SOLDIER KILLED AT BARROW

A verdict of “accidental death” was returned by a coroner’s jury sitting at the St. Luke’s Hall, Barrow on Saturday morning to inquire into the death of Pte James Tracey (53) of the Workers Battalion South Lancashire Regiment. Deceased was injured at Ramsden Dock on Friday morning and died about ten minutes after admission to the Cambridge-street Military Hospital.

Capt. Francis John Williams said the deceased had been a transport worker for eighteen months.

Pte. Wm. Orr said at 8.40 a.m. on Friday he was barring wagons on the dock side. He assisted to remove the deceased, who was lying on his back on the rails. He complained of his back.

Answering Ald. A. Barrow, O.B.E., who represented the Furness Railway Co., witness said they did not get between the rails to bar a wagon.

Pte. John Bowman, a tipper, said he heard the man above shout “Look at your mate”. He then went to the deceased and assisted in removing him to the camp.

Pte. Durham said he was on night work and saw the deceased brought to the hut door. He asked what had happened, and deceased said he was barring up when a wagon came along and he was caught between the buffers. His back was hurt.

Mr. Harold Garland, manager for Mr. Coulton Hunter, stevedore, Barrow docks, said men were always told not to get across the rails, but to bar from the side. At the time of the accident the wagon would be clear of the crane.

A verdict as above stated was returned, the coroner remarking that the man who sent the wagon on which (sic) caught the deceased would be unable to see him.

SACRED TO THE MEMORY OF

MY DEAR HUSBAND

EX ALDERMAN WALTER MARSH

WHO DIED MAY 19TH 1939,

AGED 69 YEARS.

ALSO MARGARET, HIS BELOVED WIFE

WHO DIED MARCH 19TH 1944,

AGED 73 YEARS.

ALSO LEONARD, THEIR SON,

WHO DIED JULY 13TH 1972.

ALSO JAMES, ERNEST AND WILFRED,

WHO DIED IN INFANCY.

Adverts for Sass from 1933

'Marsh's Sass
Penny a Glass
When you drink it
it goes 'splash'.'

Barrow Skipping Song 1950s.

This year the Walter Marsh Cup, given by Mr. Walter Marsh for the benefit of Barrow Junior Rugby, is to be offered for competition among North-Western League clubs, and the games will be played at Craven Park on Thursday evening next week. Askam meet St. Matthew’s and Ulverston play Cambridge-street, matches 15 minutes each way.

The winners will meet in the final the same evening, 30 minutes each way.

In addition, during the interval between semi-final and final, there will be a goal kicking competition, for which North-Western and Intermediate League clubs have been invited to nominate two players. Each man will be allowed three kicks at goal, all from the 25 line, one centred and one on each ten-yard line of the 25.

DEATH OF EX-ALD. W. MARSH

BARROW MINERAL WATER MANUFACTURER

The death took place at the North Lonsdale Nursing Home, Barrow, on Friday of ex-Alderman Walter Marsh, well known in the town and district as a mineral water manufacturer, whose home was at 22, Park-drive.

Prior to his Council work, the ex-Alderman was a member of the old Board of Guardians, continuing his interest in public affairs when this body was taken over by the Council.

He was a member of the Hartington Lodge of Freemasons and also held high provincial rank in the Orange Order.

He was for many years a member of the committee of the Newbarns Tennis and Bowling Club.

Mr. Marsh, who was 69, met with a serious motor accident some years ago which had shaken him badly.*

Mr. Marsh was a great Rugby League football enthusiast, and a former Barrow player. He played as full back for the Barrow Club, and was capped for Cumberland.

His interest in the game was evidenced by his presenting the Barrow club with the Walter Marsh Cup, lately awarded to Cambridge-street, a competition open to the North-Western League teams.

The cup was given to Barrow with a view to encouraging junior football.

He leaves a widow and two sons to whom will go out the sympathy of all who knew this genial personality.

* The serious road accident refers to a collision at Abbey Road/Manor Brow, Barrow, on 27 November 1930, when a car driven by Mr. Marsh collided with a lorry turning right into Manor Brow. Mr. Marsh was overtaking it, not having seen a signal that it was about to turn right. Mr. Marsh’s sister, Mrs. Ellen Wilde, of 3, Holyoak Terrace, Ulverston, who was in the back seat of the car, died in hospital two weeks later of myocarditis, accelerated by the accident. No blame was attached to the lorry driver, and Mr. Marsh was not prosecuted. (Report of the Inquest 20 December 1930 and 17 January 1931)

Barrow News 20 May 1939

FUNERAL OF MR. W. MARSH

FORMER ALDERMAN AT BARROW

The funeral took place at Barrow on Tuesday afternoon, the interment at the Cemetery being preceded by a service at St. Mark’s Church, of Mr. Walter Marsh, of 22, Park-drive, a former alderman of the Borough, who passed away on Friday week at the age of 69.

The late Mr. Marsh had taken a keen interest in public affairs, and many mourners assembled at the church to pay a last tribute. The service was conducted by the vicar, the Rev. G. E. Woodmansey.

The family mourners were Mrs. Marsh, widow; Mr. and Mrs. Walter Marsh, Mr. and Mrs. Leonard Marsh, sons and daughters-in-law; Miss Marguerite Marsh and Miss Gloria Marsh, granddaughters; Mrs. Todd, niece (Sale); Mr. and Mrs. James Askew (Dalton).

There follows a list of Councillors and Masonic Brethren who attended.

Barrow News 27 May 1939

EX-ALDERMAN MARSH’S ESTATE

TRIBUTE TO WIFE IN WILL

Mr. Walter Marsh, of 22, Park-drive, Barrow, mineral water manufacturer, a former alderman of the Borough, who died on 19 May last, left £10, 469 0s 2d., with net personalty (sic) £4,339 2s 11d.

Probate has been granted to his widow, Mrs. Margaret Marsh, of the same address, George Willis, of 10, Ainslie=street, Barrow, and the Midland Bank Executor and Trustee Co. Ltd.

He left the plant, machinery, etc. of his business to his sons, Walter and Leonard, £50 to his wife’s maid, Elizabeth Howard, if still in her service, and the residue of his personal estate to his wife absolutely, stating

“And I desire my dear wife to know that I fully realise the great help she has been to me during our married life and that her true companionship has been the greatest blessing of my life.”

His real estate he left to his wife during widowhood, then upon trust for his two sons with remainder to his grandchildren.

Barrow News 15 July 1939

MRS. M. MARSH, BARROW

A well-known Barrow lady passed away on Sunday after a short illness in the person of Mrs. Margaret Marsh, widow of the late Ald. Walter Marsh, who died at her residence, 22, Park-drive, at the age of 73 years.

The funeral took place at the Barrow cemetery on Wednesday afternoon, preceded by a service at St. Mark’s Church conducted by the vicar, the Rev. J. H. Bailey, who also officiated at the graveside.

The mourners were Mr. and Mrs. Walter Marsh, Mr. and Mrs. Leonard Marsh, sons and daughters-in-law; Mr. J. Askew, brother, Mr. Fred and Margaret Lakeland, grandson-in-law and granddaughter; Mr. and Mrs. J. Dodd, grandson-in-law and granddaughter; Messrs. H. and J. Smith, nephews; Mesdames Neck, Harrison and Todd, nieces; Mrs. C. Styles, cousin; Miss L. Howard, Mrs. A. E. Ward, Miss P. Jackson, Mrs. Eccleston, Mrs. Gillow, Messrs. R. Williamson, Bond, J. Dockeray, Rawdon (Morecambe), Forest, and Robinson.

Mr. Fox was the undertaker.

Barrow News 25 March 1944

FACTORY GUTTED

BIG FIRE AT BARROW
FIREMEN’S ALL-NIGHT BATTLE WITH FLAMES

A fire which broke out on Wednesday night completely destroyed the mineral water factory belonging to Messrs. W. Marsh and Sons, and situated in the Hindpool end of Duke-street, Barrow.

Mrs. Harriet Kendal (sic), of 14, Howard-street, noticed that the roof of the factory was ablaze, and at once raised the alarm. The fire brigade were called and arrived on the scene about 9.55. They found that the wooden buildings which constituted the factory were well alight. A shed containing bottling plant was destroyed, and the firemen directed their efforts to protecting adjoining property.

Two motor-lorries belonging to Messrs. Marsh and Sons, and a lorry belonging to Messrs. Gromes Bros, of Greengate-street, were destroyed. A saloon car was also destroyed.

Police and civilians assisted in removing two private cars from garages which were threatened by the flames.

Walter Marsh, jun., and George Fitzjohn, who were the last persons to leave the premises, stated that all was secure and in order at 6.30, when they left the factory.

Members of the fire brigade were engaged throughout the night in extinguishing the fire.

Barrow News 24 October 1931

BARROW TRADERS SUMMONED

BOTTLING CASES AT BARROW AND ULVERSTON

At the Ulverston Police Court on Thursday, a couple of interesting cases under the Merchandising Marks Act were adjudicated upon. In the first case, Messrs. Thomson (sic) and Sons, trading as the Barrow Bottling Co., Ltd., were summoned at the instance (sic) of Walter Marsh, mineral water manufacturer, of 11, Hindpool-road, Barrow, for falsely applying a trade mark to aerated waters, and also with selling aerated waters to which a false trade mark had been applied.

Sir William Cobbett appeared for the prosecution, and Mr. F. W. Poole for the defence.

In his opening statement, Sir Wm. Cobbett stated that both the complainant and the defendant carried on business in Barrow as mineral water manufacturers and dealers. The allegation against the defendant company was that between the 4th and 12th of June last they falsely applied to certain aerated waters the trade mark of Walter Marsh and also between the same dates sold certain aerated waters falsely bearing the said trade mark to Miss Priestman, postmistress and shopkeeper, of Gleaston, who dealt, among other things, in mineral waters. The summons were taken out under Sections 2, 3, and 5 of the Merchandise Marks Act. Mr. Marsh was the proprietor of a registered trade mark, which was represented by a picture of a wheelbarrow along with the name and address of Marsh, moulded in the bottles. The letters “W.M.” were also moulded in the bottom of the bottles, so that they could be easily seen when the bottles were turned upside down in the boxes in which they were delivered. On the 12th June in consequence of information received, Mr. Marsh went to Miss Priestman’s, where he was shown a box containing two dozen bottles of mineral waters which had been delivered to by the defendant company. Eleven of the bottles belonged to Mr. Marsh, four belonged to Jas. Thompson and Co., of Barrow, four to Mr. Wharton, of Dalton, one to Mr. Ellison, of Barrow, and four others to a Kendal firm. The object of the prosecution was to put a stop to a most unfair trading practice. Moreover, since the war the difficulties had been enormously increased not only as to price but as to shortage.

Evidence bearing out this statement was adduced by Mr. Walter Marsh, the complainant, and Miss Elizabeth Eleanor Priestman, of Gleaston.

Thos Pitt Pladdy, outside representative for Messrs. Heath, brewers, and acting secretary during the war for the Barrow Mineral Waters Trade Protection Society, of which the defendants were members, said they had a recognised bottling exchange among the members, the object being that when mineral water bottles were inadvertently collected they were sent to the Society he represented to be returned to the proper owners. Witness had written to the defendant company calling attention to a complaint that they were using bottles belonging to other firms, and received a reply that the defendants had instructed their employees under no circumstances to use any other bottles than their own.

By Mr. Poole: The supervision over the bottles of different firms is much more difficult than before the war, owing to being so short-handed. Witness admitted that the defendant company had a larger stock of bottles than any other individual firm in Barrow, because it included the labelled bottles of 18 other firms which they had acquire the right to use.

Mr. Poole, in addressing the Bench for the defence, submitted that the box of bottles put? in evidence was the best possible witness he could produce that the defendant company had acted quite inadvertently and innocently in the matter. There was absolutely no evidence whatsoever of any attempt to defraud by false representation. It was the practice for the defendant company to decant or to put aside for the use of the staff any mineral waters in bottles which were found by the employees to belong to other firms, and it was obvious in this case that the carter who delivered the goods to Miss Priestman had inadvertently picked up and delivered one of these boxes that had been reserved. This was shown by the fact that there was an absence of the printed labels which the company put on the bottles sent out.

After hearing the evidence of Mr. J. H. Gardner, managing director of the defendant company, and works foreman Mr. Penny, foreman bottler, and Miss Percival, in charge of the labelling department, the Chairman intimated that the Bench found both charges proved. The defendants would be fined £10 in each case, and on the application of Sir Wm. Cobbett, two guineas were allowed in each case as special costs.

Similar summonses out against the same defendants by Jas. Thompson and Co. were withdrawn.

Barrow News 17 Aug 1918

This photo, in front of the Roman Catholic North Chapel, was taken in July 2017.  More recently (2020) the memorial has been completely covered in ivy. Even more recently (2025), it has mostly been removed.

To the left, and back one row, is another Beesley grave: see separate entry for William and Eleanor Beesley.

 OF YOUR CHARITY PRAY FOR THE SOUL
OF
LAWRENCE BEESLEY
DIED FEBY 18TH 1883
AGED 60 YEARS
ALSO ELENOR (sic) ANN BEESLEY
HIS GRANDAUGHTER
DIED SEPTR  9TH 1879
ALSO ELIZABETH BEESLEY
BELOVED WIFE OF THE ABOVE
WHO DIED SEPTR 8TH 1895
AGED 73 YEARS
ALSO MARY A. WALMSLEY
ONLY DAUGHTER OF ABOVE
DIED 19TH DECR 1905 AGED 54 YEARS
ALSO JOHN WALMSLEY
HUSBAND OF LAST NAMED
DIED 14TH DECR 1915 AGED 64 YEARS
R.I.P.

 OF YOUR CHARITY PRAY FOR THE SOUL
OF
JAMES BEESLEY
DIED MAY 28TH 1892
AGED 42 YEARS
ALSO ALFRED SON OF THE ABOVE
DIED DECEMBER 2ND 1885
AGED 9 MONTHS

London Gazette 29 Nov 1889

LADIES AND GENTLEMEN,

I beg to thank most heartily the 442 electors who recorded their vote in my favour last Saturday, also to my co-workers during the election. I attribute my defeat to great number of Irish Catholic voters who went against me in their votes and all the influence they could bring to bear, as well as assisting openly in furthering my opponent’s election. This action, if looked into in a proper manner, is more to their disgrace than credit, in the defeat of one of their own denomination, simply because he is not in accord with their political opinions, which I maintain should be distinct from municipal matters. Considering all we had to contend against, I consider my defeat equal to victory.

I am Ladies and Gentlemen, Yours faithfully, JAMES BEESLEY.

SHOCKING SUICIDE AT BARROW

A shocking case of suicide occurred at the Ormsgill Hotel between Friday night and Saturday morning. Mr. James Beesley, well-known in this town, engaged a room for the night at the hotel, and was found dead in bed about eleven o’clock on Saturday morning, having poisoned himself with cynate of potassium. Deceased lived at Ulverston, but was up till within three years a partner with his brother in a firm of boiler makers. He has been depressed and ill for some time, and this cause is supposed to have led him to commit suicide.

INQUEST

An inquisition touching the death of deceased was held at the Trevelyan Hotel, on Monday morning, before Mr. Coroner Poole and a jury of which Mr. James Green was foreman. Mr. H. Roberts (on behalf of Mr. W. Williams) watched the proceedings for Mr. Cornelius Fishwick, proprietor of the Ormsgill Hotel.

Mr. Wm. Beesley was the first witness. He said he resided at 3, Dalkeith-street, and was brother of the deceased. Deceased resided at Ulverston, was a metal broker, and was 42 years of age. Witness last saw him on the previous Sunday when he was in Barrow. He then seemed very quiet, scarcely speaking to anyone, He took a small soda with witness then went away. They were formerly in partnership, but dissolved three years ago.

The Coroner: Deceased has written a letter to his mother in which he says “this is a sad end to come to. I have fought against it as long as I could. For the past four or five years I have made nothing but mistakes and blunders, and all through my own fault. Would to God I had taken your advice or my wife’s either (sic) or many outside friends who told me I was making a mistake. I did wrong to force a dissolution, and leave a good business. I have simply thrown my life away, for I had plenty of machinery and everything else, and a comfortable business to work in.”

The Coroner: I have also a letter from his mother , in which he (sic) says “it is entirely his own fault, and that no one is to blame. We have done everything we possibly could for him, and if he had taken my advice it would not have been.” Of course, I am telling you the points of these letters so far. Where were these letters found, officer? – In deceased’s room at the hotel.

The Coroner (to witness): Did he seem depressed when he was with you? – No, but he kept things from me which he should not have done.

Did he sustain any losses, do you know? – No, he was making money.

He has been doing a pretty good business, has he not? – Yes, he has been buying pretty extensively lately, but he has not been selling so well.

Mr. Leonard Parker Chapman, chemist, Dalton-road, said he had known deceased for 12 or 13 years. He last went to witness’s shop on Friday, May 27th. He was in the shop five or ten minutes, and presented a piece of paper for cynate of potassium and half a pound of salomonica (sic). The cynate of potassium was a deadly poison.

The Coroner: Did you ask him what he wanted it for? – Yes.

What did he say? – He said he wanted it for cementing purposes.

Would it be bought for that purpose? – I think these men do use it in some parts of their business. I don’t know what it is, but it has been sold before for that purpose.

The Coroner: In your opinion, would it be used for that purpose? – We have sold it to similar men. I asked him what he wanted it for, and he said for cementing purposes. It was duly labelled. Of course, I had no impression that he wanted it for any wrong purpose, or he would not have got it.

The Coroner: What is in your book? – Just the registry of the sale and the name of the purchaser and the witness.

Who was the party who introduced him? – A Liverpool gentleman named Mr. Dunderdale, the person buying must be known to the seller, or introduced by someone who is. We go to the extreme point by getting a person to witness it as well.

He didn’t really introduce him, did he? – No; he was there during the time the sale was being effected, and I explained to him the purpose for which his signature was required.

Then really that was not in compliance with the Act, the Act sets forth that the person should certify to the chemist supplying it that it was required for some legitimate purpose. – That is in the event of the buyer not being known to the chemist; but Mr. Beesley was particularly well known to me.

Did you observe anything particular about him in any way? – No, I did not. He was in his usual state, a state in which I have been accustomed to see him.

A Juror: I understood you to say you have sold this article before for cementing purposes? – Yes.

Have you any entries in your book? – No; not necessarily, I don’t know that there are any. He told me it was for purposes of his art. He certainly said it was for cementing purposes, and I did not question him further, not knowing what part of his business he wanted it for.

A Juror: Mr. Dunderdale is a representative of a large firm, is he not? - Yes.

Coroner: Happened just to be in the shop at the time, that is it, I suppose? Does the widow wish to be called for any purpose? I don’t wish her to be called unless she likes.

(Mrs. Beesley was not called at this stage.)

Cornelius Satterthwaite Fishwick, proprietor of the Ormsgill Hotel, said deceased went to his house on Friday last about six o’clock.

Coroner: Did you know him? – Yes, I had an idea it was him, but after wards thought I was taking a stranger, because he seemed rather curious.

Then you thought you had made a mistake? Why? – Because I asked him, “How do you do, Mr. Beesley?” and he did not answer.

Was that the first thing said, or had he spoken to you before? – No, that was the first thing said after he entered the room.

Did he speak to you afterwards? – Yes.

What did he say? – He said he was going to Ronhead (sic) mines, and did not know what time he might get back, and he wanted a bed, as it was late. I said he could have one, and he left his bag and overcoat in my charge.

Had he had anything to eat or drink? – Not in my presence. He came back about 10.30, and had a glass of beer, and sat in the coffee room until 11 o’clock, and then asked me to show him his bedroom. He took his bag up, and then his overcoat; and I showed him into his room. He said he was going to Ronhead Mines in the morning, and that he wanted to catch a train to Barrow from there at 11 o’clock. Witness asked him what time he would want his breakfast, and he replied “It will be time enough for that when I get up.” He asked for a bottle and a glass, and after giving him these things witness withdrew, and bade him goodnight.

The Coroner: Did you know who he was? – No; I did not. I was mistaken, for he asked me the distance from my hotel to Ronhead mines. He also asked me the distance from Ronhead mines to Askam, and how long it would take.

The Coroner: He didn’t get up the following morning? – No, he did not.

Did he tell you what time to call him? - No, he did not; but I went and knocked at the door between 11 and 12 o’clock.

The Coroner: And got no reply? – No.

What did you do then? – I went downstairs and asked someone to come up and see if anything was the matter.

Who went with you? – A man named Conway, who lives in the district.

Was the door locked? – Yes; but we forced it open, and found deceased dead in his bed.

Where was the glass? – By the bedside, on a chair.

Was there anything in the glass? – Yes.

The glass was handed to Mr. Chapman, who smelt its contents, and remarked that the cynate of potassium had evaporated.

The Coroner: There is a smell of cynate of potassium.

Mr. Chapman: It cannot remain in an open vessel like that without evaporating.

The Coroner: They use it for photographing purposes , don’t they? – Yes, very often.

How much would it take to cause death, Mr. Chapman? – Ten or fifteen grains.

Was it in solution? – No, in a cake, wrapped up in paper.

Did you observe anything particular in his manner? – Not in the slightest; he was quite friendly with me, but I had no other talk with him.

Where were those letters? – I gave information to the police, and the officer found them.

The Foreman: But you say he seemed curious when he came in.

The Coroner: That was with the object of not letting him know who he was.

The Coroner: The widow does not want to be called?

P.C. Frost: She doesn’t, sir.

P.C. Woodward deposed that on Saturday, about 11,45, he arrived at the hotel. He was told that a man was lying dead in bed. The deceased was cold, and the glass (produced) was by his bed-side.

Where did you find the letters? – On a chest of drawers.

In the room? – Yes.

Had he a pencil on him the colour of those letters? – Yes.

Was there any more note paper in the bag? – No, sir, not in the bag.

Nor any envelopes? – No, sir.

Have you found out where he was between six and ten? – Yes. I ascertained he was at Ronhead about eight o’clock.

What was he doing there? – I believe he was inspecting boilers there.

Did you find any other parcel? – Yes; I found a bag containing a flannel shirt, and a gold watch.

The Coroner: I asked you before whether he was in a depressed state, and you said no. – Well, he was not so much depressed at that time. We just met, and he spoke and went his way. His wife will be able to tell you the state he was in.

The Foreman: I met him about a fortnight ago, and he struck me as being a bit low.

The Coroner: Perhaps you have come to that conclusion since this event? – Oh, no, it is only a fortnight ago.

Did you come to that conclusion at the time you met him? – Yes.

A Juror: I met him three weeks ago and he spoke hopefully to me. I did not see anything wrong with him.

The Coroner: I think we had better call Mrs. Beesley.

A Juror: Won’t the doctor do instead?

The Coroner: The doctor won’t know anything about him. He was only doctoring him for heart disease.
Mrs. Beesley was then examined, and in answer to the Coroner said her husband had been very depressed and very poorly for about five weeks. He had suffered from piles, which had weakened him very much, and in consequence of which he had lost a great deal of blood. He was in a low desponding way and did not seem to have any energy. He would some days remark that he was a little better, other days he would say he was worse.

The Coroner: Did the dissolution of the partnership appear to trouble him? – Not until latterly, at least he never showed it to me until he was poorly.

Where did he leave with the intention of going to? – Maryport, as he had some work going on there. He should have gone on the Friday morning, but did not feel well and went to Dr. Anderson’s. He decided in the afternoon to send some money on to pay the wages, but later he altered his mind and said he would go. He had an early tea and left by the five minutes past four train to catch the 5.17.

The Coroner, in the course of his summing up, pointed out that till within three years ago deceased carried on business with his brother. At that time a dissolution took place, but, as his wife had said, it had not appeared to trouble him until about six weeks ago when he became ill and depressed and the matter then seemed to trouble him. According to the letters it appeared that he had run out of a good business for no reason and that he had undertaken another business with which he had considerable difficulty. Things of that sort affected men in different ways and doubtless owing to it the mind of deceased had become to some extent embarrassed and unhinged. The wife had told them that deceased left with the intention of going to Maryport. That might have been so but at all events it appeared that when he got to Barrow he changed his intentions and went to the hotel and ordered a bed saying he was going to Ronhead. Instead of going to Ronhead he had gone to Mr. Chapman’s and purchased the cynate of potassium and murate of ammonia. Of course he would know that to be deadly poison and doubtless when he took it to the hotel he had formed the intention of taking his life, and had also written the letters before that time. Looking at the letters with the exception of the one talking about his business, the others would not appear to show that his mind was unhinged, because he went on to give directions about the disposal of his things in the interest of his wife. Juries as a rule erred in respect that they often said that the persons who committed these rash acts were not in a sound mind at the time, because they often reasoned that a man could not at the time be in a sound condition of mind. (sic) But the same rule applied to them as to men who committed murders, namely, the distinction of knowing right from wrong. There was no doubt that deceased committed suicide in this case, and that he got the poison with the intention of taking his own life. The only question was as to the state of mind the man was in when he committed the act. The letter written to his mother showed that his mind was unhinged, and deceased’s wife had told them that he was ill, and depressed, and that he had no grounds for doing that act was perfectly clear. Unfortunately he (Mr. Poole) had had three enquiries through poison in this town during that past fortnight; of course the druggists were allowed to sell these things, so long as they kept within the provisions of the Act. Mr. Chapman in this case had acted in accordance with the law, and was quite justified in selling it to a person he knew. He was not condemning the chemists, but he certainly felt bound to take exception to the law the subject. In his (the Coroner’s) opinion, the sale of drugs of that character was exceedingly dangerous, and should not be allowed except prescribed on medical authority. As the law stood at present, there was nothing to prevent them getting sufficient poison to poison the whole of the inhabitants of a place, and therefore he held a strong opinion that the sale of poison should be put under a much greater supervision than was at present the case. They had heard to facts of the case, and it was now for them to return their verdict.

The jury, after a brief deliberation, found “That deceased committed suicide whilst in a state of temporary insanity.”

In the Sankey photograph, the headstone reads:

 IN LOVING MEMORY OF
MINNIE FARR
WIFE OF JOHN GOUDIELOCK
WHO DIED JUNE 5TH 1921,
AGED 57 YEARS.
To which has been added later:
ALSO OF
JOHN GOUDIELOCK
WHO ENTERED INTO REST MAY 10TH 1927
AGED 66 YEARS.
ALSO OF JOHN, THEIR SON.
WHO DIED AUGUST 22ND 1952

The grave has sprouted a large bush, which makes it difficult to read when the leaves are present. It is on the left of the main path, just past the Crematorium.

DEATH OF MR. J. E. GOUDIELOCK

FORMER OFFICIAL AT BARROW SHIPYARD

The death took place at his residence, Croslands Park, on Tuesday morning of Mr. J. E. Goudielock, who was for many years an official at Barrow Shipyard, and held the position of assistant manager of the Marine Engineering Department when he retired a few years after the war. The news of his demise came as a painful surprise to his many friends, for although he had been ill for some time, he appeared to have recovered, and was going about as usual a few days before he passed away from a hemorrhage. (sic)

The late Mr. Goudielock was a Freemason, being a member of the Hartington Lodge (1,021) Barrow, and he took a warm-hearted interest in the affairs of the North Lonsdale Hospital, being a member of the Council, and other local institutions. He was well known and highly respected. He leaves a widow, two sons and one daughter.

LATE MR J. E. GOUDIELOCK

REPRESENTATIVE FUNERAL AT BARROW

The funeral of the late Mr. J. E. Goudielock, of 66, Croslands-park, took place on Friday at the Barrow Cemetery, and was of a large and representative character, being attended. by many of his former colleagues at the shipyard, Masonic brethren, and other personal friends.

The first portion of the service was conducted at St Paul’s Church by the Vicar, Rev. W. Taylor, and the Rev. E. W. Toms, M.A., of the Trinity Presbyterian Church, and the latter also carried out the committal portion of the service at the graveside.

The chief mourners were Mrs. Goudielock, widow; Mr. J. Goudielock, son; Mr. and Mrs. W. Goudielock, son and daughter-in-law; Mr. and Mrs. Allen, son-in-law and daughter; Mr. D. M. Goudielock, Glasgow, Brother; Mrs. Bromell, Leicester, step-daughter; Mr. and Mrs. Toon, Leicester, step-son and daughter; and Mr. H. Mann, Leicester.

Amongst the Masonic brethren present were: Messrs. R. T. Taylor, T. A. Morgan, A. F. Tosh, R. Twentyman, G. W. Willis, W. Hatton, J. Jackson, J. J. Waddington, D. McDonald, A. Walker, J. W. Brocklehurst, S. J. Nock, J. G. Halliday, J. W. Marsden, G. W. Johnson, C. F. Jackson, Coun. Waddington, Dr. Orr, and Capt. Buchanan.

Others present included Messrs. G. W. Barr and G. W. Jackson (local directors of Vickers Ltd.), J. Callender, A. M. Low, D. Meikle, C. Goade, R. Matthews, H. W. Milner, A. B. Barfield, A. S. Pass, F. Diss, G. A. Bigg, G. Wilkinson, Geo. Kay, R. C. Pass, H. Edge, H. Cartmel, A. Cornfield, W. Brown, M. J. Tims, C. Robertson, G. A. Heath, W. G. Milligan, and T. Charles. The bearers were Messrs. W. Hatton, C. F. Jackson, A. Walker, and T. Baxter.

There were over thirty wreaths, including those from the marine engine department, Vickers Ltd., Hartington Lodge (1021) of Freemasons, North Lonsdale Hospital, Lisdoonie Club, and Barrow Golf Club.

The coffin was of solid oak with brass mountings, the undertakers being Messrs. Ormandy Ltd

 The remembrance plaque is on the wall, not far from the North Lodge entrance. It reads:

 IN LOVING MEMORY
OF
JACK FISHER
ACCIDENTLY (SIC) KILLED
ON  HELVELLYN
19TH FEB. 1972

Barrow man dies in fall

A Barrow design engineer fell 1000ft to his death on Helvellyn in the Lake District at the weekend.

Mr. Jack Fisher, of Victoria Avenue, was climbing the peak with two companions when he fell towards Red Tarn from Striding Edge, near the summit.

His body was recovered on Saturday night by Patterdale Mountain Rescue team after another climber raised the alarm.

It is believed he stepped on hard packed ice and snow.

Mr. Fisher was a design engineer with Vickers Shipbuilders.

Mr. Fisher’s companions were Mr. Keith Allan (sic) of Barrow, and Mr. Neville Colligan of Coniston.

Lucky escape

At almost the same place on Striding Edge a 16-year-old adventure Scout had a lucky escape yesterday.

Kevin McDonald, of Arnside Crescent, Feniscowles, near Blackburn, fell 600ft. He had a broken leg, a broken wrist and cuts and bruises.

Dr. James Ogilvie, leader of the Patterdale mountain rescue team said it was “ pure luck” that Kevin was not more seriously injured, and was fortunate not to have hit a rock as he plunged down an ice gully.

BRIEF LAPSE MAY HAVE LED TO CLIMBER’S DEATH

A CLIMBER plunged 700 feet to his death on the snowy slopes of Helvellyn on Saturday probably because he suffered a momentary lapse of concentration caused by the exhilaration of completing a difficult ascent.

This theory for the death of John Bretherton Fisher, a mechanical engineer, of 84 Victoria Avenue, Barrow, was given at the inquest in Appleby yesterday.

Keith Allen, a project engineer, of 4 Keswick Avenue, Barrow, told the North Westmorland coroner (Mr. William Scorer) that he and Mr. Neville Collagan, also of Barrow (sic), accompanied Mr. Fisher on a 1½-hour snow climb up a gully from Nethermost Cove to the summit plateau of Helvellyn (3,118ft.)

Lost Axe

They walked along the summit plateau to a point opposite Striding Edge. Mr. Fisher, who was an experienced climber and properly equipped with crampons (spikes strapped to boots) and ice-axe, commenced a descent down a snow slope.

“After a few feet he slipped and began to slide down the slope”, Mr. Allen said. “He was attempting to arrest his fall with an ice-axe but he lost it after about 30 ft. He carried on falling down the slope until he disappeared out of sight over some rocks in the direction of Red Tarn.”

Mr Collagan climbed down after Mr Fisher while Mr Allen instructed some other climbers who were nearby to go as fast as they could for the mountain rescue team.

“Mr Fisher had fallen to the very bottom of the crag to within 30 ft. of the edge of Red Tarn,” he said. Other climbers gathered, and mouth to mouth resuscitation and cardiac massage were attempted, but after half an hour it was obvious he was dead.

Asked by the coroner why he thought Mr Fisher slipped, Mr. Allen said he believed it was the sort of accident which occasionally happened to climbers after a fairly difficult climb.

“When you get to the top you feel exhilaration,” he said. “It was a nice day and Jack had led the last pitch, and I think that as he began the descent his concentration lapsed for a moment. It was a momentary lapse of concentration on a descent which was comparatively easy to an experienced person.”

His father

Dr James Ogilvie, Leader of the Patterdale Mountain Rescue Team, whose members assisted to carry Mr Fisher’s body down the fell, said death was due to multiple injuries. From his questioning of witnesses he formed the opinion that he died during or very soon after the fall.

The dead man’s father, Mr John Oswald Fisher, of Victoria Avenue, Barrow, said he believed his son was an experienced climber.

Recording a verdict of accidental death, the coroner said the accident could have happened because, for just a fraction in time, Mr Fisher failed to concentrate entirely on what he was doing.

Innocent look

He went on: “This slope on Striding Edge has over the years claimed several victims during both the summer and the winter months, and it can not be stressed too much that some of these slopes that look innocent are, in fact, very dangerous.”

He expressed appreciation of Mr Fisher’s two companions, who were prepared to face the climb down after seeing their companion slip.

He thanked the mountain rescue team who were only too ready and willing to turn out at all times of day and night and in all conditions when anybody on the fells got into difficulties.

The picture of Mr. J. W. Chadwick is from the Barrow News 9 February 1929.

MRS. CHADWICK, wife of Mr. J. W. Chadwick, chief clerk in the Town Clerk’s Department at Barrow, died at her residence, 30, Furness Park-road, early on Thursday morning. Mrs. Chadwick took a keen and sympathetic interest in various organisations of a religions and philanthropic character in the town until laid aside with illness a few years ago, which unfortunately deprived her of her sight. Her great affliction however was borne with Christian fortitude. Much sympathy will go out to Mr. Chadwick and their family in their bereavement.

LATE MRS. J. W. CHADWICK

LARGELY ATTENDED FUNERAL AT BARROW

The funeral of the late Mrs. J. W. Chadwick, wife of Mr. J. W. Chadwick, of the Town Clerk’s Department at Barrow, took place on Sunday morning, and was largely attended. The deceased lady was at one time an officer in the Salvation Army, and the band attended and played the Dead March.

The chief mourners were Mr. J. W. Chadwick, Mr. and Mrs. J. W. Chadwick, junr. (eldest son and daughter-in-law); Mr. Victor Chadwick (son); Misses Bessie and Doris Chadwick (daughters), Mrs. Hartley (sister); Mr. and Mrs. D. Hindmarsh (brother and sister-in-law); Mr. and Mrs. A. Thornton (sister and brother-in-law); Mr., Mrs. and Miss Bond (brother-in-law, sister-in-law and niece), and Miss Wallcroft, Swansea.

Others attending included Commandant and Mrs. Gellatly, Mrs. Rodgers, Mrs. Young, Mrs. Batson, Mr. T. Gardiner, J.P., Mr. J. Hogkinson, Mr. Coun. Clamp, J.P., Mr. W. Ireland, Mr. G. Timms, Mr. H. A. Hingston (Ulverston), Mr. C. E. C. Ralph, B.A., F.R.G.S. (Ulverston), Capt. H. S. Mills, Messrs. S. W. Paitson, G. Baird and Green (representing the Y.M.C.A), Messrs. S. Downing and J. Carter (representing the Town Clerk’s staff), Mr. J. T. Kelly, Mr. E. Firth, Mr. W. K. Sawrie, Messrs. W. Cross, F.R.G.S., A. E. Timmins, F.C.S., W.F. Tyson (Windsor, Canada), H. Clamp, J. Bryan, W. E. Quirk, R. Batson, W. Mitchell, H. Reid, also a large number of representatives of the Forshaw-street Church, of which Mrs. Chadwick was a member, and of the Women’s Guild, of which she was president.

Numerous floral tributes were received from relatives and personal friends, and included those from Holker-street Infants’ School staff, Women’s Guild and Forshaw-street Church, Town Clerk’s staff, officers and soldiers of Salvation Army, and the Winnipeg Forestry Department (Canada). The service was conducted by the Rev. T. A. Young, Primitive Methodist Minister, assisted by Commandant Gellatly, Salvation Army. The former also conducted a memorial service at Forshaw-street Church on Sunday evening.

Sensation at Barrow

DEPUTY TOWN CLERK FOUND DROWNED

TRAGIC END TO LONG AND SUCCESSFUL CAREER

A profound sensation was created in Barrow on Tuesday by the discovery of the body of Mr. J. W. Chadwick, Deputy Town Clerk, in the High Service Reservoir. The deceased, who was 67 years of age, had been at work as usual up to Thursday of last week. He had suffered from depression more or less since the death of his wife, two years ago.

He went to Canada in June of last year to visit his son, being granted three months leave of absence by the Corporation. Some time after his return he suffered from nervous breakdown, and since November last he had not been able to attend his municipal duties as formerly, but had been at his office for part of each working day until Thursday of last week.

Mr. Chadwick left his home, 30, Furness Park-road, on Monday at 11.30, but did not turn up at the office. He was afterwards reported missing, and after a search his body was discovered in the reservoir, Thorncliffe-road, shortly after two o’clock on Tuesday.

The late Mr. Chadwick was born in Wigan, and was brought to Barrow when a boy. He was for a time employed at the old BARROW TIMES office, where his father was employed as reader, etc. He was only 13 years of age when he entered the municipal service and remained in that employ for 54 years. He was instrumental in starting the old folks’ treat on New Year’s Day 33 years ago, and this event has been continued by each successive Mayor ever since.

Mr. Chadwick took a keen interest in all sorts of social welfare work. He was a devout member of the Primitive Methodist Church and a local preacher for a number of years.

The deceased was a very conscientious and faithful official, and was always courteous and obliging, and was held in high esteem by a large circle of friends. He leaves a family of three sons and two daughters. One son, John Wm. Chadwick, is now supervisor of the Welfare Department and Juvenile Employment Officer at Halifax, and another son, Ernest, is in the Canadian Civil Service, while the third son is engaged in the motor industry at Wolverhampton. One of his daughters is a school teacher at Holker-street, and the other is at home.

INQUEST AND VERDICT

“DROWNED HIMSELF WHILST TEMPORARILY INSANE”

TRIBUTES BY CORONER AND TOWN CLERK

An inquest was held on Tuesday afternoon by Coroner F. W. Poole, and the Town Clerk (Mr. R. R. H. Meggeson) was amongst those present.

Evidence of identification was given by Doris Chadwick, deceased’s daughter. Her father, she said, was 67 years of age, and was Deputy Town Clerk at Barrow. Since October last her father had suffered from nerves, and had been under the care of Dr. Reed, who saw him last on Friday February 1st. The deceased had not been at his office since January 31st, the doctor having ordered him to rest. He came downstairs at about 8.30 a.m. on Monday, and said:- “I have had a bad night, I have hardly slept at all.” He stayed in the house all the morning, and appeared to be in his usual state of health. At 11.15 a.m. he left the house stating that he was going for a walk before dinner, and witness did not see him again.

William Edwards, a foreman gravedigger employed by the Corporation, said about 11.30 a.m. on Monday he was working in the borough cemetery when he saw deceased walking along the main drive. Witness said “Good morning, sir,” but deceased made no reply, and continued to walk along the main drive in the direction of his wife’s grave. He looked at the grave, and then walked along the main drive as if to leave the cemetery.

Sergt. Riseley, of the Borough Police, stated that at 2.15 a.m. on that day in company with P.C. Cocking he went to the Corporation reservoir, off Thorncliffe-road. He had some information that Mr. Chadwick was missing, and on the north-west side of the reservoir he saw the body lying face downwards at the bottom of the reservoir in about five feet of water. The body was fully dressed, with the exception of a trilby hat, which was found 40 yards away. On searching the body, witness found a watch which had stopped at 2.30.

In reply to the Coroner, Miss Chadwick said her father had been attended by Dr. Reed for nerves since the middle of October.

The Coroner said he found that deceased drowned himself whilst temporarily insane. He was particularly sorry to have to hold an enquiry into the death of a very old friend. He had known Mr. Chadwick for more years than one cared to number, and he was sure the Corporation had lost a very efficient official. When he heard of the news that morning it gave him quite a shock. One could only wonder what had caused a gentleman such as Mr. Chadwick to take his own life. They had heard at that enquiry that deceased was suffering from nerve trouble for the past few months. He was certain that the Town Clerk would agree that the Corporation and the people of Barrow had lost a most efficient servant. “I find,” concluded the Coroner, “that Mr. Chadwick unfortunately, whilst temporarily insane, took his own life by drowning himself in the reservoir.”

The Town Clerk said he was glad of the opportunity of supporting the Coroner’s tribute to Mr. Chadwick. If the Council had known the previous night of the painful happening into which the Coroner had just enquired he felt sure they would have instructed him to express on their behalf, as he did on behalf of himself, the whole of the Corporation staff, more especially those in his own department, the profound regret which they felt at the sad end which had overtaken Mr. Chadwick and brought to a close a long and honourable career in public service. Mr. Chadwick during the past two years had been a valued colleague and an efficient deputy to him, and an esteemed personal friend. On behalf of the Mayor, the Aldermen and Councillors, the whole of the Corporation staff, and he could safely say the whole of the townspeople, he tendered their sincere sympathy with the family.

There follows a long account of the funeral and a list of the mourners.

SUNDAY EVENING SERVICE AT THE WORKHOUSE—"One of the best yet held!” to use the words of an inmate, was the service held on Sunday last at the Workhouse. A good attendance of officers and inmates, added to by a goodly company of friends and well-wishers from outside, enjoyed thoroughly the splendid singing, reciting and speaking provided, and it is indisputable that impressions were made during the service not easily to be removed. Mr Morrall presided, supported by Mr Docker, who led in the devotions, and Mr J. W. Chadwick. Miss Harding, the possessor of a fine voice, sang very sweetly “Life, the Organist.” Miss Bessie Chuawick and Miss Doris Chadwick, two little dots, literally took the place by storm in the two recitations they gave, vis., “Nothing to do,” and “A Mother's first grief.” Miss Boyde, always a welcome visitor, gave in her own inimitable style a well known but ever favourite recitation, “Searching for the Golden Street.” Mr J. W. Chadwick, jun, who had evidently made an impression at a former service a short time ago, was heartily welcomed when called upon to sing, as he did with taste and judgment, his solo, “Thora.” Miss Maud Commissiong, also a welcome visitor, sang & very beautiful solo, “The Blind girl to her harp.” The Chairman then introduced as the speaker for the evening, Mr J. W. Chadwick, who gave an interesting address, which was brimful of sympathy, practical and helpful, taking as his subject, “Who is my neighbour.” based on the story of the Good Samaritan. The speaker and all who had taken part in the service had every indication given that s warm welcome would surely be theirs whenever they cared to visit in the future, and take a part in the service, such a part as they had taken that night. Miss Daisy Commissiong rendered splendid service as a very capable and efficient accompanist of the singers, whilst Mr E. C. Williams, as from the beginning of the services, led the congregational singing, accompanying on the organ.

SILVER WEDDING CELEBRATIONS AT BARROW.

To Mr. and Mrs. J. W. Chadwick, of 30, Furness Park-road, Barrow, are to be offered hearty felicitations on the occasion of their silver wedding, which they celebrated on Wednesday last. Mr. Chadwick came to Barrow from Stockport in 1871, and on February 21st, 1887, was married at the Ebenezer Primitive Methodist Church, Stockport, by the Rev. Thomas Richards, F.S., B.A., to Miss Lizzie Hindmarsh, of Prudhoe, Durham. In 1876 Mr. Chadwick entered the services of the late Mr. C. F. Preston, then town clerk of this borough, and eleven years later—the year of his marriage —was appointed to the chief assistant town clerkship, a position which he still holds. As a public man, Mr. Chadwick's career in Barrow has been a very useful and pregnant one, and he has proved himself a worthy citizen. He was founder of the Barrow P.S.A., and whilst president of this organisation, which office he held for seven years, it was at his suggestion that the children's free breakfasts and the old folks' treat were inaugurated, these functions still being yearly given. Mr. Chadwick is a prominent Nonconformist, being associated with the Forshaw-street Primitive Methodist Church, whilst he has been closely identified with several public organisations in the town. For the second time he is chairman of the Barrow Y.M.C.A. Committee, and up to a month ago was chairman of the Barrow and District Local Government Officers' Association, a capacity in which he officiated for the first four years of the association's existence, being vice-chairman at the present time. During the periods of distress that the town has undergone both Mr. and Mrs. Chadwick were prominent workers, and spared no effort to alleviate the suffering of the oppressed. When the country was in the throes of the Durham coal strike, by which the local industries were seriously affected, Chadwick was secretary of the Barrow Distress Committee, being ably backed up by the indefatigable efforts of his wife. During the recent period of distress Mr. Chadwick was secretary to the Central District Relief Committee. His father, Mr. Samuel Chadwick, was also well known in the town, being connected for many years with the Barrow Press. Mr. and Mrs. Chadwick, who have a family of three sons and three daughters, were the recipients of a host of congratulations, both by letter and telegram, and numerous presents. In honour of the occasion, a reception was held at the Lyric Hall, on Wednesday evening, and was attended by a large company of friends. The room had been tastefully decorated by Mr. Bryan- Holmes, and presented a homely and inviting appearance. The following admirable programme of music and song was rendered and heartily appreciated: Pianoforte solo, Miss Lily Thomas; songs, Mr. G. Ashworth; "Do Dreams Come True," Miss B. Chadwick; "Because," Mr. F. B. Griffiths; "My Kingdom," Miss Harding; stump speech, "Politics Extraordinary," Mr. G. Ashworth; songs, Miss Kate Gilfillan; Mr. G. Baker; "Come sing to me," Mr. J. W. Chadwick, jun.; Mr. G. Ashworth; "It was a dream," Miss Kate Gilfillan; Scotch reel, Miss Doris Chadwick. The accompanists were Miss Bond and Miss L. Thomas. Parlour games were also indulged in, and at the interval supper was served. The company dispersed about 'midnight. after a most enjoyable and successful time.

The refurbished grave Dec 2025