The late Mr Henry Wilder.

Working man politician

A veteran oddfellow.

The death of Mr Henry Wilder which occured on Saturday morning at kimber's almshouses removes one who for over half a century played a prominent part in local political circles and was an active promoter of oddfellowship besides holding a responsible position among working men. Henry Thomas Wilder -  few had ever heard of that second name  -  familiarly known as Harry was born in Newbury in 1837 and was therefore in his 74th year. He was apprenticed to a bricklayer and on completing his term entered the employ of Mr George Adey, builder of West mills continuing successively with Mr William George Adey and Mr Charles William Adey for the lengthened period of 53 years. During the greater part of that time he occupied the post of foreman and was therefore in charge of the many important contracts of church building and restoration carried out by that firm. Among them may be mentioned the building of new churches at Ecchingswell and at West Woodhay, the new chancel at Shaw church, restoration of padworth church, the chancel of Burghclere church, the building of Burghclere and Frilsham rectories, restoration of Compton church, Wasing chancel, the building of St. Johns school room, the West Street school room, the church almshouses and St. Nicholas parish room the latter being regarded as a particularly fine specimen of brickwork, in which Wilder was himself very skillful.  He was a man of great tact and knew how to manage men. While insisting on work being properly done he was not hard taskmaster and a happy manner made him a favourite amongst his fellows. 

Mr Wilder was an ardent oddfellow and proved instrumental in inducing many young men to join the order thereby enabling them to make provision against the days of disabling sickness. For 56 years he was a member of the "Jack of Newbury" lodge and filled all the offices being twice the noble grand, the second time in the 50th year of his membership. He was grandmaster of the Newbury district in 1884 and in 1888 was the selected delegate to the A M C at Gloucester. A member of the management committee and trustee of the Jack lodge he was also trustee of the district and the past grands lodge.

As a working man politician Mr Wilder attained considerable local reputation.He was one of the little company which met in an upper room at a cottage in northcroft lane in 1878 and their decided upon the establishment of a workingmen's Conservative Club. The old "fountain" premises were leased and there the club existed under none too comfortable conditions for seven years. Then an effort was made and a sum of £1100 was raised which was expended in reconstruction and renovation. With this improved accommodation the club remained there until 1906 when another change became imperative and removal was made to the commodious premises of Beedon house in Cheap street . During 32 years of the club's history Henry Wilder was chairman of the committee and foremost in all active campaigns. He enjoyed the respect and regard of the leaders of the conservative party in the early days before Berkshire was divided, Of Colonel Loyd-Lindsay, Mr Richard Beynon and Mr Philip Wroughton; in later times of Mr William George Mount the late member for Newbury division and Mr William Arthur Mount, the present representative, who publicly express their indebtedness to the services of Henry Wilder and his club colleagues. It was Mr W G Mount who sent him to consult the eminent physician sir William Jenner for the asthma from which he suffered and when he was spending his latter years in the calm seclusion of kimber's almshouses Mr W A Mount both in 1909 and 1910 called upon his veteran supporter to personally report his successful return as member. The consideration was well merited for nobody entered into political warfare with keener zest than did Harry Wilder. His genial good humour and a natural gift of free and easy oratory made him popular on platforms and he was particularly acceptable at social gatherings. When failing health rendered it necessary for him to retire from the chairmanship of the club the members recognised his long and active services by a handsome presentation to himself and wife. He was twice married and leaves a widow also one son and one daughter out of her family of five.

The funeral

The funeral took place on Wednesday.  The body was conveyed to Newbury church from the market place where many people had assembled to follow the remains of a popular townsman. The service at the church was read by the rector the reverend L R Majendie, there being a large congregation.  The procession was reformed and proceeded to the cemetery where the Interment took place, the committal sentences being read by the reverend A D H Newbold while the solemn oddfellows ritual was recited by P P G M Jordan.

The mourners were Mr William Wilder (son), Mrs William Wilder (daughter-in-law). Mrs Talman (daughter), Mr. David Geater (son-in-law), Mr Arthur Moth, Mr Edward knight . Mrs Wilder the widow was unable to attend through illness . Those who followed the body betokening their respect or who were present included Mr W A mount MP....... for reminder see photo below