The Descendants of William Pursey

Coroner's Inquest. South Australian Register, Monday 20 May 1889 CORONER'S INQUEST: DROWNING CASE AT RIVERTON. An inquest was held at Riverton, on May 17, on the body of William Davis, sen., an old resident of the district, whose body was found in the Railway Reservoir, adjoining the township. Mr. John Kelly, J.P, ., was Coroner, and Mr. Thomas Campain, sen., was chosen foreman of a Jury of eleven. Mary Ann Davis said the deceased, who was her husband, was home the greater part of Thursday. He went to the township once or twice. In the evening he returned home about half-past 9, and went to bed almost immediately. At about half-past 3 awoke, and found him sitting on the side of the bed. Asked him to get into bed, which he did. Fell asleep, and did not wake till half-past 5. Deceased had gone. Got up and went out into the yard to look for him, and could not find him. Did not see him again till he was brought home dead. Noticed that he was very low-spirited during the day. Never heard him suggest doing away with himself. Informed my daughter of his absence. Deceased's brothers were also informed. By the Coroner— When he returned at half-past 9 he was not intoxicated like he was sometimes. When he went away in the morning he had no hat on. Never knew him to leave without a hat before. M.C. H. Bushell stationed at Riverton, said he received intimation from Mr. Alexander Davis -about half-past 10 that morning that his father had been missing since 4 in the morning. Mr. Davis then left to make enquiries at Rhynie. Examined the Railway Reservoir, and while passing round the north end saw footmarks of a person leading directly into the water. Then searched for evidence of the person having again left the water, but could find none. Procured a drag and commenced dragging near the spot unsuccessfully. Mr. Bosisto then took the drag, and at the first cast brought up the body of deceased, which was about in about four feet of water. Deceased had been drinking at the hotels rather freely lately, and both publicans had been cautioned. By the Coroner — The body was fully clothed. By the Foreman — No means were used to restore life, as evidently the body, which was quite cold, had been in the water for some time. Emma Davis, daughter of deceased, thought, deceased seemed very low-spirited and absent-minded on the previous day. He had had a little drink, but appeared to know what he was doing. Glynn Bosisto, son-in-law of deceased, gave evidence of the recovery of the body, and continued to say — Last saw him alive last Sunday. He then seemed very low-spirited, and was anxious for me to drive him to the farm, which I did. He said very little on the road, which was very unusual. Thought he was not sound in his mind. He seemed very weak and ill in health, but was quite sober. Alexander Davis, son of deceased, also gave evidence. The Jury decided that the deceased came to his death by drowning in the Railway Reservoir while in a weak and despondent state of mind.

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1889 'CORONER'S INQUEST.', South Australian Register (Adelaide, SA : 1839 - 1900), 20 May, p. 7, viewed 30 April, 2013, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article47066919