THOMAS LANGFORD

THE LATE Mr. THOMAS LANGFORD

An old and respected tradesman in the person of Mr. Thomas Langford, passed away on Sunday, the 29th ult. Born at the Manor House, Shefford, where the family had lived for many years, he came to Newbury 65 years ago, to be apprenticed to Mr. Higgins, who then carried on the drapery business to which the late Mr. Hanington succeeded. Subsequently Mr. Langford became an assistant to Mr. James Bodmen, who had a select and genteel business in Northbrook-street.

In 1852 Mr. Langford married, and took to the grocery business in the Broadway which became vacant by the death of Mr. J. Deller, and here he continued until about 14 years ago, when he retired in favour of his son. For about eight years Mr. Langford lived at Shefford House in the Broadway, and then removed into Northbrook-street where he died. Never of a robust constitution, his health had latterly failed, but his declining days were cheered by the devoted attentions of his daughter. Mr. Langford was of a retiring disposition, and though he followed local events with interest, he could never be induced to enter actively into public life. Since 1862 he had been a member of the Congregational Church, and was consequently amongst the oldest on the members’ roll.

The funeral took place on the afternoon of Friday last, at Newbury Cemetery, in the same grave as his wife, who pre-deceased him seven years ago. The coffin was of polished oak with brass fittings, and bore the inscription—

THOMAS LANGFORD:

Died Oct. 29, 1905. Aged 80

The remains were conveyed on an open car. no flowers being permitted by special request. The Rev. E. H. Titchmarsh officiated, and the mourners were: Miss Langford (daughter), Messrs. John, Henry, and Edward Langford (sons), Messrs. Ralph and Walter Langford (grandsons), Mrs. J. D. Langford (daughter-in-law), Mrs. E. Langford (daughter-in-law), Messrs. D. Taylor and F. Taylor (nephews), Miss Taylor (niece ), Miss Keep and the grandchildren.

The cemetery Chapel was quite full, and around the grave were: Rev. G. J. Knight, Mr. R. Wilson Mr. Frank Wilson, Mrs. Hollands, Mr. D. R. Jones, Miss Nash, Mr. T. H. Pratt, Mrs. Glover, Miss Huson, Misses Gunter, Miss Parsloe, Miss Walter, Mrs. Brooks, Mrs. French, Miss Mortimer, Miss Franklin, Mrs. Bishop, Mrs. Morris, etc., etc.

The undertakers were Messrs. Penford and Son, Newbury.

Newbury Weekly News and General Advertiser - Thursday 09 November 1905