Mexborough & Swinton Times – Friday 27 June 1930

Wombwell Mystery.

Miner Found Drowned.

A verdict of “Death from drowning’ there being no evidence to show how the man got into the water, was recorded by Col. A. M. Connell, Deputy Coroner, at an inquest held at Wath Town Hall on Saturday, on Herbert Owen (48), coal hewer, 9, Fulstone Row, Wombwell, whose body was found in the Dearne canal, near the lower locks, Brampton Bierlow, last Thursday.

Lily Owen said her husband had had ill health for 10 years. Twelve years ago, he sustained an injury to his leg, and since then had been unable to follow his employment regularly. He complained of pains in the head. He had recently been off work for 14 weeks, and went to Bridlington for a fortnight to recuperate. He seemed very cheerful when he returned home, and was at home a week before returning to work. He had never threatened suicide, though he was often was depressed. He was a devoted husband and from a domestic point of view was perfectly happy, but he used to worry because he could not work regularly. On the morning of June 19th. witness awoke at 7.30 and found that her husband had left the house. He did not return for breakfast or dinner and witness became suspicious. She made inquiries, and later the same evening was told of his death.

Edith Lather. 11. Fulstone Row, spoke to seeing Owen on his doorstep at 7-15 that morning. He was fully dressed and appeared to be in his usual health.

The body was recovered by John Abbott, 27 Chapel Avenue. Brampton, who said he was sitting reading on the bank of the canal near the lower locks, at Brampton Bierlow. About 9.30 he got up to go home. He went towards the locks and noticed the body of a man lying face downwards on the water. Witness recovered the body.

P.c. Green said be was informed about 10-15 that a body had been found in the canal. He examined it and saw that there was no chance of reviving the man.

Answering the Coroner, witness said that Owen must have travelled a mile and a half from his home before entering the water. Then, were no sign, of a struggle.