Maria Roberts nee Pletts

Post by **kwr** » 20 Dec 2011 16:23

Hope no-one thinks I'm being greedy but just after my last post, the postperson came bearing a death certificate for the above. I thought a.) that you might like to know what it said and b.) that I can ask for advice about how to use the info. on it.

Under Where and when died is written October 21st, 1883 and Royal Infirmary. Next is her married name Maria Roberts. Obviously she is female...and age is given as 72. Under occupation is written - Widow of James Roberts. Painter. 9 Court, Craven Street.
Cause of Death:- (this is verbatim) Injury to body. 2 days. Accidentally run over by an Omnibus.
Under the Informant heading is:- Certificate received from Clarke Aspinall coroner for Liverpool. Inquest held 23rd October 1883. Death registered on October 24th.

I'm sure the inquest records will have been destroyed but what do people think of newspaper reports? Possible? What papers might I consult online? It's a bit difficult otherwise for me...

Once again all suggestions happily received.

Ken

Post by **MaryA** » 21 Dec 2011 10:10

Hi Ken,

I'm sorry that you have had no responses to this post, but I have no doubt that some of our crew have checked the old newspapers via their libraries links, as also I did too.

I have found no entry for Maria's death in the newspapers, I would have expected it to be in the Liverpool Mercury, and even searching with the word omnibus didn't turn anything up, which surprised me as there were articles about similar occurrences in London, reported in the Liverpool paper.

Many inquest records have been destroyed, but it could be worth contacting the Record Office just to see if there's a chance they still exist or even the Coroner's Records, send them an email to enquire.

Post by **kwr** » 21 Dec 2011 10:27

Mary,

Thoughtful as ever. A pity there was no record but knowing the people on this site, I am as sure as you that they have tried their hardest. But if it's not there.......

Ken

Post by **Blue70** » 21 Dec 2011 11:23

Hi Ken,

The inquest papers haven't survived for this time period so we have to search the newspapers for any reports. It was difficult finding this one but there was a mention of the inquest in the Liverpool Mercury unfortunately it's only a brief report:-

Liverpool Mercury, Wednesday, 24 October, 1883

Blue

Post by **daggers** » 21 Dec 2011 12:48

Blue
Good work there!
What did you use as the search key? I had tried several, like Mary, but no joy.
D

Post by **kwr** » 21 Dec 2011 12:58

Wow Blue! Like Daggers I AM impressed - especially as you have said yourself it was not easy.

Like the other snippets you posted it has now gone into my Notes on her.

Thank you, thank you.

Ken

Post by **Blue70** » 21 Dec 2011 14:36

daggers wrote:Blue
Good work there!
What did you use as the search key? I had tried several, like Mary, but no joy.
D

The search failed to find it so I browsed the whole edition of The Liverpool Mercury starting from the day after the inquest. I managed to get a list of article headings for the edition and spotted one about the courts.

Blue

Post by **Katie** » 21 Dec 2011 16:01

I have come acroos this problem several times will the Gale newspaper index. It is always advisable to do what Blue says or search the original on MF at Liverpool.

Post by **MaryA** » 21 Dec 2011 17:41

Excellent Blue, well done!