HENRY JOHN DAVIS

DEATH OF MR. H. J. DAVIS

MANY YEARS A CHURCHWARDEN

The whole town heard with great sorrow of the death of Mr. Henry John Davis, chemist, of, Northbrook Street. Last week he was apparently in his usual health, which, however, had been none too good latterly. He suffered severe bereavement a few years ago by the loss of his wife, and again in the early years of the war by the death of his son Alec, whilst on active service. Wartime worries and severe strain in business, likewise, had their effect upon his constitution, but he continued personal supervision. On Ash Wednesday evening he intimated his intention of attending service at the Parish Church, but as he did not return at the usual hour, it was thought by his family that he had been detained. Search was made later, and he was found on the premises, having sustained a stroke, and being unconscious for several hours. He was removed to his room in a critical condition, little hopes entertained of his recovery, and he passed away in the early hours of Tuesday.

Mr. Davis was one of Newbury’s most respected townsmen. He succeeded his father many years ago in the conduct of the old-established business, and had developed it considerably, being a chemist of high reputation among the medical profession, and trusted by the public in the supply of many remedies for the minor ailments of life.

Mr. Davis took a great interest in public affairs, and twenty years ago served a period in the Town Council. He also took a turn at the Board of Guardians, but the claims of business compelled his retirement. His sympathies were more in the direction of church work, and he devoted himself wholeheartedly to the administration of affairs at St. Nicholas, with which he had life-long association as a chorister and member of the congregation. For many years he had held the office of rector’s warden, discharging the duties with conscientious care for the maintenance and adornment of the venerable building he loved so well. He was treasurer of the Stained Glass Window Society, and took an active share in the numerous parochial departments, almshouses, charities and the like.

Mr. Davis leaves two children, a son just returned from active service in France, and a daughter.

The funeral takes place to-morrow, Friday.

Newbury Weekly News 13 March 1919

Mrs. P. Code Ch23 (A)  Page 62

Henry John Davis was buried on 14 March 1919 aged 66 years alongside his wife Laura Davis who died 16 January 1911 aged 54 years and was buried on 17 January, and their second son Private Alexander Herbert Davis, 23^rd London Regiment (Artist’s Rifles) who died in hospital on 21 January 1915 aged 25 years and buried on 26 January