Sheffield Evening Telegraph – Saturday 28 March 1891

Poisoned By Fish At Kilnhurst.

A singular case of poisoning through eating fish bas coma to the knowledge of the Rotherham West Riding Police authorities.

It appears that a fishmonger, of Parkgate, Rotherham, was at Kilnhurst; hawking fish on Thursday, and that amongst his customers was Mrs Eliza Poynton, wife of Samuel Poynton, pottery hand. Glasshouse road. Mrs. Poynton not only obtained fish, but also quantity of fish liver. The liver was cooked for the supper, and the following persons, who partook of the meal, have been taken ill:—Samuel Poynton (husband), Eliza Poynton (wife), Theresa Poynton (daughter), George Poynton-(son), Ezra Bellamy (lodger). During Thursday night and Friday morning they were seized with sickness, accompanied by severe pains of the head and joints.

Police constable Watson saw them this morning and found that they were suffering.

The wife of Mr. Ben Smith, collier, also bought some of the fish liver, and it was prepared for Thursday night’s supper. Mrs. Smith and four of her children each had a portion of it, and like the Poyntons they have suffered severely. Mrs. Smith and one of bar children are now very bad. The others have recovered. It is singular fact that a fifth child of Mrs. Smith’s sat down to supper, but had fish simply, without the liver. He has suffered from no ill effects.

Mr. Gibbs, assistant to Dr. Hills, of Conisborough, been attendance on the Smiths, and he is stated to be clearly opinion that the symptoms were those of poisoning.

Another resident, James Pearse, also bought a piece of the liver, but did not have it cooked.

Police-constable Watson has now-obtained possession of this suspected food for the purpose of. examination.