Personal Details of James Blackett
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| Born: | |
| Died: | 19/05/877 |
| Buried: | 23/05/1877 |
Listed below are all the details we have been able to find so far on James Blackett.
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.
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Birth
There is no information in our database regarding the birth of James Blackett.
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Death
There is no information in our database regarding the death of James Blackett.
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Burial Register
| Name at death | James Blackett | ||||||
| Age at Death | 68 | ||||||
| Burial Date | 23 May 1877 | ||||||
| Abode |
Speen |
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| Official at Burial | E W Shalders. | ||||||
| Comments | |||||||
| Burial Register Index |
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| Sources | Burial Register |
Burial Register entry for James Blackett
©Newbury Town Council
Reproduced with kind permission
Burial Register Entry for James Blackett
Memorial Details
| North facing top of slab: In Loving Memory of James Blackett of Donnington and Newbury who died May 19th. 1877 aged 68 years. "Always abounding in the work of the Lord." Cor. 58. At Rest. West facing top of slab: Walter James Blackett of Porchester Road at Rest July 5th. 1916, aged 75 years. South facing stop of slab Also of Mary Blackett (lettering sheared off) West facing panel: Also of Louisa. wife of the above, who passed away April 10th. 1925 aged 82 years. "Reunited" called to the higher service" | |
| Name on Memorial | James Blackett |
| Date of death | 19/05/1877 |
| Age | 68 |
| Gender | Male |
| Memorial Type | Vault with side panels, single front panel. |
| Construction Material | Sandstone with engraved text. |
| Condition of memorial | Fair, lettering sheared off on West and South sides |
| Pattison Location Code | 75 |
| Recorder's Notes | Some Text missing, completed from Mrs Pattison's record |
| Others named on memorial | |
| Walter James Blackett | |
| Mary Blackett | |
| Louisa Blackett |
Memorial Images
The pictures below show the memorial on which James Blackett is named.
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Blackett grave
Newspaper Cuttings
The articles below have been transcribed from newspapers and magezines.
James Blacket
| Source: | Berkshire Chronicle |
| Article date: | 26/05/1877 |
| Copyright: | Berkshire Chronicle |
| Transciption: | JAMES BLACKET Our obituary of to-day contains the names of two old and respected tradesmen of the town. These are Mr.James Blacket and Mr. Samuel Biddis.
Mr. Blacket succumbed on Saturday morning last to gradual illness of some month's duration. His death is real loss to the town. was a Liberal in politics, and was firm and conscientious in his adherence to the Independent body of religionists. His principles were maintained by him, without on the one hand any exhibition of party spirit, and on the other of any bigotry or intolerance. The respect in which was held by all parties and creeds was illustrated on Wednesday, the day of the funeral. The houses were partially closed and blinds drawn all along the route from Square to the Cemetery. The cortege was also followed the Mayor, several members of the Corporation, and a numerous body of tradesmen. The funeral service was read by the Rev. E. W. Shaldere, who also made a few fitting observations at the grave-side.
Berkshire Chronicle - Saturday 26 May 1877 |
| This obituary entry is awaiting verification. |
James Blackett
| Source: | Newbury Weekly News |
| Article date: | 31/05/1877 |
| Copyright: | Newbury Weekly News |
| Transciption: | JAMES BLACKETT
THE LATE MR. JAMES BLACKET.
—On Sunday last a funeral sermon with reference to Mr. Blanket, was preached at the Independent Chapel, by the Rev. E. W. Shalders. A very large congregation was present, most of whom appeared in mourning. The text was—" Demetrius hath good report of all men. and of the truth itself; yea, and we also bear record, and ye know that our record is true "-3 John, 12. For the name Demetrius, said the preacher, substitute that of our dear and honoured friend, James Blanket, and the application of the text will justify itself. The text was a testimonial to Christian character. A character free from blemish was a poor man's wealth and a rich man's glory.
After some well timed remarks on the formation of character, Mr. Shalders proceeded to draw a comparison between the good man in the text and their departed friend, inviting his hearers to look at the fourfold testimony to his character which Mr. Blanket had left behind him—
(l) "He has a good report of all men;”
(2) a good report of the truth itself;
(3) personal testimony of the pastor,
" We also bear record ;” (4) the concurrent testimony of the church, " Ye know that our testimony is true.”
The concluding passages of the discourse referred in a touching manner to the incidents of the last hours of the deceased. We understand that the sermon is being printed for private circulation.
On Sunday evening the Rev. W. Robinson preached at Thatcham Congregational Church from Acts viii., 2. " And devout men carried Stephen to his burial, and made great lamentation over him." The subject was the office and the qualifications of a Christian deacon. Mr. Blanket, to whom the discourse referred, had, he said, been a trustee and kind and constant friend of the church at Thatcham for many years.
The following resolution was passed at a meeting of committee of the Boys' British School held yesterday, and the same was ordered to be entered upon the minutes :—" The death of Mr. James Blanket, for more than thirty years the secretary of this Boys' British School, necessitating the choice of a successor, the committee, before proceeding to appoint one of their number to the vacant office, desire to place on record their high esteem for his character and their deep sense of the indebtedness of this institution to his diligence, sound judgment, and liberal support. They would express their assured conviction that the lengthened prosperity of this school and its present efficiency are not a little owing to the unflagging zeal with which he diischarged his duties as secretary, and to the influence he exerted in the town on behalf of sound and unsectarian education ; and further, they pledge themselves, as well from regard to his memory as for the other and higher ends for which the school exists, to use their best efforts to promote its future welfare.”
Mr. Thomas W. Fielder, of Enborne House, was subsequently appointed secretary.
On Monday evening at a meeting of the members of the church, the following resolution was moved in feeling terms by Mr. Penford, the senior deacon, and seconded by Mr. Toomer :—" That this meeting deeply deplores the loss of Mr. James Blanket, who, for a period of 35 years, was a faithful and honoured deacon of this Church ; and desires to place on record their sense of his exalted character, eminent piety, and distinguished services. And further wishes to convey to Mrs. Blanket the assurance that its members deeply sympathise with her in the sad bereavement which she, in the providence of God, is called upon to sustain.” |
| This obituary entry is awaiting verification. |
Biographical Information
The articles below contain information about James Blackett.
The Blacket family of Newbury
James Blacket (born 1809, Southwark) came to Newbury 1841 to take over bankrupt stationer’s business at 34 Northbrook St. Prospered as printer and stationer, and from about 1859 - 1914 as publisher of many titles, mostly of local interest (imprint sometimes as Blacket, later as W J Blacket, and later still as Blacket Turner - a company which still existed 1990s as the parent company of the NWN). At one time he stood for election to the town council – slightly controversial at that time for a strong nonconformist. The Blackets were Congregationalist.
Wife’s name unknown but might have been Mary: FBMD has an 87-year-old Mary Blacket dying in Newbury in 1894.
Walter James Blacket, born Newbury 1842, son of James. He had younger brothers Edmund and Frederick (b1845) who both moved away from Newbury. FBMD notes death of a Sarah Blacket in Newbury 1847 – connection unconfirmed. WJB was educated at Woodpseen Academy and joined his father in the business 1858. Did the family live in Donnington Square?
James Blacket launched a local newspaper, the Newbury Advertiser, in 1859. It was abandoned the same year. He retired around 1866, leaving Walter to run the business.
WJB wanted to start another newspaper. Went to Cheltenham where he recruited Thomas Wheildon Turner, one of his father’s former printing apprentices, now a reporter on the Cheltenham Examiner. They launched the Newbury Weekly News in 1867.
According to FBMD WJB married in 3Q 1871 in Kingsclere (Hants) to “Shelley” or “Shirlsmith”. ??? But his wife’s name was known to have been Louisa. They had two daughters: Lily, born and died in 1872, and Gertrude Marion, born 1874. Lived at no 6 Porchester Villas.
WJB held many public offices including governor of the Grammar School, on the Board of Public Health, secretary of Newbury Scientific and Literary Institituion, trustee of National Savings Bank and several charities, plus heavy commitment to Congregationalist church. Enthusiast for “Penny readings” a movement in 1860s to make literature available to all social classes. Liberal in politics.
James died Newbury 1877.
Walter died Newbury 1919 aged 74, and was buried Newtown Rd His shares left to widow Louisa and daughter Getrude now surnamed Collins, who in time sold them to the Turner family.
34 Northbrook St remained the NWN’s high street office throughout most of the 20th century, albeit declining badly in the last 20 years. Now demolished for Parkway development
Sue Hopson has an 1850s photo of the three Blacket boys. NWN has a photo of Walter Blacket, and a photo of 34 Northbrook St at the turn of 1900.
30 May 2011
Author: Penny Stokes
© Penny Stokes
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