Mexborough and Swinton Times, May 7, 1926
Denaby Shoemaker’s Death
Suicide at Second Attempt
An inquest was held at the Reresby Arms, Denaby Main on Saturday, by Mr. Frank Allen, into the death of Thomas Coy, (42), a shoemaker, of 8, Wheatley Street, Denaby, who had been missing since April 25, and whose body was found in the river Don at Denaby on May 7th.
George Albert Coy, brother of the deceased, who worked with him, identified the body and said he last saw his brother alive at about 5-30 p.m., on April 24. He had previously had an attack of influenza but did not appear to suffer any after-effect. He was not in any financial difficulty and witness never heard him threaten suicide. On April 25, he was called to S. Wheatley Street by Mrs. Coy, who told him that her husband had gone out. Witness went in search of him but could not find him. Later he went back and found a quantity of blood in the lavatory.
The Coroner – Did you see a knife or razor anywhere? – No, I saw nothing whatever.
Jesse Mangall, miner, 39, Maltby Street, Denaby, said that about 6 a.m., on Friday morning he and a friend were crossing the bridge at Denaby over the Don when they noticed a body floating in the water. They obtained grappling irons from the colliery, and got the body out. They then informed the police, and the body was taken later to the Reresby Arms. Witness noticed a cut in the throat.
Robert Smith, miner of 57, Maltby Street, confirmed this evidence.
P.c. Schofield said that he searched the body and found 3½ d. in coppers.
The Coroner said that it searched clear that this man took his own life, by drowning after attempting to cut his throat. Re returned a verdict of ‘Suicide,’ there being no evidence to show the state of his mind.
Impressive Funeral Tributes.
At the funeral on Sunday there was a remarkable demonstration of public sympathy. Cars were lent for numerous mourners, and the streets through which the cortege passed were lined with people.
The interment took place at the Conisborough Cemetery, following a service in the Denaby Parish Church, which was choral, the 23rd psalm and the hymn. Let Saints on Earth in Concert Sing,’ being sung. The Rev. H. Lee officiated and the church was full. Mr. Coy was a keen churchman and a zenlous Sunday school worker, a member of the Church Council since its inauguration, and a sidesman for many years. Sidesmen of the Church were bearers, and the Church Council and Sunday school staffs were fully represented. Mr. E. Dabb, the organist, played ‘O rest in the Lord,’ as the funeral procession left the church. In addition to the family mourners there were present, Mr. J. Hartley, of the Mission Sunday School, Mr. J. Holcroft, secretary of the Church Council, and Messrs. W. Wilkinson and J. Engledow, churchwardens. The wreaths included one with the inscription, ‘In affectionate remembrance of a dear comrade, from the Denaby Parish Church Council teaching staff and sidesman,’ and others from neighbours and friends.
On Sunday evening a memorial service was held in the Parish Church, the hymns, ‘Jesu lover of my Soul,’ and ‘Abide with me,’ being sing. The Rev. H. Lee paid a striking tribute to the character of Mr. Coy, saying he was one of the best men he had met in the 16 years of his ministry, a man who made home life happy by his personality. He was also a splendid example of ‘a Christian tradesman.’ He had been extraordinary faithful in his Church and Sunday School work and no one had known him to do an unkind thing.