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England (Counties as in 1851-1901) => Kent => England => Kent Lookup Requests => Topic started by: marcuswraight on Friday 14 August 09 14:28 BST (UK)

Title: Mystery death by shotgun!
Post by: marcuswraight on Friday 14 August 09 14:28 BST (UK)

I wondered if anyone could help me resolve a mystery. I am in the United States so research is tricky to say the least.

The son of one of my great grandparents, William Kingsnorth (of Bethersden) died by gunshot wound on his birthday, 18th April 1851 (he was aged 31). It kinda makes you wonder what on earth happened!

Can anyone help... I'm itching to know why he died.

Marcus
Title: Re: Mystery death by shotgun!
Post by: marcuswraight on Friday 14 August 09 14:31 BST (UK)
Oh, and before anyone says it - I know he got shot!

 ;D

Marcus
Title: Re: Mystery death by shotgun!
Post by: judi2632 on Friday 14 August 09 14:36 BST (UK)
Hi Marcus

119. Henry KINGSNORTH, 16 March 1877 aged 81. Peggy his wife 17 December 1862 aged 65. Had issue 7 children: George, William, Eliza, Henry, John, Alfred and Emma. Above William died by gunshot wound on his birthday 18 April 1851 aged 31. George on 23 November 1876 aged 60 and was buried at Canterbury.

Don't  know if you  have this info but thought I would post in case you have not got the other family dates

Will continue to look for a report on his death for you

Regards Judi
Title: Re: Mystery death by shotgun!
Post by: marcuswraight on Friday 14 August 09 14:49 BST (UK)

Yeah, got that.. but really grateful that you looked it up. The MI transcriptions done by Leland L Dunn in the 1930s (?). I have a lot to thank him for for the work he did.

Thanks for any help you can give...

Marcus
Title: Re: Mystery death by shotgun!
Post by: Gaille on Friday 14 August 09 16:26 BST (UK)
I havent got my Library card with me right now but I will have a look on 'Gales' when I get it and see if there were any newspaper reports on the shooting for you.

Gaille
Title: Re: Mystery death by shotgun!
Post by: marcuswraight on Friday 14 August 09 18:22 BST (UK)

Thanks Gaille,

M
Title: Re: Mystery death by shotgun!
Post by: Gaille on Monday 17 August 09 03:02 BST (UK)
Quote from: marcuswraight on Friday 14 August 09 18:22 BST (UK)

Thanks Gaille,

M

Sorry,

I have tried every variation of William Kingsnorth, Bethesden & gunshot I can think of & I cant find anything, that isnt to say there isnt anything to find mind you, just that in the records I am dearching in 'Gales' I cant find any mention, it doesnt cover every paper tho.

Have you seen this site? theres quite a few 'Kingsnorths' on here
http://www.kentarchaeology.org.uk/Research/Libr/MIs/MIsBethersden/MIsBethersden.htm


Gaille
Title: Re: Mystery death by shotgun!
Post by: marcuswraight on Monday 17 August 09 04:00 BST (UK)
Gaille,

Thanks  so much for looking... I really appreciate it...

Marcus
Title: Re: Mystery death by shotgun!
Post by: marcuswraight on Tuesday 08 January 13 15:29 GMT (UK)
So frustrating! Went to the county archive in Maidstone for details of the inquest, but the records had not been kept!
M