The death of Arthur Farnell [1887]

Shocking Accident at Ovenden
One Man Killed and Two Seriously Injured

A shocking accident took place on Sunday afternoon a little above Causeway Foot Inn, Ovenden.

Four men from Beggarington, Northowram, who possessed a young horse, borrowed a trap and started off to Denholme where they arrived after a pleasant drive.

They are Arthur Farnell (33) joiner and his brother William Farnell, Turner White and James Farrar.

On the return journey, all went well until the top of the cutting was reached where the road commences a steep incline. Here the horse became unmanageable and dashed away at a furious rate. The occupants began to jump out of the trap a little below the Goose Inn.

Arthur Farnell jumped out and was run over, and also dragged along the road. He was subsequently picked up dead.

Turner White and James Farrar received serious injuries. The horse was stopped at Ratten Clough about a mile away.

Dr Windle of Ovenden attended the injured. The deceased leaves a widow and three children. It will be remembered that, only a month or two ago, the father of the deceased's widow, who was landlord of the School Green Hotel, Thornton, committed suicide. The trap had been borrowed from John Speak, Mountain.

None of the men seemed to be an expert driver. The body of the deceased was removed to the Causeway Foot Inn to await an inquiry