Front Page Congleton Chronicle 7th May 1947
Died by his Fireside – 39-years-old Mans Collapse
A 39 years old fitters sudden death as he sat by his fireside reading and smoking his pipe was described at the inquest on Saturday on Edward Knapper of 15 Rood Hill Congleton.
His wife Mrs May Knapper told the coroner (Alder.R.A.Daniel) – that her husband was medically treated some time ago for pains in the chest. He had kept on working until the electricity cut, as a result of which he had been home about a fortnight. On Wednesday February 26th he again complained of chest pains and a feeling of tightness and about 9:30 p.m. as he sat in front of the fire reading and smoking he said the pains were more severe. He asked for Brandy which she gave him, and later for a glass of water. As he began to drink this his head fell on one side and he collapsed in his chair. Believing he had fainted she undid his shirt and ran for help. Later it was found that he was dead.
Dr P.G. Leese Congleton said a post mortem examination revealed an enlarged heart and extensive degeneration of the arteries. Sudden death was liable to have occurred at any time.
The coroner asked if the deceased was not rather young to have a heart condition described and wwitness replied that a child who had suffered from rheumatic fever might have a deposits in the arteries similar to those he had found.
Eric Knapper Bricklayer 12 Victoria Street who gave evidence of identification said to his knowledge deceased (his brother) had never had rheumatic fever.
Returning a verdict in accordance with the medical evidence the coroner said that death had been due to perfectly natural causes.
The Funeral was at St Peters Church on Monday, the Vicar (Conon WR Johnson) performed the last rites. Mourners were Mrs M Knapper (widow), Mrs H Knapper (mother), Mr E Knapper (brother) Mr & Mrs J Farr, sister and brother in law, Mr & Mrs Malkin, Mr & Mrs Walker, Mrs Redfern, Mr & Mrs H Mountfield, Mr S Hughes, and Mrs Gaskell. Messrs E Blease, H Brocklehurst, N. Kennerly, Ed & Eric Porter, and H. Mansfield acted as bearers. Messrs TE Cooke Park Street had charge of funeral arrangements.