September 4, 1858
Mr. Wm. BENSON, painter, Main-street, Cavan, having gone home in a state of inebriety, fell down stairs, and, being unable to rise, was carried to bed in an unconscious state. He fell out of the bed, however, and a pillow was placed under his head, while on the floor, by his wife, as he could not be got into bed again. His wife and one or two of his children watched by the bedside for some time; but, not imagining that there was any danger, Mrs. BENSON, after a while, left the room, leaving one of the children for the purpose of calling her, should any accident occur. Up to this time the unfortunate man had breathed very heavily; but a few minutes afterwards, the little girl was alarmed by not hearing her father breathe. She immediately screamed for assistance, but it was too late--he was quite dead. An inquest was held on the body, on Thursday, by W. POLLOCK, Esq., coroner, and a verdict in accordance with the above facts was returned. What adds to the melancholy nature of the case is that deceased (who was an intelligent man, and a clever artisan) has left a numerous family--a wife and eight young children--totally unprovided for, to lament his untimely death.
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