Extract from the "Kiama Independent" of January 31st, 1867 On Saturday last, January 26, an inquest was held by the District Coroner, R. H. Owen, Esq., and a jury of five, on view of the body of Michael Hindmarsh, Esq., J. P., at his residence, Alne Bank, Gerringong. Several witnesses were examined, from whose evidence it would appear that on the morning of the day previous (the 25th) deceased had a dispute with one Elliott about some cedar he had supplied to the contractors of the manse now in course of erection at Gerringong. Words ran high and Elliott (a joiner employed by the contractor of the manse) put himself in a threatening attitude, and inviting deceased on to the road, said he would take it out of him (by fighting him). The Rev. Robert Wilson, son-in-law to deceased, was present, and by pacificatory means closed the dispute, when deceased, who was excited, went home. About seven o'clock the same evening, Elliott was crossing the property of deceased, who went towards him, and said that after the insult offered him in the morning he would not allow him to cross his paddock. The man said "thank you" and turned back. The deceased called o his son and a servant for help, as he was falling they caught him, and thinking he had fainted the son ran away to the house, which was not far distant, for water. On his return, in company with his mother and sisters, the deceased was dead. The evidence of Dr. Taylor, who was immediately sent for, was as follows: He went with all haste to the residence of deceased, and found him dead. He was of the opinion that death was caused by the sudden extraversion of blood from the rupture of a large vessel. From his knowledge of the state of deceased's health, he believed that any sudden or protracted excitement would be attended with serious consequences. He had previously known deceased to suffer from a feeble circulation of blood, arising from disease of the heart. Verdict - That deceased, Michael Hindmarsh, died from natural causes, accelerated by excitement. John Graham johngrah@ozemail.com.au GENEALOGY FROM GERRINGONG http://www.ozemail.com.au/~johngrah/