JOHN GODDARD KING

THE LATE MR. JOHN GODDARD KING

Sincere regret will be felt in this neighbourhood at the death of Mr. John Goddard King, formerly of Beedon, but recently residing at Beedon House, Newbury. The deceased gentlemen, who passed away on Saturday morning last, in the 70th year of his age, was descended from a race of tenant farmers, well known in the northern part of the County of Berks. His father, Mr. John Bennett King, occupied a farm for many years at Wootton, near Abingdon, and was succeeded by his son Mr. James King, who since his retirement from farming pursuits has resided in the neighbourhood of Newbury.

The deceased, Mr. John Goddard King, was born at Pusey, near Faringdon, and leaving the paternal home at an early age, took a farm at Barton in Oxfordshire, which at the end of four years he vacated, removing to Beedon farm, which he occupied for the long period of 45 years, retiring about two or three years since, to Newbury, where the latter days of his life were spent. The name of Mr. King was one of the best known, in agricultural circles, his reputation extending beyond the district and the country in which he lived. Of excellent judgment his services were often in request as judge at the more important of agricultural shows. To everything connected with the advancement of agriculture he gave the most cordial support, and during the period of its existence was in a leading way connected with the Royal Ilsley Society during the period of its existence. As a sheep breeder he was most successful, and the Beedon flock had a high reputation. One of the last of his public engagements to give up was that of waywarden, which he held until the Ilsley Highway Board was dissolved.

His geniality, kindness of heart, and sound judgment caused his advice to be much sought after. To local projects of usefulness he always gave a helping hand, and his charities were dispensed without stint. On his leaving Beedon he invested a sum of £500, the annual income to be devoted to the poor of that parish ; and to the Agricultural Benevolent Institution he was, we believe, its most liberal subscriber, having contributed for a long time past a sum of £l00 annually. Beside these more public acts of benevolence, in numerous instances his generous and sympathetic feelings found expression in private and unobtrusive channels known only is himself and to those whom he thus benefitted. His good name, his kindly deeds, and his genial nature have enshrined for him a memorial in many hearts, and his loss to the community is one which we fear will be irreparable.

A gentleman who was intimately connected with the late Mr. John King, speaks of him as being most kindly, in every way considerate, generous, and hospitable. He was ever ready to kelp any deserving and necessitous case, and the way in which he did so was characteristic of a man who had for a lifetime devoted himself to good works. Specially to the Agricultural Benevolent Society were his contributions most munificent.

The funeral takes place this afternoon. The body will be brought to Newbury Church, where a short service will be held at three o'clock, and then conveyed to the Cemetery.

Newbury Weekly News and General Advertiser - Thursday 28 February 1889