Other Events and Attributes:

• DeathCause: 24 Dec 1898, Scropton, Derby, Derbyshire, England; Shooting Accident

Notes:

DeathCause:
A farmer shot dead by his friend.
A very sad accident, which unfortuately terminated fatally, occurred in the village of Scropton at noon on Christmas Eve. Two neighbouring farmers, Messrs James Tipper and Thomas Beck, went out with their guns with the intention of shooting rabbits and field-fares. From what can be gathered the hammer of the gun carried by Mr Beck somehow caught in a part of his coat and accidentally went off. Mr Tipper, who was not more than an arm's length away, was stooping down at the time, and received the full charge of shot in the back of his head, the back of the skull being completely blown away. So close was Mr Tipper's grandson, a lad named Green, aged about five (who was the only other person present), that blood from his grandfather's wound was sprinkled on the poor little fellow's collar. Mr Beck for the moment did not know that his friend was shot and said to him "Get up, Jim" but as he did not move he realised that he had shot him. Mr Beck's feelings on seeing what had occurred may better be imagined than described. He at once ran to the house, only a hundred yards away, to inform Mr Tipper's daughters, and he then ran across to Mr Skipton's, whose house is quite close to the scene of the accident. Mr Tipper was as speedily and as carefully as possible carried into his house and medical aid procured. Dr Wolfenden was first to arrive, quickly followed by Dr Dobbs, but these gentlemen saw at once that nothing could be done, and Mr Tipper passed away in about an hour and a half without regaining conciousness. A gloom has been cast over the village, and much sympathy is felt for both families, who are well known and much respected. Mr Beck was for some time almost frantic with grief at the thought that he had taken his friend's life. Mr Tipper was clerk at the parish church, as also had been his father for as long as anyone can remember. He was also Chief Ranger of the Court Cumming Lodge of the A.O.F., and had as recently as the 19th inst. been with Mr John Shipton, Trustees of the Court Providence Juveniles Society of the same Order. The Police were of course communicated with, and an inquest will be held in the ordinary course. Mr Tipper's wife died in August 1897, but seven daughters and two sons are left to mourn his loss. At the morning service on Christmas Day the vicar, the Reverend W.S.Penley, in very feeling terms, referred to the tragic affair. It may be mentioned that Court Cumming has during the last four years lost three of its most valuable officers. Four year ago Mr George Brooks, who had held the post of secretary for 14 years, died in May 1897, Mr W. Hough, C.R., died, and Mr Tipper, who was then elected C.R., is now also dead.

!DEATH: "The Scropton Tragedy"
!DEATH: Mr F.C.Leech, the County Coroner, held an inquest at the Forester's Arms, Scropton on Tuesday, on the body of James Tipper, a farmer, who was killed while out shooting on Christmas Eve. Susannah Tipper, a daughter, said that on Saturday morning Mr Beck, a neighbouring farmer, who had been out shooting with her father, ran to the house and told her he had shot her father. She ran to the spot, and found deceased lying on the ground with his own gun under his right arm. She drew the gun from under him and threw it down again, when one barrel discharged close to Beck's feet. He was carried to the house and doctors were summoned. Thomas Beck was next called, and said that the deceased was a great friend of his. On the morning of Christmas Eve they went out shooting together. When near the Warren, Tipper proposed that they should shoot a bird that had alighted on a tree for a little boy who accompanied them. They were both in a stooping postion at the time, and when witness 'was in the act of raising his gun to his shoulder it discharged' Witness thought that the deceased must have raised his head at the time for he fell back with a wound to the back of his head. Witness added that the gun went off in a similar manner three years ago and he took it to a gunsmith to be repaired. He had used it on many occasions since, and thought it was safe. After the accident he had smashed the gun up completely on Tipper's kitchen floor. Medical evidence was then given as to the nature of the wound. Dr Wolfenden said a portion of the skull was blown away, and the brain was terribly lacerated. The jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death" and added that no blame could be attached to anyone.

James married Susanna WATTS on 29 Jun 1863 in St. Peter's Church, Marchington, Uttoxeter, Staffordshire, England. Susanna was born on 20 Jul 1839 in Marchington, Uttoxeter, Staffordshire, England; was christened on 18 Aug 1839 in St. Peter's Church, Marchington, Uttoxeter, Staffordshire, England; died on 8 Aug 1897 in Scropton, Derby, Derbyshire, England; was buried on 10 Aug 1897 in St. Paul's Churchyard, Scropton, Derby, Derbyshire, England. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

1. Annie TIPPER was born in 1863.
2. Esther TIPPER was born in 1865 in Scropton, Derby, Derbyshire, England.
3. Arthur TIPPER was born in 1868; died in Apr 1953.
4. Elizabeth TIPPER was born in 1870.
5. William TIPPER was born in 1872.
6. Emily TIPPER was born in 1873.
7. Mary TIPPER was born in 1875; died in 1906.
8. Sarah TIPPER was born in 1877; died on 16 Nov 1973.
9. Susannah TIPPER was born in 1879; died in 1951.