Sheerness Guardian 31 December 1859.

FOUND DROWNED.

On Wednesday morning last, the authorities of the War Department having drawn off the water in the moat surrounding the fortifications tor the purpose of draining the marshes, they being overflowed with water, the body of a labouring man was discovered by Police-constable Okiell in the moat nearly opposite the Contract Bakehouse, Broad-street. The unfortunate man was lying on his back, and a beer can at his side. From the appearance of the body and the position of the hands it was evident that the deceased had missed his way, and slipped into the moat. The body was soon identified as that of a man named Job Mummery, employed as a watchman on the works of the Sittingbourne and Sheerness Railway station in the Well Marsh, and residing in the Convict-garden.

On investigating the facts it was found that on the previous Monday evening the deceased left the "Duke of Sussex" about half-past six, with a can of beer and it is supposed that he got over the fence and crossed the marsh towards his residence, but that he missed his way (it being very dark) and slipped into the moat and was drowned. Being missed from home and from his work, search and inquiries were made for him, but without avail, till he was discovered on Wednesday morning. The body was conveyed to the "Victory Inn," but it was considered by the Coroner not necessary to hold an inquest as the facts elicited were sufficiently satisfactory as to the cause of his death. The unfortunate man has left a wife and three children, and is 43 years of age.