Drowned by devils?
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"Melancholy Suicide at Brislington.- An inquest was held on Monday, at the White Hart, Brislington, on John Jellamy, who had drowned himself in a shallow pool near his own house, at a short distance from the church, on Friday night. The poor fellow had been in a state of intoxication for the last month, which brought on brain fever. He was attended by Mr. Hutchings, surgeon, of Keynsham, and he was also seen by Dr. Fox. He laboured under an impression, that within four days he should die; that two devils were inside him, and two others had warned him to that effect. The Rev. Mr. Kitson, the excellent curate of Brislington, visited him, and on Friday night he was met by that gentleman and Mr. Hutchings, gently strolling in the direction of the pond where his body was afterwards found. He told them he was going to meet a gentleman in black. Verdict, temporary insanity. This is the fourth victim of intemperance within a month, at Brislington, no less than three of whom died by drowning."
Bristol Mercury - Saturday 20 July 1839, page 3, col 7.
https://www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk/viewer/bl/0000034/18390720/017/0003
Image © THE BRITISH LIBRARY BOARD. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.
Period: Modern
Find spot: Brislington
Exhibit contributed by Ken Taylor
Photographer: The British Library Board. Derived image by Ken Taylor 2017
Acquisition number: 171202a1