JAMES COCKBURN PINNIGER

COUNTY CORONER FOR 36 YEARS

HOLDER OF MANY PUBLIC OFFICES

It is with sincere regret that we announce the death of Mr. James Cockburn Pinniger, which took place on Christmas night at his residence, the Limes, Newbury. The deceased gentleman, who was born on December 17th 1829 was the son of the late Broome Pinniger, formerly of the West India Regiment, who on resigning his commission, became a solicitor and practised at Newbury. The late Mr. Pinniger was educated at Chatham House Academy, Ramsgate, and was articled to his father, being admitted a solicitor in 1855. He practised with his brother, the late Mr Broome Pinniger until the death of the latter and subsequently with his nephew, the present Mr. Broome Pinniger and with his son Mr. Stanley V. Pinniger.

In 1858, he married Mary Jane, daughter of the late Dr. Chesterman of Banbury, who died in 1885, and by whom he leaves surviving two sons and three daughters. The deceased was in his 79th year.

Mr. Pinniger filled many public offices, and was closely associated with county and borough administration. He was clerk to the Guardians of the Bradfield Union for thirty years, until his resignation some few years ago. For the long period of thirty six years he held the post of County Coroner for West Berks., and discharged the duties with characteristic consideration for bereaved relatives. He was Clerk of the Peace for the borough of Newbury, and it is a coincidence that the summonses to the jurors liable to serve at next Saturday's Quarter Sessions have been circulated in his name during the week. Mr Pinniger was Registrar at Newbury County Court, and it is singular that he occupied his usual seat on the last occasion the late Judge Russell held a court at Newbury. Within two months Judge and Registrar have both departed. Among other offices held by the deceased was that of Superintendent Registrar of Bradfield District, clerk to the Council of Bradfield College, secretary to the Newbury and District Water Company, and was formerly principal agent for the Conservative and Unionist party in South Berks for some twenty years.

Mr. Pinniger was a type of the old family solicitor and enjoyed the confidence of a large circle of clients. He had a bluff outspoken manner, but was of a kindly and considerate disposition with always a genial word for friends and acquaintance. He took a keen and active interest in outdoor sports especially cricket and shooting, nothing afforded him greater pleasure than a day after the birds in the old fashion. Mr. Pinniger was secretary to Highclere Park Cricket Club in the time of the present Lord Carnarvon, for whose estate his own grandfather was formerly for many years agent.

THE FUNERAL

The funeral took place on Monday afternoon at Newbury Cemetery, the interment being in the family grave. The service which was of a simple character was conducted by the Rev. R. Wickham Legg, Vicar of St John's.

The mourners were Mr. Cockburn Broome Pinniger and Mr. Stanley Vickers Pinniger (sons), Mr. R.A. Chesterman (brother-in-law). Messrs Broome Pinniger, Wilkinson Pinniger Harry Broome Pinniger and Thomas Clare Pinniger (nephews).

Among those present were the Mayor (Mr. Councillor Stradling) the Town Clerk (Mr. F. Quekett Louch), Mr. W.A. Mount, J.P., the Borough Coroner (Dr. William Heywood), the Deputy Mayor (Mr. Councillor Pratt), Dr. John Watson, J.P., Dr Hickman, J.P., Mr. F.J. Coldicutt, J.P.,, Mr. Councillor Jackson, J.P.,Mr. Councillor Turner, Mr. William Skinner, J.P., Mr. John Flint, J.P., Mr. W,E,Lewendon, J.P., Mr. W.R. Pettifer (Magistrates Clerk), Messrs. W. Belcher, John Mason, Walter Money, D.R. Jones, W.H. Pitman, John Bance, Henry Davis, A.T. Watson, R. Bell, E.J. Forster, H. Munday, J.W.H. Kemp, Hugh Turner, J.W. Westacott, A. Wise, etc.

Among the wreaths were the following`:- Cockburn and Nelly, Heather, his loving daughters, Stanley and Addie, Broome, Wilkie and Mildred, South Berks Conservative and Unionist Association, Mrs. Edmund Wilder, Mr. Francis Fitzgerald (Recorder of Newbury), Mr. and Mrs. Mount, Charles P. Darke, Mrs. Stanley Vickers, Ethel Vickers and Ellen Vickers, Mr. and Mrs. E.F. Powers, Major Carre Smith, Mr. and Mrs Wilde, jun.

The coffin was of polished oak, with brass furniture, and plate inscribed:-

JAMES COCKBURN PINNIGER,

Died 25th December, 1907

Aged 78 years

The funeral arrangements were carried out by Messrs. George Wintle and Son, of Northbrook-street.

Newbury Weekly News 2 January 1908

Mrs P. p.126 LN (P) 6