WILLIAM REDMAN

THE LATE MR. WILLIAM REDMAN

There passed away at The Limes, Wash-road, Newbury, on Thursday last in the person of Mr. William Redman, one of the most successful farmers of a former generation, who singularly enough also held a prominent position in the commercial world, being for many years a director of the Capital and Counties Banking Co., Ltd. The deceased gentleman, who had reached the great age of 90. came of an old Wiltshire family of farmers well-known for its longevity, the age of three of his brothers totalling 265 years.

Mr. Redman came to Newbury 24 years ago upon giving up active participation in farming, and one reason was to be within an easy run of London, where he often went to attend Board meetings. Since then he has spent the evening of his days in quiet retirement, though he retained a keen interest in commercial matters, and read the papers until the last.

He was one of a family of ten, being son of Mr. Thomas Redman, of Snarton, Melksham, and upon the death of his father he undertook, at the early age of 14, the management of Halfway Farm, near that parish. the whole business devolving upon him. He remained there for 20 years, and in 1840 married Mary Ann Bird, of Melksham, and there were three children of the marriage, all of whom are living.

In 1850 he took East Coulston Farm. which he occupied for over 30 years.

His first wife died in 1854, and he married again in 1856 Marianne Grant, eldest daughter of Mr. William Grant, of Earlstoke. It was in the same year that he became a director of the Capital and Counties Bank, which important position he held for 43 years, retiring at the age of 84.

The interment took place at the Cemetery on Tuesday afternoon. in the presence of a large number of sorrowing relatives and friends. The mourners included Mr. W. Redman and Mr. H. Redman (sons), Mrs. W. Redman and Mrs. H. Redman (daughters-in-law), Mr. Gordon Redman, Mr. Blair Redman, Miss Redman (grandchildren). Mr. S. W. Farmer (son-in-law), Mr. James Stratton (Chilcombe), Mr. F. Stratton (Manningford), Mr. W. Stratton. Mr. Alf Stratton, Mr. James Redman (Winterbourne Baseett), Mr. T. N. Redman (Froxfield), Mr. F. W. Redman (Hightreees), Messrs. Edward, Tom, and Jack Redman, Miss Ashford, Miss Jeffreys, Mr. Robert Lyne, Mr. Edward Lyne, Mr. A. T. Smith (Melksham): whilst there were also noticed present … (a list follows)

The coffin was of polished oak. with massive brass fittings, the name-plate being inscribed:

WILLIAM REDMAN

Died May 25. 1905,

Aged 90.

The service was of an impressive character, the officiating clergyman being the Rev. R. Wickham Legg, Vicar of St. John's.

Although the deceased had expressed the wish that no flowers should be sent, some few friends unacquainted with the desire forwarded choice floral emblems, which were placed on the top of the coffin. The funeral arrangements were carried out by Messrs. Penford and Son of Newbury.

Newbury Weekly News and General Advertiser - Thursday 01 June 1905