A SINGULAR EPITAPH, TOPSHAM, 1840

 "A correspondent has sent us the following epitaph found among the papers of the late Mr, Coysh, schoolmaster, Topsham.  Mr, Coysh had been for many years in the navy.  He was author of a work on which he much prided himself - 'The British Pronouncing and Self-instructing Spelling-book.'  The date of his death is supplied by the Executors: 

"TOPSHAM -

By the Grace of God,

Here lies moored in peace the hulk of
GEORGE COYSH,

who was launched into this ocean of misery on the 18th September, 1781, and who, after sustaining a variety of damage during a boisterous voyage through life, became at last so much impaired as to be rendered unfit for further service, and in consequence of his rotten and infirm state, was in pursuance of orders from aloft, brought to his moorings in this port on the 12th of November, 1840, in sure and certain hope of a thorough refit through him who hath said 'Because I live ye shall live also.""

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It is no doubt a fact somewhat overlooked that George Coysh's British Pronouncing and Self-Instructing Spelling -book  was written in Topsham.   This somewhat crazy work can be found online.  It was well received by the educationalists of Exeter and at his death he had another such work in hand.  The quaint epitaph which he composed for himself reveals him to be have been a character who deserves to be remembered.  

Source: The Western Times, 6th February 1841.