I did the basic research for this blog series a couple of years ago. Then, as usual, flitted along to the next thing that caught my interest. Now I'm trying to flesh the cases out and present to you my justification for not being a fan of walking along the canal on dark and lonely nights...
--
The Star of Gwent for October 6th 1899 reported on the drowning of Arthur Rosser while on his way home from church:
"BAD FATALITY AT CWMBRAN. Drowned when returning from church. A sad drowning fatality occurred at Cwmbran on Wednesday night, a young man named Arthur Rosser, aged about 22, meeting his death while returning from the harvest thanksgiving service at Upper Pontnewydd Church. The deceased was walking from Pontnewydd to Cwmbran on the canal bank, together with several companions. He stumbled and fell into the water, striking his head as he did so. His friends promptly got him out, but life was found to be extinct. A wound was noticed on his forehead, and it is thought that he was senseless when he reached the water. An inquest will be held."
The Pontypool Free Press of October 13th reported on the findings of the inquest jury, and the response of Llantarnam Urban District Council to whom they were passed on to.
--
Arthur Waters Rosser was born on May 21st 1876 to Elizabeth and John Rosser, a grocer. The 1881 census found Arthur living at the family's grocer's shop, along with his older sister Emily (b. 30/04/1872). Here he is again, listed on the Garndiffaith Infants School register for 1881:
Younger sisters Jessie and Elsie were born 18/06/1881 and 25/10/1884, respectively, but Emily died in 1894. The South Wales Weekly Argus of 20th January 1894 reported on her funeral:
Arthur followed his sister on October 4th 1899. He was also interred at Varteg, as reported in the death notice in the Pontypool Free Press (13/10/1899).
0 comments:
Post a Comment