Adeline O'Donnell

BDM NSW

Birth 781/1840 V1840781 24A; O'Donnell, Adeline, to John and Elizabeth.

Death details?

SMH Mon 9 April 1855

FUNERAL.—The Friends of Mr. John O'Donnell are respectfully requested to attend the funeral of his late departed daughter Adeline ; the procession to move from his residence, South Head Road, on TUESDAY, at three o'clock p.m.

MELANCHOLY CIRCUMSTANCE.

-An inquest was held yesterday at Mr. Guerin's, the Corporation Inn, South Head Road, before Mr. Brenan, on view of the body of a young girl named Adeline O'Donnell, aged between 15 and 16 years.

The deceased, who was a very interesting girl, was very much respected, and her death has cast a gloom round about that neighbourhood. From the evidence of John O'Donnell, the father of the deceased girl, it appeared that she had always, previous to this day month, enjoyed exceedingly good health. On that day she first complained of a pain in her head and left side, and took to her bed, but on the following day (Thursday) she appeared to be much better, and afterwards gradually improved. She did not then complain of any pain, but was occasionally attacked with a fort of drowsiness, from which she remained in her bed.

On Saturday evening last, about eight o'clock, he left home to go to his sister's ; she then appeared to be much better than previously. On his return, in about half an hour, he heard that she was dead. He never thought that there was the slightest danger. On the first occasion she was feverish, and he gave her some simple remedies, which he continued up to the time of her death.

Emily O'Donnell, sister of the deceased, deposed, on Saturday night last, shortly after eight o'clock, she went out to obtain some necessaries for the Sunday's dinner, leaving her sister (the deceased) on the sofa, who appealed to be far better, having rose that afternoon and cut herself a slice of bread and butter, which she ate heartily, together with four radishes.

On her return she found that the door was locked, and having rapped, for some time, could eventually gain no admission. She then sent the brother through the window, who unlocked the door, and let her in. She saw her sister (the deceased) in bed, and in such a position, that led her to believe that she was in a fit. She put her arms around her neck and shook her, thinking that it would fetch her round, when she discovered that she had the rattles in the throat, and she almost immediately expired in her arms.

Having obtained assistance medical aid was sent for, but to no purpose. Dr. Grant proved that death resulted from natural causes, in accordance with which a verdict was returned of "Died by the visitation of God."