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- South Australian Register Sat 28 October 1865; From our own Correspondent; Meadows. October 20th.
On Tuesday, October 24, an inquest was held at the Springs, near Macclesfield, before Mr. E. J.Peake, Coroner, and a Jury of 14. of whom Mr. J.Abbott was elected foreman. to enquire into the cause of the sudden death of Mrss. Euphemia Miller, of that place, which happened suddenly on the evening of the 22nd. The first witness sworn was Mary Eliza Anderson, who deposed as follows: "I have known the deceased since last February. Saw her on Sunday evening at 5 o'clock. She then said her general health had so much improved that she thought if it were not for her leg, which was bad, she should be able to resume her household duties. Saw her next about 8 o'clock the same evening, when Mrs. Miller's daughter came for her, as her mother was fainting. On her arrival rubbed Mrs. Miller's breasts with spirits, and used other means of restoration, but they were of no avail. There was no pulsation, and life was gone.By the Coroner- No medical man had been attending her since she had known her, and she had enjoyed tolerable health, except the five weeks before her death, during which time she had been troubled with periodical sickness almost daily until the last week, when she seemed to get better. She had taken no medicine to her know-ledge. She was about 51 years of age. Supposed that change of life was the cause of her sickness.When advised to obtain medical advice she said she thought she understood her complaint. She lived comfortably and peaceably with her husband,and she had often thought they were a very happy and united family. Barbara Miller, sworn, said "Deceased was my mother. On Sunday night about 8 o'clock, she took her supper and was undressing to go to bed, when she called me to fetch her some water. I went into the bedroom;she was then fainting. My sister ran to Mrs.Anderson to fetch her. She died just before Mrs. Anderson arrived. Dr. Motherall sworn; "I am a surgeon. I have examined the body of the deceased, and am of opinion, from the evidence adduced and the appearance of the deceased, that she was labouring under chronic disease of the stomach, which had terminated in effusion in the cavities, and which would be quite sufficient to account for her sudden death. Did not see any necessity for a post mortem examination, as he firmly believed the deceased died from natural causes. The Coroner then briefly, addressed the Jury, alluding to the principal points of evidence given, which, in his opinion, was such as to convince them that there was no blame attachable to anyone, but that the deceased had died a natural death. After a few minutes consideration, the following verdict was returned:- That the deceased, Euphemia Miller, died on the evening of the 22nd suddenly 'from natural causes."
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