Genealogy Chat

I've just received the death certificate of my great grandfather this morning to find that he died aged 40 in 1924 of Strychnine Poisoning (there being no evidence to show how it was administered) and there was an inquest. The family knew nothing about this and we want to find more information. I am assuming he was murdered, but is it possible to accidentally take strychnine? Where do I start?

Local newspapers for the area could provide information about the inquest. I have researched local library for members in the past. What area are you looking at. Elisabeth

Janet, There is also the possibility of suicide ? Pam

Elisabeth He died in Leadgate, Consett, Co Durham and the inquest was held in Chester Ward, County of Durham. Janet

Pam I hadn't thought of that. Do you know what strychnine was actually used for? Janet

Janet, You could put out a request for someone in Durham to look at the local newspaper archives in the library. If you have a reasonable date, it isn't a big task to look at a few weeks from then for the inquest verdict. Elisabeth

It was often used as a 'tonic' as it suppressed the appetite although it really did nothing to help the actually illness someone may have been suffering from! It was also available to control pests (rats etc..). May be it was an accidental overdose? Helen

Find the address of the coroner's office in the area where the inquest was held (the local council offices will tell you), and apply in writing for a copy of the inquest report, stating why you want it. As it was comparatively recent (as opposed to being in the 19th century), they will probably still have the paperwork. Jan

Strychnine and cyanide are or were both used in Metallurgy/ Metalworking, Consett I recall had large metal working industries, Steve.

Steven Yes, you're right, there was Consett Iron Company. My great granddad was a coal miner but it could mean that being near to the steel works people had greater access to strychnine. Thanks Janet

Thank you everyone for your information - I'll look into the coroner's office for a copy of the report and also the newspaper for any reports in there. Janet

You will let us know if you find out anything, won't you? Jan

You could try telephoning the Coroners Office in Durham (0191 3864222). I believe its situated in the City of Durham Police Station in New Elvet. Feel sure that they would be able to advise.

Jan Of course I'll let you know how it goes. From what I've read today, death by strychnine poisoning is quite horrific and my family are really shocked that this happened to my great granddad. We need as many details as we can get but we'll probably never know whether it was accident, suicide or murder. It's so intriguing, isn't it?

Linda I received your email and replied to it. Thanks very much for the information - it's much appreciated. Janet

Bearing in mind the current thread I wondered if anyone might be able to help..... I've been trying to find details on my grandfather: birth, marriage, death anything at all. I keep coming up against a brick wall BUT I KNOW HE EXISTED! He was Edward Murphy (yes I know Murphy is a very common name!) and in 1924/25 (ish) he fell, jumped or was pushed under a train at Euston Station. There was an inquest into his death which recorded an open verdict I am told. But nobody knows anything else about him. He was married at the time with four children. I don't even know how old he was. Euston is St. Pancras, London where he also lived at the time. He is recorded at 'father - Edward Murphy' on his youngest child's birth certificate in 1925 but a family elder said he was once known as McCarthy - before he married - I can't understand why. Could it be that he was actually McCarthy and that's why I can't find him? How would I go about finding the inquest report? My neighbour, who is a police inspector, says it would no longer exist. Any ideas gratefully received. Regards. Carrie.

Carol I think what you need is the eldest childs birth certificate. It will give you some idea of when he married. I usually work 20 years before the marriage for a birth with 2 years either side and work out until i find the person. For the death certificate again search from 1922 to 1926 and work outwards until you find him. Depending on his age you may be lucky and find him on the 1901 census. Hope this helps. George

I received a letter from the Coroner's office this morning to say they don't have the file on my great grandfather. I telephoned to ask why and they said that records are destroyed after 15 years unless they are of particular historical value or are a really complicated case. However, after emailing Durham Records Office with the details, they replied saying they did have two newspaper articles on the inquest and are sending me copies of them at a cost of £6. I have also had a very generous offer from someone on this site who is going to look up other newspapers in the area fpr me while she is at Durham Records Office. I have also asked if she could look up for any obituaries for me. Carrie, I think you should definitely try the local Records Office for newspapers for the death of Edward Murphy or Edward McCarthy in 1925 (for both obituaries and reports on the inquest). If you find a report or obituary it will probably tell you the date of death and also the name he was using which will help with your search for a death certificate. Janet

Thank you Janet and George for your kind help. I'll keep trying. Carrie