Some of Pearson's work

SMALL-POX IN THE KINGSWINFORD DISTRICT.

The Medical Officer said he regretted to inform the committee that a case of small-pox was notified to him in Wordsley the previous night. It was a pauper case, and was being attended by Dr. Pearson. That (Wednesday) morning he had driven over to Kingswinford and seen Dr. Pearson, and ascertained that the case was that of a young girl residing near the Boat Inn at Buckpool. It was rather a mild case. The patient had only a small mark on her arms where she was vaccinated as a child. On Tuesday night, when Dr. Pearson went to visit the patient, he found a next door neighbour - mother of ten or eleven children - in the room talking to the girl. He asked Dr. Pearson if he did not order her to leave the room, but he found it was no use, they could not keep neighbours from visiting. Although this was in the Staffordshire portion he thought he had better mention it. The master of the Workhouse informed him that morning that there was no place at the Workhouse where the patient could be isolated. - The Chairman asked what was being done in the matter of a hospital. - Mr. Lycett said he hardly understood the position of the matter. Mr. Wall had the particulars. - Mr. Joseph Hingley said a month ago the Guardians accepted a tender for the erection of a hospital, and he thought it would have been up by this time. - No further action was taken in the matter.

Source: County Advertiser & Herald for Staffordshire and Worcestershire, Saturday 22 July, 1893

SHOCKING ACCIDENT. - A painful and rather serious accident happened on Saturday morning last to a youth named Thomas Crowe, of Brook-street, who was employed at the Swindon Ironworks, belonging to Messrs. Baldwin. Crowe was a sheet roller, but on this particular morning he was put to do some work at the shearing machine in place of another workman, and by some means or other his fingers caught in the machine, and four were taken clean off the right hand. The unfortunate youth was conveyed home with all possible speed, and Dr. Pearson, of Kingswinford, dressed his wounds and had him taken to the Guest Hospital. He was afterwards taken home again, but had to return to the Hospital on Monday morning.

Source: County Advertiser & Herald for Staffordshire and Worcestershire, Saturday 4 December, 1897

Here is an article of Dr. Pearson performing a post-mortem examination. I wonder if Magpie will apologize for alleging that Pearson didn't perform any surgical procedures.

DEATH OF A FIELD CARPENTER. - Mr. T.A. Stokes, coroner, held an inquest on Wednesday at the Oak Inn, Kingswinford, on the body of Benjamin Bratt, 71 years of age, of The Oak, Kingswinford. Deceased was employed under the Earl of Dudley as a field carpenter, and was taken ill while following his employment on the 29th ult. The illness continued until five o'clock on Monday, when he died. A post-mortem examination was made by Dr. Pearson, of Kingswinford, and the medical evidence given at the inquest was that deceased died from hemorrhage of the brain. The jury returned a verdict to this effect.

Source: County Advertiser & Herald for Staffordshire and Worcestershire, Saturday 8 December, 1906

TRAGIC AFFAIR AT KINGSWINFORD.
A DETERMINED SUICIDE.

Mr. W.H. Phillips, coroner, held an inquest at the Woodman Inn, Mount Pleasant, Kingswinford, on Wednesday, touching the death of David Price (30), single man, a coal hauller, who resided with his parents at Mount Pleasant, Kingswinford. Deceased had been strange in his manner of late, and between twelve and one o'clock on Tuesday two of the neighbours named Beddard saw him in the back yard. He had a gun in his hand, and the muzzle was pointing to his head. They called out to him, asking him what he was doing, and he replied "I shall be in -- in less than five minutes." A report immediately followed, and in another moment Price was stretched lifeless on the ground, the contents of the gun having shattered the inside of his mouth, and lodged at the base of the skull. There was a piece of string attached to the trigger of the gun, showing only too conclusively how deceased had managed to discharge the weapon. Dr. Pearson was called to deceased, but could only certify that life was extinct. - The jury returned a verdict that deceased committed suicide whilst in an unsound state of mind.

Source: County Advertiser & Herald for Staffordshire and Worcestershire, Saturday 23 May, 1891

FATAL ACCIDENT TO A WALL HEATH SHUNTER.

On the afternoon of Wednesday last, a very sad accident occurred on the Earl of Dudley's private railway near to the No. 4, Himley Colliery, and resulted in the death of Wallace Kennett, (21), of Foundry Lane, Wall Heath, who is a shunter employed on the railway. He was engaged in the operation that is known as "propping trucks," which is the shunting off trucks on one line by means of a post against the buffers, while the engine runs off on a branch line. While deceased was supporting the "prop" between the trucks and engine, the "prop" slipped. He slipped forward slightly, and when he recovered himself turned round towards the engine, neglecting to notice the trucks, which were on a slight incline, and rolled slowly back, pinning him between the buffer of the wagon and the front of the engine. He received shocking internal injuries, and died almost immediately. Dr. Pearson was called to see him, but could only say that life was extinct. - An inquest was held yesterday afternoon at the Wall Heath Inn, by Mr. W.H. Phillips (coroner), and a verdict of "Accidental death" was returned.

Source: County Advertiser & Herald for Staffordshire and Worcestershire, Saturday 18 April, 1896

WALL HEATH.

SAD FATALITY. - Yesterday week, about three o'clock in the afternoon a shocking and fatal accident occurred here to John Baker (49), a sweep who resided at Kinver. It appears that deceased had been his usual rounds with his horse and cart on pursuit of his vocation, and had stopped at the Yew Tree Inn to have some refreshment. On starting from the inn the horse started, and deceased stepped into the cart, but was immediately seen by a man who was passing to fall backwards with great force. He made no effort to rise, and on examination it was seen that he was dead. Dr. Pearson, of Kingswinford, was summoned as soon as possible, but he could only certify that death had taken place, and that death was the result of deceased's neck having been broken by the fall. - An inquest was held on the Monday following - before Mr. E.B. Thorneycroft (Deputy Coroner) - at the Prince Albert Inn, Wall Heath, when evidence to the above effect was given. The jury returned a verdict of "Accidental death." Deceased leaves a large family, and one of his children was with him at the time of the accident.

Source: County Advertiser & Herald for Staffordshire and Worcestershire, Saturday 28 June, 1890

SAD DEATH OF A TRADESMAN. - On Sunday morning last William Henry Evans, of Townsend, High-street, Kingswinford, was found dead. He was lying on a sofa, on which he laid himself down on returning home about 11:30 the previous night. Here he was found, about 7 o'clock on Sunday morning, by his wife and daughter. Dr. Pearson was summoned. Police-constable Palin duly reported the facts to the Coroner, Mr. W.H. Phillips, but as Dr. Pearson reported that he had been attending deceased for heart disease for many years the coroner did not consider an inquest necessary. Deceased was 54 years of age, and carried on business as dairyman. He was well known to the farmers in the district, being frequently employed by them as a hay trusser.

Source: County Advertiser & Herald for Staffordshire and Worcestershire, Saturday 20 August, 1898

KINGSWINFORD.

SMALL-POX CASES. - On Tuesday last it was reported that small-pox existed in the house of George Taylor, of this village; and his two children were at once removed to the Infectious Hospital at Wordsley. Dr. Pearson made inquiries and found that another girl from the same house was in service at the Portway Inn. He saw her and found that she, too, had had the disease, but was in the convalescent stage - the most dangerous for spreading the infection. The girl was engaged in washing glasses and bottles when the doctor paid his visit, and he ordered her immediate removal to the hospital.

Source: County Advertiser & Herald for Staffordshire and Worcestershire, Saturday 12 October, 1901

ALLEGED ASSAULT WITH A CLEAVER.

Wallheath Butcher Committed for Trial.

On Monday, at Brierley Hill Police Court, Thomas Jones (59), butcher and general dealer, Albion Street, Wallheath, was brought up in custody on a charge of unlawfully and maliciously wounding Joseph Powell, a labourer, 63 years of age, and who lives at 10, Brook Street, Wallheath, on the 9th inst. Mr. T.W. Fisher (Dudley) defended.
Prosecutor gave evidence that at half-past eleven on the morning of the 9th inst. he went to the Prince Albert Inn, High Street, Wallheath, where he saw the prisoner. A little bit of a quarrel ensued, as the prisoner was "running" his parents down, and he (witness) defended them. Prisoner struck him in the face with his fist; but witness did not retaliate. At half-past ten the same night prosecutor was going home, and as he was passing Jones's house the prisoner, who had no boots on, came out of the entry. Witness spoke to him, and said, "What is the reason for us falling out when we meet one another?" Prisoner made no reply, and struck at prosecutor's head, but witness did not see, owing to its being dark, what he had got in his hand. Witness put up his right arm to save the blow striking him on the side of the head,

a butcher's cleaver

being the weapon with which the blow was dealt. The cleaver inflicted a bad wound in prosecutor's arm, and he was subsequently taken to Dr. Pearson's surgery at Kingswinford, where the wound was stitched up.
In cross-examination by Mr. Fisher, witness said he was going home quietly, and it was not a fact that he was shouting and swearing when he passed the prisoner's shop. He did not remember Mrs. Jones speaking to him, and telling him to go home.
Mr. Fisher: You threatened to smash the windows, and challenged him (prisoner) to come out and fight? - I didn't do anything of the kind.
Did you not have half-a-brick in your hand? - No; I didn't go up to Jones until he came out.
Horace Evans, aged 15, of 23, Brook Street, Wallheath, said he was standing with two other youths opposite the prisoner's house in Albion Street at half-past ten on the night in question, when he saw Mr. Powell coming down the road towards his home. He saw the prisoner come down the entry without boots on his feet, and heard him say, "What is the matter, Joe?" (meaning Powell). Witness did not hear Powell speak. Powell went towards Jones, who struck him; but witness did not see what prisoner struck him with. Prisoner struck complainant on the shoulder and knocked him down, and whilst Powell was on the ground prisoner stuck him again on the head. Prisoner's wife and son came out, and took Jones into the house. Prisoner came across to witness and said, "Which of you is going to take his (complainant's) part? I'll serve you the same." Prisoner at that time, had a butcher's cleaver in his hand. Prisoner's wife and son then took Jones into his house, but he came out again by the shop door, and shouted, "Is he dead, Jack? If he is not, I will finish him."
George Morgan (17), residing at 5, Maiden's Bridge, Wallheath, gave similar evidence, and said that when the prisoner knocking Powell down he commenced to kick and strike him. Witness did not see what prisoner had got in his hand, but it was afterwards found to be a butcher's cleaver. When prisoner was being taken into the house by his wife and son he said, "If he (complainant) is not dead, I should like to kill him."
Cross-examined, witness said Powell was on the ground half-an-hour.

The Wound.

Dr. Pearson, of Kingswinford, gave evidence that at midnight on the 9th inst. Powell was brought to his surgery in a conveyance. He was bleeding profusely, and there was a severe cut on the forearm about 3 and a half to four inches long. It was a deep one, going down to the bone. There was a contused wound on the right side of the head. Witness stitched the wound on the arm. He regarded that wound as a very dangerous wound, as it might result in blood poisoning. A large artery was severed. The wound had been caused by a sharp instrument, and was consistent with a blow from a butcher's cleaver. Powell was not yet out of danger. The wound on the head was, witness should say, caused by a blow from a fist.
P.C. Ansell stated that at a quarter to twelve at night he went to prisoner's house with P.C. Massey. On going into the kitchen he saw a butcher's cleaver on the table, and there were marks of blood on it.
P.C. Massey said he arrested prisoner the same night. After being cautioned, prisoner replied, "I had a dash at him, and knocked him (Powell) into the road. I would have killed him if my wife and son had not come out. I would cut his head off." Prisoner had had beer, but was in a condition to understand the nature of the charge.
Prisoner, who reserved his defence, was committed to the Staffordshire Quarter Sessions for trial, being admitted to bail, himself in 20 pounds and two sureties of 10 pounds each.

Source: County Express, Saturday 19 August, 1911

So Dr. Pearson had his own surgery. I sincerely hope Magpie apologizes but it seems that he doesn't post on Jack the Ripper Forums anymore.

KINGSWINFORD.

THE ADJOURNED INQUEST. - On Monday an adjourned inquest was held at the Old Court House, Kingswinford, by Mr. W.H. Phillips, coroner, upon the body of a male child which was found in a partially decomposed state, in a pool near Kingswinford Church, on the 31st May. - Dr. Pearson, having made a post-mortem examination of the body, stated that it had been stillborn. - It was stated by the police that no clue to the parentage of the child had yet been found, but a woman in black had been seen wandering about the side of the pool prior to the finding of the body. - The jury returned a verdict in accordance with the medical evidence.

Source: Dudley and District News, Saturday 16 June, 1883

DEATH AT THE CROSS HOTEL. -- Charles Cooper, aged 61 years, a native of Swan Village, employed at the Birmingham Gas Company's branch at West Bromwich, died somewhat suddenly last Sunday afternoon at the Cross Hotel here. It appears that he left home early on Sunday morning, in company with some friends, to visit his daughter, who is employed as barmaid at the White Hart Hotel, Kinver. The party arrived at the Cross Hotel soon after 9 a.m. Here the deceased was taken ill, and the proprietor, Mr. Hartill, very kindly had a bed provided for him, and summoned Dr. Pearson to attend him. The doctor remained with the man until he expired at 1:30 the same afternoon. As the medical attendant reports the cause of death to be an apoplectic fit no inquest was considered necessary. The body of the deceased was removed to Swan Village on Monday evening.

Source: County Advertiser & Herald for Staffordshire and Worcestershire, Saturday 10 July, 1897

ATTEMPTED SUICIDE. - The police report that on Wednesday morning, about nine o'clock, John Pargeter, a reservist, of Cot Lane, attempted to commit suicide by jumping into a pool. It was observed that Pargeter was strange in his manner and at times obviously irresponsible for his acts. He was seen to go in the direction of a pool in Dr. Pearson's field on the road leading from the Cross Inn to Summerhill, by Edward Parker, who immediately followed him. When Parker got to the pool Pargeter was in the water. Parker, however, managed to get him out, and Dr. Pearson was sent for. About ten minutes before the occurrence Pargeter had asked a man to fetch a dose of poison for him from the chemist's. Pargeter has improved somewhat in health.

Source: County Advertiser & Herald for Staffordshire and Worcestershire, Saturday 2 August, 1902

The material that I have found recently on Dr. Alfred William Pearson in contemporary newspapers has been very fruitful. I won't hold my breath that Magpie will apologize for alleging that Pearson didn't perform surgical procedures. I have found articles in which, it is claimed, that Pearson performed post-mortem examinations and had his own surgery. The only reason Magpie was arguing with me is because he is a true Ripperologist, whose main purpose is to argue with authors who do proper research. Seeing as he doesn't post on Jack the Ripper Forums anymore, I doubt he will offer me an apology. Also, my forum has a new url address and is harder to find now. I will continue to research on my suspect, Alfred William Pearson, physician, surgeon and apothecary.