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England (Counties as in 1851-1901) => England => Surrey => Topic started by: Talmage on Monday 09 January 12 09:17 GMT (UK)
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There was story in my family that my grandfather's brother died after an accident in a cycling race. His death certificate gives the following information:
Thomas Henry Marchant,age 29, died in Norwood Cottage Hospital, Upper Norwood, on 17 June 1899 from head injuries caused by an accidental fall from a bicycle. His occupation is given as a "Cycle manufacturer of Penge".
There was an inquest but I have been told that coroner's reports are no longer available.
Can anyone advise me as to where I might possibly find further information as I would love to know if he was involved in cycle racing.
Many thanks
Talmage
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Hi
A local newspaper might have featured the accident or the inquest; or both if you are lucky!
Nanny Jan
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Many thanks for your quick reply - I will do some investigating.
Talmage
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Detailed reports of the accident, inquest, and funeral appear in the Beckenham & Penge Advertiser 22-Jun-1899 pp5c & 8d, and in the Beckenham Journal 24-Jun-1899. PM me with an e-mail address for copies.
It appears that he and business partner Mr Banton had been building up a cycle-making business for the past year, and Mr Marchant had entered the open half-mile handicap at the Civil Service Supply Association Sports on the Herne Hill track to promote the business. Running last (which suggests he wasn't a regular racer) he attempted to overtake the man in front, collided with him, and was thrown off his machine, sustaining head injuries from which he died 6 hours later. He initially refused medical treatment, which the Coroner pointed out was unwise in the case of head injuries, but no one was to blame for his death. He was buried at Reigate on 22-Jun-1899.
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Further investigation suggests that the business was sold following Thomas's death, as directories and a photograph show cycle manufacturer Herbert B Smith at the shop, 105 Beckenham Road, Penge (now Penge High St) from 1901 until at least 1939. It later became a Singer sewing machine shop and is now a solicitor's.
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Hi Chris
This is absolutely fantastic and many thanks indeed for sending me so much information. We were never sure about the family story but now it is confirmed.
Thomas is buried in the grave in the churchyard of Reigate Parish church together with his parents and a sister who died as a baby.
He was the oldest son and it must have been a great blow to his mother when he was killed as she had been widowed quite young and left with 6 young children to raise.
I am not sure what you mean by a PM - can you explain as I would love to be able to access the original reports.
Many thanks again
Talmage
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Hi Talmage,
Am trying to get back in touch with you concerning Anne Gaskill Marchant. Don't know if you ever found her death certificate. Just returned to genealogy after retiring last year. Tried your email with no luck and then found you on Rootschat! Have sent for Lillian's death certificate and Ann's. Her last name transcribed as Merchant
Hope you get this. Can't post a PM until I have made 3 posts.
Darlene (*)
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Hi Darlene,
I am very sorry but we too have lost contact with Talmage :'( When we have lost contact with members or they have died we make a little note underneath the members name.
Welcome to RootsChat, you may like to start off a new topic on your family, who knows maybe Talmage might find your posting ;)
Kind Regards
Sarah