Sheffield Daily Telegraph – Thursday 26 September 1907

Servant Girl’s Fatal Stumble.

Yesterday, the Primitive Methodist Mexborough, Mr. D. Wightman held an inquest over the body of Edith Eleanor Hancock (19), the young domestic servant from Balby who was drowned in the canal the previous day.

Jessie Steer, wife of Charles Steer, slater, 13, Cliff Street, said deceased, who was her niece, was paying a visit to her for a week. She was in no trouble whatever, and she left the house about 1-40 p.m. on Tuesday, saying she was going for a walk and a read.

William Gibson, a glass-blower, said he was on the towing path and saw the girl the other side. She seemed to stumble and stagger; and then fall head first into the water. She could not save herself. In his opinion, her feet either caught in her dress or she caught her feet together.

In response to witness’s shouts, Robert Wilkinson, who was working in the glass works, rushed to the spot and jumped into the water, but, not being able to swim, failed reach the girl, who sank. It was a pure accident.

In answer the Coroner, the witness said the girl did not commit suicide. P.c. Haigh said the body was recovered thirty five minutes later, and then life was extinct.

The Foreman of the jury expressed surprise that two Mexborough “lads” could not swim. Gibson said it was true, but they were going have baths shortly. (Laughter.)

The Coroner said he was not surprised, for he discovered while with a friend Flamborough some years ago that not one the fishermen there could swim. Every boy should be taught, for it was one of ‘those things learned as never forgotten.

A verdict of “Accidentally drowned” was returned.