Personal Details of Otway Francis Smithers
| Born: | |
| Died: | |
| Buried: | 02/04/1892 |
Listed below are all the details we have been able to find so far on Otway Francis Smithers.
As far as we are aware, all the information is correct. However, sometimes transcriptions can lead to errors being made. If you find any errors or omissions, please let us know and we will endeavour to get them corrected as soon as possible.
If you have any further information on Otway Francis Smithers, we would be delighted to hear from you.
Birth
There is no information in our database regarding the birth of Otway Francis Smithers.
Can you help us? If so, please contact our History Research Group.
Death
| Name at death | Otway Francis Smithers | ||||||||||
| Date of death | |||||||||||
| Age at death | 62 | ||||||||||
| Gender at Death | Male | ||||||||||
| Cause of Death | |||||||||||
| Place of Death | as above Newbury | ||||||||||
| Usual Address | The Mount, Newbury, Berkshire | ||||||||||
| GRO certificate index |
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| Information Sources |
Death certificate for Otway Francis Smithers*
Provided by FNRC
Death Certificate for Otway Francis Smithers
Burial Register
There is no burial register information available for Otway Francis Smithers.
Only three of the five burial register books still exist as far as we know and these are held at the Berkshire Record Office.
Stillborn children were not recorded in the burial register, only in the cemetery accounts.
Memorial Details
| Kerbstones south: In loving memory of Major General / west: Otway Francis Smithers / north: born 16th May 1829 died 30th March 1892 | |
| Name on Memorial | Otway Francis SMITHERS |
| Date of death | 30/03/1892 |
| Age | 62 |
| Gender | Male |
| Memorial Type | Kerbstones & cross |
| Construction Material | Marble |
| Condition of memorial | Cross flat on ground, writing on top of kerbstones and repeated on the inner side |
| Pattison Location Code | CH6 (D) |
Cemetery accounts
This information is taken from the accounts ledgers of the Newbury Cemetery Company that originally ran and maintained the cemetery.
The Ledgers are held at the Berkshire Records Office.
| Name at death | Otway Francis Smithers |
| Date of burial | 02/04/1892 |
| Whence brought | Newbury |
| Where & how buried | Consecrated Private Grave |
| By whom buried | Reverend G Dunn |
| Account remarks | Maybe Drew |
| Account Entry | Book 2 - Page 65 |
| Transcription comments | On FBMD Not sure about Rev's name |
Newspaper Cuttings
The articles below have been transcribed from newspapers and magezines.
Major-General Otway Francis Smithers
| Source: | The Morning Post |
| Article date: | 19/02/1874 |
| Copyright: | The Morning Post |
| Transciption: | MAJOR-GENERAL O.F. SMITHERS
MARRIAGE
"HIRSCH - SMITHERS - On the 17th inst., at St. Saviour’s Haverstock-hill, by the Rev. S. Russell Davies M.A., late vicar of St. Stephen’s, Lewisham, brother-in-law of the bride, assisted by the Rev. - Herklots, M.A., vicar of St. Saviour’s, Sabina, daughter of J.F. Hirsch, Esq., of The Manor Hall, St. John’s-wood park, to Otway Francies Smithers, major in the Madras Staff Corps. No cards.”
From THE MORNING POST, Thursday 19th February, 1874.
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| This obituary entry is awaiting verification. |
Major-General Otway Francis Smithers
| Source: | Berkshire Chronicle |
| Article date: | 02/04/1892 |
| Copyright: | Berkshire Chronicle |
| Transciption: | MAJOR-GENERAL OTWAY FRANCIS SMITHERS DEATH OF MAJOR-GENERAL SMITHERS.—We deeply regret to announce after an illness of but a few days, the death of this gentleman, who resided at the Mount. The ultimate cause of death was peritonitis. The deceased, in his military career, passed through the campaign of the Indian Mutiny, and wore the honours of that memorial time. The general has resided at Newbury for several years, and took more than ordinary interest in local institutions. He was in his sixty-fourth year, and was the second son of the late Dr Smithers of Greenwich. The funeral takes place this day (Saturday) BERKSHIRE CHRONICLE Saturday 02 April 1892 |
| This obituary entry is awaiting verification. |
Major-General Otway Francis Smithers
| Source: | Reading Mercury |
| Article date: | 02/04/1892 |
| Copyright: | Reading Mercury |
| Transciption: | MAJOR-GENERAL OTWAY FRANCIS SMITHERS
HIS DEATH
DEATH OF MAJOR-GENERAL SMITHERS. —We deeply regret announce the decease of Major-General Smithers, which occurred on Wednesday at his residence, the Mount, Newtown-road, after a brief but severe illness.
The deceased gentleman, who had resided in Newbury for some years, and was held in high esteem by a wide circle of friends, had devoted his leisure in promoting the interests of many of our local institutions. In politics he was a staunch Conservative, and officiated as Ruling Councillor of the Falkland Habitation of the Primrose League until its amalgamation with the Newbury Habitation. He evinced great interest in Church work in St. John's district, as well in the Newbury District Hospital, the Grammar School, the University Extension lectures, and the like. He had for some years taken an active part in the local management of the business of the National Deposit Friendly Society, and was Vice-Chairman of the Berks and Hants Branch Committee of that Institution, as well as being member of the General Committee. He had held high rank as a Freemason during his residence in India, and although not member of either of the Newbury Lodges, he had on one or two occasions attended the installation meetings. The gallant officer was second son of the late Dr. Smithers, of Greenwich, and having obtained a commission in the 108th Regiment, served through the Indian Mutiny with distinction, and gained the medal and clasp. Later on he held a command in the Madras Presidency. Latterly he had been in somewhat impaired health, but no serious consequences were apprehended, and last week he was as active and apparently well as usual. Unfortunately, however, he was poorly on Saturday, but still able to attend service at St. John's Church on Sunday. The symptoms became more serious Monday, and, despite medical skill, succumbed on Wednesday. The intelligence of his death caused deep regret, and much sympathy with his widow and family has been expressed. His decease is a distinct loss to the town. The funeral will take place the Cemetery this (Saturday) afternoon at three o'clock. READING MERCURY Saturday 02 April 1892 |
| This obituary entry is awaiting verification. |
Major-General Otway Francis Smithers
| Source: | Newbury Weekly News |
| Article date: | 07/04/1892 |
| Copyright: | Newbury Weekly News |
| Transciption: | MAJOR-GENERAL OTWAY FRANCIS SMITHERS
THE FUNERAL
* THE FUNERAL OF MAJOR GENERAL SMITHERS, whose decease we announced in our last issue, took place on Saturdayafternoon in Newbury Cemetery. Prior to interment, the body was taken into St. John's Church, where the deceased was a sidesman. The mournful cortege was met at the by the Vicar (Rev. R. Dunn), who proceeded up the aisle reading the opening sentences of the burial service. Psalm XC was chanted by the choir, and the Vicar read the lesson, followed by the singing of the hymn "Days and moments quickly flying", and whilst the coffin, which was covered with beautiful wreaths and crosses, was being removed, the organist played the Dead March in Saul.
The procession was then re-formed and slowly wended its way to the Cemetery, where the remainder of the service was read. On the coffin was a brass plate with the following inscription:-
OTWAY FRANCIES SMITHERS,
Born May 16, 1829
Died March 30 1892
The mourners were:- Messrs Bernard, Harry, and Leonard Smithers (sons), Mr F.O. Smithers, (brother), Mr. A. Hirsch (brother-in-law), Messrs. Collier and Alfred Smithers (nephews), and Mr. Russell Davies (nephew). The Misses Smithers were present in the church during the funeral service. Amongst those present in church and at the graveside were:- Sir Alexander Arbuthnot, K.C.S.I., Admiral Herbert, Sir Francis Scott, the Rector of Newbury (Rev. E.I. Gardiner), Rev. W. Pheasant, Rev. J. Atkins, Rev., John Pate, the Mayor of Newbury (Mr Councillor A. Jackson), General Maunsell, Captain Wood, Mr. R. Birch, Mr Brice Bunny, Mr. Alderman Absalom, Mr. A.C. Bazett, Mr. J. Morrison, Mr. Hopson, Mr G.J. Cosburn (representing the National Deposit Friendly Society),Mr. F. Everett, Mr. J. Hiscock, Mr. W. Hawkes, Mr. Walter Church, Mr. W. Cordrey, and many others.
The following sent wreaths:- The Widow, five children, Sir Francis and Lady Scott, Rev. R Dunn, Mrs. Vandeleur, Mr. F. Smithers (London), Mrs Atkins, Miss Constance Hirsch, Oscar and Mabel Hirsch, Miss Hirsch (London), Mr. A F. Hirsch (London), Miss Austin, Mrs. Wood, Mr. Morrison, Mrs. Corey (London), Mrs. Bailey (London), Mr. and Mrs. Bingham, Mrs. Hicks, Mr. and Mrs. William Holding, Miss Lawson (Ealing), Mr. and Mrs. F. Everett, Mr. J. Gilbert, &c.
The funeral arrangements were carried out by Mr. George Wintle, of Northbrook Street.
At the close of Sunday evening's service at St. John's Church, the organist (Mr. J.W. Vickers) played the Dead March in Saul, the congregation remaining standing.
NEWBURY WEEKLY NEWS 7th April 1892
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| This obituary entry is awaiting verification. |
Major-General Otway Francis Smithers
| Source: | Berkshire Chronicle |
| Article date: | 09/04/1892 |
| Copyright: | Berkshire Chronicle |
| Transciption: | MAJOR-GENERAL OTWAY FRANCIS SMITHERS * THE LATE MAJOR-GENERAL SMITHERS. —The funeral of this lamented gentleman took place the cemetery on Saturday. The first portion of the service was said at the parish church of St John, where the deceased attended. The service was choral, and the vicar the Rev R. Dunn officiated. The hymn “Days and moments quickly flying” was sung. The breast plate of the coffin contained the following inscription, “Otway Francis Smithers, born May 16th 1829 ; died March 30th 1892.” The coffin was covered with lovely wreaths, received from the widow, five children, Sir Francis and Lady Scott, Rev R. Dunn, Mrs Vandeleur, Mr F. Smithers, (London), Mrs Russell Davies (London), Miss Caw (Liverpool), Mrs Atkins, Miss Constance Hirsch, Oscar and Mabel Hirsch. Miss Hirsch (London) A. F. Hirsch (London) Miss Austin, Mrs Wood, Morrison, Mrs Corey (London), Mrs Bailey (London) Mr and Mrs Bingham. Mrs Hicks, and Mrs W. Holding, Miss Lawson (Ealing), Mr and Mrs F. Everett, Mr J. Gilbert, &c. The mourners were Messrs Barnard, Harry, and Leonard Smithers, sons, Mr F. O. Smithers, brother, Mr Hirsch, brother-in-law, Messrs Collins and Wilfred Smithers, nephews, and Russell Davies, nephew. There were also a large number of the friends of the deceased in the Church. At the grave the service was concluded by the vicar. Mr. Wintle conducted the funeral arrangements. On Sunday last, reference was made to the death of the deceased, and in the evening the Dead March in Saul was played as the concluding voluntary. BERKSHIRE CHRONICLE April 9 1892 |
| This obituary entry is awaiting verification. |
Pictures and photographs
The pictures below are all linked with Otway Francis Smithers.
Click an image to show an enlarged version of it.
.JPG)
Otway Francis Smithers P.M.(Past Master)
© Masonic Library
Otway Francis Smithers P.M.(Past Master)
© Masonic Library
Major-General Otway Francis Smithers
© FNRC
Major-General Otway Francis Smithers
obverse of medal similar to that issued to Major-General O F Smithers
© FNRC
Major-General Otway Francis Smithers
© FNRC
Major-General Otway Francis Smithers
reverse of medal similar to that issued to Major-General O F Smithers
© FNRC
Biographical Information
The articles below contain information about Otway Francis Smithers.
Major-General Otway Francis Smithers
Being a History of the 2nd Battalion, Madras Pioneers
From his obituary (see below), we learn 'He had held high rank as a Freemason during his residence in India, and although not a member of either of the Newbury Lodges, he had on one or two occasions attended the installation meetings.'
The following is from “NEWBURY ROAD BY ROAD” by R.B. Tubb, reproduced here with his kind permission.
Under “Mount Close” (a cul-de-sac off Priory Road) we learn from the 1891 census …
“The Mount …. the occupants were Major-General Otway Smithers (retired) and his wife Sara, their four children (Hester, Harry, Leonard and Lilian), Emily Hirsch (sister-in-law) and two servants.
“Major-General Smithers had served in India, three of his children having been born there.”
Author: Doug Larsen and Brian Sylvester
© Harts Army List of 1888: London Gazette:
.jpg)
Major-General Otway Francis Smithers
Provided by FNRC
Major-General Otway Francis Smithers
.jpg)
Obverse of medal similar to that issued to Major-General O F Smithers
.jpg)
Major-General Otway Francis Smithers
Provided by FNRC
Major-General Otway Francis Smithers
.jpg)
Reverse of medal similar to that issued to Major-General O F Smithers
Otway Francis Smithers
Provided by FNRC
Otway Francis Smithers
1881 census
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