Joseph Hill RYDER [922]

  General Notes:

Name: Joseph Hill Ryder
Gender: Male
Birth Date: 30 Nov 1846
Baptism Date: 30 May 1847
Baptism Place: High Street Formerly Mount Street-Independent OR Clancasteronal,Lancaster,Lancashire,England
Father: Joseph Ryder
Mother: Mary
FHL Film Number: 0560883 (RG4 129, 76-7)

1862 SA Death 14/355 RYDER Joseph Nairne

from Joseph Ryder Snr's Journal
...Little Joe was killed by a careering horse and cart driven by an intoxicated driver, near the old Mill, Nairne on Saturday night 13 Dec 1862. Joe had given notice to his Master that night and his final wages found in his pocket. The fatal wound was a fracture at base of the skull. The driver was committed for trial for manslaughter and sentenced to 1yr hard labour in the Stockade, but after a month his health broke down and JR signed a petition to the Governor for accused to serve remaining time in Adelaide Gaol....

South Australian Register Wednesday 17 December 1862
THE LATE FATAL ACCIDENT AT NAIRNE.-
CORONER'S INQUEST.
[From our Special Correspondent.]
An inquest was held on Monday, 15th December, at 10 a.m., at the Millers' Arms, Nairne, touching the death of Joseph Ryder, jun., before Dr. Esau, J.P., Acting Coroner; Mr. J. R. Toll, foreman; and 16 other inhabitants of Nairne as Jurymen. After being sworn, they proceeded to the residence of the deceased's parents to view the body. On asssembling the first witness called was
Amelia W. Ryder, who deposed as follows: - On Saturday night last past, on coming out of Mr. Parsons's shop, I saw my brother and asked him to go home with us. He did so. Margaret and Robert Gordon were with us. On getting near the old mill we heard a cart coming, and I said, "Oh, this is Mr. Harding's cart; surely he's drunk." I had scarcely said that when I with Maggie Gordon went on one side of the road and the boys on the other. After the cart passed I turned to look, and saw my brother down. I ran and placed his head in my lap. I sent Robert Gordon for Dr. Weld. My brother never spoke. I heard a noise in his throat for a few seconds. I did not hear him breathe. I then placed my hand under his head and found it broken and bleeding. This happened about a quarter to 9 o'clock p.m. Mrs. Thomas was the first person who arrived, then Dr. Weld. My reason for saying I thought Harding was drunk was because the cart was coming at such a furious rate. The cart appeared to come down the middle of the road, and then turned sharp round to the off side towards the loose stones. I do not know the difference between trotting and galloping; but I know he was coming furiously, the stones striking fire as he passed along. It being starlight I recognised Mr. Harding as the driver. He drove on after the occurrence. Margaret Gordon, sworn, said- I came up from Nairne on Saturday evening last past, about half past 8 o'clock, with the last witness.- my brother Robert and the deceased, myself, and Miss Ryder on one side, the boys in the middle of the road. Near the old mill we, heard a cart coming furiously down the road towards Nairne. Miss Ryder and the deceased both said, "Oh, there's Mr. Harding; he must be drunk." The boys went towards the south side. The cart came past round the corner and turned sharp off towards the side the boys had gone. We looked round after the cart had passed and then saw the deceased on the ground. We went to him. My brother ran for Dr. Weld, and I ran to Mr. Whitehead's house for assistance. I only heard the cart coming and stood still until it passed. I recognised Mr. Harding in the cart which was of a yellow colour. I knew it was going at a furious rate because it passed us like a shot, the stones striking fire. Mr. Harding was driving a great deal faster than men usually drive. Robert Gordon, sworn- Between 8 and 9 o'clock on Saturday night last past myself, the two last witnesses, and deceased were walking home from Nairne. When opposite the old mill we heard a cart coming furiously down the road; the girls ran on one side and Joe and I on the other. We got on the new metal, which is on the side the telegraph-posts are. I was nearer the telegraph posts than Joseph; he was on the edge of the metal nearest to the beaten track. The cart was coming very sharp round the corner, and knocked the deceased over. When I first heard the cart coming I ran to the telegraph-posts and then ran on to the road again. The deceased did not follow me, but I think he was talking to the girls. Not being aware that deceased was knocked down, I said, "Come along, Joe." His head was towards Nairne on the metal near the beaten track. From his appearance I believe it was Mr. Harding in the cart. I thought he was cantering, but I would not be sure. The horse was going at a rapid rate.
Elizabeth Case examined - I recollect last Saturday evening. About half-past 8 or a quarter to 9 I saw Mr. Harding drive a cart very fast at the corner turning into his yard. I am certain it was Mr. Harding. He was going very fast, and turned very quick into his yard.
Elizabeth Hains, on being sworn, said- On Saturday night last past about 9 o'clock I heard a cart coming down the road very fast. I ran out to see, because I thought it was running away. I saw it was Mr. Harding driving, so I went in again. I live on the same side as the old mill, towards Byethorne. He was going very fast down the middle of the road.
Henry Lethlean, sworn- About a quarter to 9 on Saturday night last I saw Mr. Harding come home, I was talking to his wife. I said, "Harding is coming." He passed by me, and went into his yard. I went and assisted him to take his horse out of his cart. He was in liquor, but I think quite capable of driving his horse. He was driving in his usual way-about six or seven miles an hour. I saw him pull up and turn the comer. I heard of the accident immediately after.
Samuel Doney, examined, said- On Saturday night, about half-past 8, I was standing between Mr. Humphries's and Mrs. Barrett's. I saw Mr. Harding and his horse and cart come down the road, and go to his own house. I am positively sure he was not going more than 6½ miles per hour. This was after the accident. The cart is an old one, and rattles much more than a cart generally does.
Dr. O. Weld, J.P., sworn- Shortly before 9 o'clock last Saturday night I was called by a person to see Joseph Ryder, jun. I immediately went and found him lying on the ground in the road, his head, resting on his sister's lap. I raised his head and found his skull fractured. I picked him up and carried him to Mr. Whitehead's residence. His heart was beating at the time, but stopped about three minutes after I took him in. Considerable blood was flowing from his left ear. I detected a fracture extending from his left ear midway across the back of his head sufficient to cause death. I left as soon as the heart ceased to beat. His head was towards the old mill and his feet towards Adelaide. He was lying about the middle of the road, From the nature of the fracture it must have been occasioned by a blunt instrument, such as a cart-wheel. The blood came from the left ear in large quantities. There was no abrasion of the skin on the scalp.
George Pope, sworn - On Saturday night last I was at Mr. Harding's between 8 and 9. I heard some one at the back door, and in a few minutes Mr. Harding came in. Mrs. Harding went to him. He said, "l am returned again drunk as usual." By the way he was talking he appeared much intoxicated. I had no conversation with him myself. Thomas Donoghue, jun., examined said- On Saturday night last, between 7 and 8, Mr. Harding called at my shop in Little Hampton. He came in and we had a little chat. I asked him if he was going home. He said "Yes." I then asked him to give me a ride. He said "Yes; get up. "I went with him to Blakiston. I had not seen him drunk. I could not say he was intoxicated. He knew what he was saying. In coming down the hill near Mr. Gray's, at Blakiston, the horse increased his pace and appeared to get master of the driver, as he had a great difficulty to pull him up. The horse broke into a gallop. I was alarmed at the time. John Plunkett, police-constable, sworn, said- About a quarter to 9 on Saturday evening last past, having ascertained the particulars of the accident, I went to Mr. Harding's house. I saw him in the bakehouse. Told him that a child had been driven over by a cart a little way up the road. Told him I thought he was the person who had done it and I should take him prisoner as a charge of manslaughter was likely to arise against him. I cautioned him in the usual way.
He then said he knew nothing about it. He was more than fresh, but he was not dead drunk. Yesterday (Sunday) after he was sober, he said he was not aware he had run over anyone, but if he had he was very sorry for it. The hat I produce I got from his house, and the cart outside belongs to him. This being the whole of the evidence, the Coroner lucidly recapitulated the evidence, and instructed the Jury on the law of the case; after which the room was cleared, and in about half an hour the Jury unanimously returned a verdict that the deceased came by his death by the furious and reckless driving of Charles Harding. The Coroner, at the express desire of the Jurymen, complimented Miss Gordon and her brother, and more especially so Miss Ryder, the sister of the deceased, for the straightforward and clear manner they gave their evidence. The funeral took place at 5 p.m., the sympathies of the people for the bereaved parents and relatives being such as to draw a large assemblage of persons to witness the ceremony, and many were as deeply impressed as though the deceased had been one of their own. Not the least affecting scene was a large muster of his youthful companions from the Wesleyan Sunday-school, to which he belonged, to many of whom he had so endeared himself by his amiable and unassuming disposition and manners as to cause them to feel they had not only lost a companion but a brother.

The South Australian Advertiser, Wednesday 17 Dec 1862
CORONER'S INQUEST.
On Monday, the 15th December, an inquest was held at the Millers' Arms, Nairne, before Dr. Esau, J.P., on the body of Joseph Ryder, jun., a youth about 16 years of age, who met with, his death on Saturday night, about 9 o'clock, from an accident occasioned by a person driving a horse and spring cart. A Jury of 17 having been sworn, John Toll, Esq was chosen Foreman. The Jury viewed the body, which was lying at the residence of deceased's father, and reassembled at the Millers' Arms to hear the evidence.
Amelia Ryder, sister of deceased, was the first witness called, who stated- My age was 18 last February. I remember last Saturday night; myself and Miss Gordon, Robert Gordon, and my brother Joseph, were coming home from Mr. Milway's shop. I gave Joseph, my brother, 6 lbs. of sugar to carry home. We were coming up the middle of the road, and when nearly opposite the old mill, we heard a cart coming up at a furious rate towards Nairne. Myself and Margaret Gordon went on one side of the road, and Bobby Gordon and my brother Joseph went to the other side. I said "it is Harding; he must be drunk." He turned the corner quick. I looked and saw my brother down. Robert Gordon went for the doctor, and Miss Gordon to Mr. Whitehead for assistance. I sat down by him and lifted his head in my lap. I heard a noise in his throat. He never spoke. This noise in his throat lasted for about " a second. I put my hand under his head and felt it bleeding. The accident took place at about a quarter to 9 p.m. on Saturday last, December 13. Dr. Weld came and took him up.
By a Juryman- I thought Mr. Harding was drunk because he was coming at a furious rate down in the middle of the road and took a sharp turn round the corner. It was not very dark. I don't know whether he was trotting or galloping. He was coming at a furious rate. Found my brother lying on his back, his head lying across the road. Recognised the driver, Mr. Harding. I know him. Harding went on and never stopped to see what had occurred. I could swear it was Harding. He did not stop at all. I noticed the light cart, mid hat (hat produced). It was the same sort of hat as this.. Fire was flying from the wheels of the cart.
Elizabeth Gordon called- I was coming up from Nairne with Amelia Ryder, Joseph Ryder, and my brother (Robert Gordon) coming from Mr. Milway's store about half-past 8 p.m., walking slowly, nearly in the middle of the road. When near the old mill heard a cart coming furiously down the road towards Nairne. Amelia and Joseph Ryder said "it's Mr. Harding, he must be drunk." The boys went on one side of the road towards the south and myself and Miss Ryder on the north side of the road. Mr. Harding came quickly round the comer of the road, turned sharp off where the boys were; after a few seconds Miss Ryder and myself saw Joseph Ryder fall. Went to him; Miss Ryder took his head in her lap. I went to Mr. Whitehead for assistance. Robert Gordon went for Dr. Weld. It was starlight. Dr. Weld came and said he was dead.
By a Juryman- I was four or five yards from the cart when this took place. I heard the cart coming. I recognised Mr. Harding. I could swear it was Mr. Harding. The body the Jurymen have viewed is that of Joseph Ryder. By the Jury-Harding was driving very much faster than men do in general.
Robert Gordon, sworn, said- I am 12 years old. I recollect coming home from Nairne on last Saturday night, between 8 and 9 o'clock, with Joseph Ryder, Amelia Ryder, and my sister. Coming near the old mill I heard a cart come up furiously; my sister and Amelia Ryder went on one side, and I and Joseph Ryder went on the other side; we both got on the newly metalled side of the road, close to the telegraph post, where the metal had been put on - on the side of the road where it is worn down a little; I was further on than Joseph was. Joseph was on the edge of the beaten road. Mr. Harding's cart was coming round the corner very sharp, and knocked Joseph down. I immediately ran for Dr. Weld.
By the Jury- When the cart struck Joseph Ryder I was little ahead. I ran to the telegraph post. We were passing, not stopping. The girls called out there was a cart coming. When I heard it I ran to the telegraph post, turned round, and went back. The cart had passed, and knocked Joseph down. Joseph was lying with his head towards Nairne, just on the edge of the metal worn down.
By a Juryman- Mr. Harding was coming nearest the telegraph posts, on the edge of the metal worn down. He was on the wrong side. I believe it was Mr. Harding from his appearance.
By another Juryman- I believe Mr. Harding was cantering. He was going at a mad pace. The cart was yellow. I went for the doctor. I did not see anyone else in the cart.
Elizabeth Case sworn- About half past 8 or 9 o'clock on Saturday night last, saw Mr. Harding driving his cart very fast just as he was driving into his own yard. Certain it was Mr. Harding. No one was with him in tbe cart. He turned very quick. Had a rein in each hand. I was standing at the corner of the Millers' Arms. A friend was with me, remarking, he was driving very fast He was pulling from one side of the road to the other.
Elizabeth Hains- On Saturday night last I was inside my house, and heard a cart coming down very fast. I went out of my house, as I thought a horse was running away. I saw Mr. Harding, who was driving towards Nairne. I live just past the old mill going towards Byethornbs from Nairne. He was driving fast. The reason I came out of my house was because I thought some horses were running away.
Henry Letts Lean sworn- Saw Mr. Harding come home last Saturday night between 8 and 9 o'clock. Helped to take the horse out of the cart. I spoke to Mrs Harding before Mr Harding came home. As I stood there I said, Harding is coming. He was a little in liquor, but quite capable of driving a horse.
By a Juryman- When I saw him he was not driving more than six miles an hour. I was standing at the entrance of Mr. Ryder's schoolroom. Mr Harding never mentioned to me about the accident.
Samuel Doney- I was standing on Saturday night, between 8 and 9, between the Millers' Arms and Mr. Humphries. I save Sir. Harding's horse and cart heading down the road. Saw him go home to his own house in his cart, sitting on the proper side of the cart, on the proper seat the driver aught to sit. To the best of my knowledge he was not going more than six and a half miles an hour. I saw him at home after the accident happened. The cart is an old one, and rattles very much. Octavius Weld, M.D., sworn- On Saturday, shortly before 9 o'clock, a person came for me to see Joseph Ryder, jun. I immediately went, and found him lying on the ground in the road, his head resting on his sister's lap. I raised his head, and found his skull fractured. I picked him up and carried him to Mr. Whitehead's residence. His heart was beating at the time, and stopped about three minutes later. I took him in. A considerable quantity of blood was flowing from his left ear, and I detected a fracture extending from his left ear midway across the back of his head sufficient to cause death. I left as soon as the heart ceased beating, about ten minutes to 9. His head was towards the old mill.
By the Jury- Was the wound such as would be caused by a cart wheel?
Witness- It was caused by a blunt instrument, not by a sharp instrument.
George Pope- I was at Mr. Hardings on Saturday night, between 8 and 9 o'clock. I heard some one at the back door. In a few minutes Mr. Harding came, and Mrs. Harding came into the back of the house. He said to his wife, " I have returned again as drunk as usual". He was speaking to Mrs. Harding. He appeared intoxicated. I had no conversation with him myself.
Thomas Donoghue, jun.- On Saturday last, between 7 and 8 o'clock in the evening, Mr. Harding called at my shop in Little Hampton, and we had a little chat. I asked him if he was going home. He said he was. I asked him to give me a ride home to Blakiston, which he did. He was not drunk; he spoke as though he was not drunk. In going down the hill, by Mr. Gray's, the horse increased his speed, and galloped I believe. I do not know whether Harding got any more drink at my father's. I did not see him do so.
John A. Flunket, police constable- About half-past 8 on Saturday night last I heard that an accident had happened. A boy had been run over. I was told it was done by Mr. Harding. I went to Harding's house, and saw him in the back place where the bake house is. I told him that a boy had been run over on the Mount Barker road, and it was thought he was the party that had driven over him, and I must take him prisoner. As I thought a charge of man slaughter might arise, I duly cautioned him at the same time. He appeared to know nothing of it. He was intoxicated. He appeared not lo be in a hurry. I put the twitches on him, as I wanted to make haste to get other evidence, and pulled him out of the chop. He wanted to know what I was taking him for. I then told him again and cautioned him. I had a slight struggle in the street. After he was sober he did not know anything about it, and expressed sorrow for having done so. This is his hat; I took it from his place, likewise his cart outside. I picked up some sugar mixed with blood where the accident happened. The Jury here went and looked at the cart, and after careful examination returned to the room.
Joseph Ryder, father of the youth, stated- I saw the body of a young lad at Mr. Whitehead's on Saturday night last. That body was that of my son, and to all appearance dead. He is now lying at my house. This concluded the evidence, and the Coroner then summed up, going through all the depositions taken. The Court was cleared, and the Jury considered for about half an hour, and then returned the following verdict:-
"That the deceased, Joseph Ryder, the younger, came to his death on Saturday, the 15th of December, 1862, through the furious and reckless driving of Charles Harding. Mr. J.R. Toll, Foreman." The prisoner was then committed for trial at the next Criminal Sittings of the Supreme Court. Bail allowed. The inquest lasted nearly seven hours.

South Australian Register Thursday 18 December 1862
Death Notice:
RYDER. On the 13th December, at Nairne, from fracture of the skull, Joseph Hill, eldest son of Mr. Joseph Ryder, licensed teacher, Nairne, deeply lamented

  Other Records

• Occupation: Telegraph Office, Abt 1861, Nairne, South Australia. Little Joe's Master, Mr Christen, a Chemist and Stationer at Nairne.