Derbyshire Advertiser and Journal - 25 January 1867
SHIRLEY
GUN ACCIDENT— On Wednesday morning, the 16th inst., Mr. William Twigg, of this place, had gone across to a neighbour's, and remarking that he had seen a black-bird close by, a loaded gun being just at hand was offered him to shoot it, and he took it with that intention, and had not gone many yards, when his feet slipped from under him and he fell on his back. His right hand being on the trigger, his left hand slipped up the barrel to the muzzle, when it went off, completely shattering his first three fingers, and severely injuring his thumb. Mr. Copestake was immediately called in, and under his attendance, he is progressing favourably, but not yet out of danger.