ALBERT JAMES COSBURN

DEATH OF MR. A.J. COSBURN

 Universal sympathy and condolence have been eXtended to Mr. and Mrs. George J. Cosburn, of the Market-place, on the death of their third son, Albert James, which took place on Saturday morning, after an illness of nearly three months. Mr. Cosburn was taken ill in the only part of January, complaining of acute pains in the head, and it subsequently became apparent that he was suffering from severe affection of the brain.

Dr. Bunny attended him, in consultation with Dr. Birch. The case becoming worse and Mr. Bunny himself having been taken ill, Dr. Ryott was in. A considerable improvement in the condition of the patient followed and he was able to sit by the window, being well enough to recognise passing friends, although the injury to the brain had unfortunately paralysed him on one side. On Thursday week there was a relapse, and be remained unconscious until the time of his death, which occurred on Saturday morning at eleven o'clock.

Mr. A. J. Cosburn was twenty-five years of age, and cut off in the prime of opening manhood and health, makes his death the more distressing. He was of the most genial disposition and his bright courteous, and kindly nature had made him a great favourite with a large circle of friends and acquaintances, who will miss his smiling face and winning manner. He was a member of the Volunteer Corps for some years, but resigned shortly after being promoted to corporal. He was intensely fond of sport, and was a good shot in the field with his gun. He was a good bicycle rider, and a few years ago won a valuable prize at the Newbury Bicycle Club sports. He was also a member of the Bowling Green Club, and other institutions.

THE FUNERAL

The funeral took place yesterday (Wednesday) afternoon, and the large attendance, both at the Parish Church, where the first part of the service was conducted, and at the Cemetery, afforded testimony of the esteem and affection entertained for the deceased, as well as for the respect and sympathy evinced for his sorrowing parents and relations. The body had been enclosed in a polished elm coffin, with brass furniture, and breast-plate, engraved:

ALBERT JAMES COSBURN

Died March 25, Aged 25 years.

The coffin was conveyed to the church on an open car, and was completely covered with 40 beautiful floral wreaths and crosses. The funeral procession was met at the west door by the choir, who preceded it up the aisle, the Rector (Rev. E. I. Gardiner) reading the opening sentences of the Burial Service. Psalm xxxix was chanted, and the lesson was read by the Rector. Afterwards was sung the beautiful hymn " Now the labourer's task o'er," the Rev. W. Pheasant presiding at the organ. During the chanting of the Nunc Dimittis, the choir left the chancel, and the coffin was removed to the funeral car. All along the route to the cemetery respectful sympathy was shown by closed shutters and drawn blinds.

The ceremony at the grave was performed by the Rector, and was witnessed by a large assemblage. The mourners were Mr. and Mr. Messrs. G. F., F. S., and F. H. Cosburn (brothers), Miss and Miss Beatrice Cosburn (sisters). Mrs. Hamlen, Mrs. Giles. Mr. Kingsbury (West Dulwich), Mr John Kemp (Fulham). Messrs. E. C. James, W. Gamble (representing the Caxton Printing Works Staff), G. J. Cox, A. Allen. and J. Herbert.

Among those present in church and at the Cemetery were: The Deputy-Mayor (Mr. Councillor Knight), etc., etc.

There was a large number of beautiful floral wreaths and crosses, including: —Mr. and Mrs. Benyon (Englelfield), Mr. Mount, M.P., and Mrs. Mount, (Wasing), etc., etc.

Letters of sympathy and condolence, all speaking in the highest terms of deceased were received from a great number of friends of all classes ….

The arrangements were satisfactorily carried by Mr. Hanington, Northbrook-street, Newbury. The coffin was made by Mr. E. C. James, as intimate friends of the deceased, and with whom last autumn he spent a delightful holiday in Scotland and Ireland.

Newbury Weekly News and General Advertiser - Thursday 30 March 1893