Free Press 17th January 1909 – Drowning Fatality

Inquest at the Carpenters Arms Penperlleny into the death of Emily Louisa Lindsay 10 years of age who was found drowned in the canal at Mamhilad sometime during Friday night. William Lindsay, father of the deceased said his daughter was a strong child and he last saw her at 9am that morning when she was going to school. She usually returned home about 4.45 but on that night she was going to Pontymoile to meet her mother who was returning from Cwmbran. She did not meet the child however and he became uneasy when his wife arrived home without her.

His wife walked back to Pontypool to search for her and also to inform the police that she was missing and a search was made in the canal with aid of lamps until 5 o’clock in the morning and as no trace was found of her the search was abandoned.

The body was found lower down the canal at about 10.40am on Saturday morning.

Laura Jones 12, daughter of David, Lansoy said deceased was in school all day Friday and they came out at 4 o’clock. She last saw the deceased at Park-y-brain bridge about 4.45. She asked where she was going but deceased did not reply, she was then going in the direction of her home.

Arthur Jenkins, carpenter, Penperlleny said that he was working at Mamhilad house on the Friday and left about 5pm, he walked along the canal back home and when about 500-600 yards from the spot where she was found he met the girl.

William Hill, labourer Pengroesoped said that he saw the body in the canal just below the bridge 96 on the Saturday morning. He went to Mrs Rowlands who lived nearby and told her to send for Lindsay and give information.

Found Drowned