John Solley - Sudden Death
from Sue Solley
This article was originally published in the May 2006 edition of Soul Search, the journal of The Sole Society
Deal and Walmer Telegram 16th March, 1861:
LOCAL INTELLIGENCE – SUDDEN DEATH
John Solly, aged 44 a boatman at Walmer, left the shore in company of others as a boat’s crew on board the lugger ‘Cosmopolite’ on Thursday, 7th March, for the purpose of proceeding to the westward. About half past one the following day, they lowered the punt for the purpose of proceeding to a brig requiring a pilot. Deceased was one to get in the punt, accompanied by George Pearson and another boatman. On Pearson handing an oar to Solly, over his shoulder, and finding he did not take hold of it, he turned round, and was surprised to see him lying across the thwart of the boat apparently dead. They immediately returned to the lugger, when they found he was a corpse. They then sailed for home, where they arrived Friday evening. At the inquest, a verdict of “Died from Apoplexy” was returned.