The Reporter - Saturday, 29 January 1881

SUDDEN DEATH OF AN ASHTON INNKEEPER

The Sycamore Inn, Cockbrook

About a quarter-past nine o'clock on Wednesday evening Mr. Samuel Hadfield, landlord of the Sycamore Inn, Stalybridge-road, Ashton, was found dead in bed at his house. He has, it is stated, kept the house for about three years, during the whole of which time he has given way to habits of intemperance, the result of which has been a general failing in his health. He went to bed about eleven o'clock on Tuesday night under the influence of liquor, and remained in bed all next day, as was his usual custom after a heavy drinking bout. His daughter saw him at nine o'clock in the evening, and he was then apparently all right, but a quarter of an hour afterwards he was found dead.

The above transcript is a verbatim account taken from the newspaper article as described. Grammar, punctuation and spelling are as published. Relevant photographs have been added.