John Marr

Durham Miners' Association
Compensation Committee

Shotton. John Marr, 49, hewer.

Died on July 24th, 1914, from hepatic and renal cirrhosis. It was alleged that death was accelerated by injuries to his leg received on January 12th, 1912, by a fall of stone.

The family was as follows :— Deceased 49, hewer, £1/8/11, house and coals; widow 42; son 21, hewer, £1/5/3, boarder, 14/- per week ; son 18, putter, 13/4; daughters 16, 13; sons 9, 6.

Deceased had been employed since January, 1909, and had earned on an average £1/2/7 per week.

There was neither a post-mortem nor an inquest held, the lodge not deeming it necessary., although a certificate had been given that deceased died from kidney disease.

The Lodge had deceased examined on July 23rd, 1914, by Dr. Gamlen, who reported on July 28th :—

I found his body and legs dropsical. His heart sounds were scarcely perceptible, and his heart was evidently undergoing a state of failing compensation.

In my opinion death was due to dropsy and heart failure due to shock, and resulting weakness caused by the accident.

Committee disagreed. Mr. Heath and Mr. House intend to see the doctors when our side will decide whether we will proceed further with the case in court.

Source: NEEMARC - Ref: NUMDA/1/6/39, D.M.A. Minutes, Circulars etc. for 1914 (two volumes: covers Jan-Jun, Jul-Dec)