DEATH OF ELLEN HART

(Derby Mercury 31st March 1858 page 5)

"INQUEST - On Thursday 25th March, at Stanley (before Mr. Sale), on the body of Ellen Hart. The deceased had been a widow sixteen months and was with child, but made no secret of it. She was taken ill on the 24th, about five o'clock in the morning. The neighbours thought labour was commencing and sent for the midwife. The deceased was very sick, and got gradually worse, and died about ten o'clock without any apparent cause. There were rumours, or rather hints, of poison having been taken. After examining various witnesses the jury wished for a medical witness. Mr. Cade made a post mortem examination of the body, and gave evidence that the deceased died from extensive disease of the heart, probably brought to a crisis by the excitement of approaching labour. Verdict "Died of disease of the heart." 

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