much fuller articles and even a report of the inquest in one of the local newspapers which can be seen on film in Weston-super-Mare Library. As you do not live locally perhaps one of our volunteers might be able to look for you when we are next in the Library - on Sat Sept 7th - or you could contact the Library with the actual date of his death which should make a search relatively easy.

I have a copy of a booklet published by Weston Muesum in 1987 and written by Sharon Poole about The Royal Potteries of Weston-super-Mare. It includes two pages on John Matthews in which it states that

"....in June 1892, after a bout of influenza, he fainted on the stairs at the Imperial Hotel in South Parade, Weston, and fell. He died moments later of a fractured skull and is buried in Whitehaven in Northumberland where he spent his childhood."

Submitted by hazbeanz1 on Wed, 28/08/2013 - 20:35

Many thanks for the information about John Matthews. Poor chap, but at least it all happened very quickly.

John was born in Newburn, on the outskirts of Newcastle, in 1825. The 1841 census shows that five male members of his family were engaged in the family business, brickmaking, in Newburn. He married Mary Whiteford on 20 December 1846. She came from a coalmining family in nearby Walbottle. Daughter Elizabeth (my great grandmother) was born on 5 July 1848. The 1851 census shows John, Mary and Elizabeth living at Greenwell Cottage, Haltwhistle where John was manager of a brickworks, employing 9 men. In the early 1850's they moved to St Bees. A son, John Thompson, was born in 1854 and a second son, Robert Whiteford, in 1856. Sadly, mother Mary died in 1857, aged 30. John married Martha Hudson at St Bees on 1 November 1860. The 1861 census shows John, Martha and his three children at St Bees. He was manager of a brickworks. I'm not sure when they moved to WSM but they were there by the 1871 census. John was a brick, tile and pottery manufacturer employing 30 men and 15 boys.

I'm very interested to hear that John was buried at Whitehaven (St Bees?). His first wife Mary was probably buried there and he went to join her.

I'd be most grateful if one of your volunteers could look in the local press. The date of death was 22 June 1892 and the inquest on 23 June. It was conducted by Francis Hicksteed (?) deputy coroner for North Somerset.

Is it possible for me to buy a copy of Sharon Poole's booklet? I've tried to contact the Museum, but to no avail.

Again, many thanks for your help.

Submitted by Pat Hase on Sun, 01/09/2013 - 23:05

By chance a number of the society were in the Library yesterday and one of of members found the report of the Inquest of John MATTHEWS. We will send a copy directly to you at your personal email address. It includes a brief outline of his involvement with the Royal Potteries and in a separate item (in the next column) a mention of sympathy being expressed by the Town Commissioners.

There was also a brief entry under the DEATHS

MATTHEWS - June 22nd at Weston-super-Mate Mr John Matthews of Rowton, Beaconsfield Road in this town aged 67 years - the funeral will take place on Tuesday next at Whitehaven.

Sharon's booket appears to be out of print but you might be able to borrow a copy through inter Library Loan - it's worth a try.