Mexborough & Swinton Times – Saturday 22 January 1921

Lead Poisoning.

Adwick Woman’s Death

The inquiry into the circumstances of the death of Mary Ellen Gilbert (26), of 19, Manvers road, Adwick-on-Dearne, which was open a fortnight ago, was resumed on Friday last.

John Gilbert, the husband, said that since the opening of the inquest he had received through the post an envelope containing a packet of white powder (produced). He did not recognise the writing on the envelope and had no idea what had sent it. He had never received a similar letter and did not know the mature the powder To his knowledge, his wife had never taken any powder of this description.

Martha Ellor, of 9 Highwoods road, the mother, said deceased became ill on the evening of Friday, 7th January. She complained of pains and Dr. Combe was summoned. Witness added that her daughter and son-in-law had been very happy together. Witness knew that her daughter was expecting to become a mother and thought that she was quite pleased with the prospect.

Elise Buxton, 45, Manvers road, an unregistered midwife, said she was called in to see the deceased on Friday. She arrived about the same time as the doctor.

Dr. Combs said that when he arrived he found signs of a miscarriage. He examined the deceased and found her to be suffering from lead poisoning. Other medical men were called in and they all agreed with his diagnosis. Death took place on Sunday afternoon, from lead poisoning.

In returning a verdict “That deceased died from lead poisoning, there being no evidence to show how she took the poison, – the Coroner, Mr Frank Allen, said he could not think that death had been accidental, because if it had been it was moat probable the deceased would have been able to my how she took the poison. Without doubt she had taken it intentionally.