Frances Watson

Francis Watson was born around 1852 on St Helena, and died at 15yrs old on Dec. 18, 1867. The following report appeared in the St. Helena Guardian on Dec. 24, 1867:

Coroner's Inquest. On Wednesday last an Inquest was held at the Civil Hospital before T.E. Fowler Esq. on the body of Francis Watson, aged 15 years, the son of Francis Watson, fisherman. From the evidence adduced, it appears that on Saturday the 7th instant, the deceased was walking on the wall between the watchman's office and the Upper Steps when his toe caught in the leg of his trousers and threw him over the wall on to the rocks below. The deceased was conveyed to his father's residence, where he was examined by Dr. Cole, Parish Surgeon, who found that his right arm was broken in two places, which was set. The deceased was conveyed to the Civil Hospital on Monday following on account of mortification having set in the palm of the hand. The Colonial Surgeon amputated the arm above the elbow on Wednesday, the 11th instant. The deceased progressed favourably for three days when mortification appeared in the stomach, which was anticipated by the Colonial Surgeon. The deceased died at 4 o'clock on the morning of Wednesday last. The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death".