Mexborough and Swinton Times, April 15, 1927
Thurnscoe Youth’s Suicide
Clue in Unread Letter
A Sensitive boy
An inquest was held at the Station Hotel, Thurnscoe on Wednesday into the death of Joseph Henry Briggs Jeffells, aged 21, son of William Jeffels, a miner of 25, Dane St, Thurnscoe, whose body was recovered from the reservoir at Hickleton Main colliery on Tuesday.
William Jessel’s identified the body as that of his son, who left home on April 3 about 6:30 p.m. and who had not been seen alive since. Witness informed the police that he was missing on April 4th.
The coroner (Mr Frank Allen): Is this letter which was found with the coat on the bank in your son’ s handwriting? – Yes
Had he any troubles? He never told me of any. He was a little depressed at times. On April 3, when he got up, he was singing.
Herbert Allington, aged 12, of 24 George St, Thurnscoe said he found a cap, coat and the letter which was produced, on the banks of the reservoir on April 4th. He took them to a house and informed the police.
John Carly, greengrocer, 84 George St, Thurnscoe, said he found the body at 1:15 p.m. on Tuesday, in the reservoir about 15 yards from the bank at the eastern corner. The water was about 7 feet deep.
Mr Frank Allen, in returning a verdict of “Suicide,” said there was no doubt that Jeffels took his life. He had been depressed by some trouble, as he stated in the letter which he left. He (the coroner) did not intend reading the letter, and he had advised the father not to do so. Deceased was very sensitive, and what caused him so much trouble will probably not have troubled others so much. He was very sorry for the parents.
Mr Alan asked Sergeant Downs, at the conclusion of the enquiry, if any steps have been taken to provide a mortuary at Thurnscoe.
Sergeant Downs: No, I don’t think so, sir.
Mr Allen: It is time there was one. In a case like this it was better that the body should not be taken home until it was in a coffin.