Cause of Death?

[JustJean]

Just last month I was rummaging around in some old research I had done in a very distant line by marriage and realized I did not have a cause of death for one Elizabeth Keltie. I went back to the DC I had for her and confirmed that indeed the whole box on death particulars was blank. There is something scrawled in the left margin and I remembered hoping it was a notation for an RCE but when the RCE's first came out I seem to recall there was none for this record. It was probably not attached to the right record as I had a new look at the DC last month and find now that there is an RCE attached!! The information is just enough to make me beg for more. Cause of death: Fracture of the spine in the neck as certified by Dr William Henry of Dunfermline who examined the body immediately after death. The death occured 6 Feb 1880 at Bankhead, Parish of Torryburn and the deceased was Elizabeth Balfour or Keltie 48 yrs. She was a widow at the time with a number of children. No where does it state that the death was a result of an accident or a crime. I wonder if anyone has access to any newspapers that might possibly offer additional info??

Best wishes
Jean

[Currie]

Hello Jean.

A pretty gruesome way to go.

Aberdeen Weekly Journal, Tuesday, February 10, 1880
WOMAN KILLED IN A STEAM THRESHING MILL.—On Saturday while a woman named Elizabeth Balfour or Keltie was employed in a steam threshing mill at the farm of Bankhead, near Dunfermline, she went to the assistance of the engine-driver, who was setting in motion a wheel for the purpose of replacing a bolt which had fall out during a stoppage of the machinery. Her head was caught between the spokes of the wheel and an upright beam, the result being that she was instantaneously killed. The deceased was 48 years of age, and was a widow.

Here’s the image.
http://talkingscot.com/gallery/albums/u ... r_1880.JPG

All the best,
Alan

[StewL]

Weel done Alan once again. =D>

[JustJean]

Many thanks for that Alan! I knew you'd come through if there were anything to be found. =D> Indeed a gruesome way to go...but at least it was probably quick. Her husband was dead less than 3 years and she left 6 children.

Best wishes
Jean