Elijah Churchhouse

Elijah Churchhouse was found dead in his kitchen.

He had a fractured skull and was thought to have been hit on the head while he was in a stooping position. He was found dead by two friends who happened to call.

He was found lying face downwards by his sofa near the window with his legs pointing towards the hearth.

Elijah Churchhouse had lived on his own at Klondyke Farm which was a remote place at Aspull near Wigan. He was a small farmer and hay and straw dealer.

Robbery was suspected as the motive.

He was a strong healthy man and there was nothing to suggest when he was found that he hadn't died naturally, however, at his autopsy it was discovered that his skull was fractured at its base, and was stated that the fracture could not have been caused by an ordinary fall.

The doctor who examined his body said that his skull was of normal thickness and that that there must have been a second blow of some sort and suggested that he had been hit whilst he was in a stooping position or possibly leaning forward in his chair.