FREDERICK WILLIAM WOOTTEN

DEATH OF MR. FRED WOOTTEN

Another victim has been added to the already long list who have succumbed to the treacherous and severe weather of the last few months. Mr. Fred Wootten, of the Pelican Livery Stables, was last week suffering from a severe cold, but it did not deter him from following his usual daily business, and only on Easter Monday he officiated as clerk of the course at the Rural Sports, and none was more active than he in the performance of his duties. His cold, however, grew worse. and during Friday night alarming symptoms developed themselves, insomuch that Dr. Palmer, who was in attendance, had decided to make an operation on the throat. He left to consult Dr. Kirby, but during his absence, the sufferer died from suffocation.

Mr. Wootton was only 27 years of age, and since the death of his father, eleven ortwelve years ego, managed for his mother the extensive business of the Pelican Livery Stables, which were so celebrated in the old coaching days.

Mr. Wootten was of genial temperament, and his almost sudden death has elicited universal sympathy from all classes in the town. He was a member of the Newbury Troop of the Royal Berks, Yeomanry, but had recently sent is his resignation; although not a member of the Volunteer Fire Brigade, he always horsed the fire engine in an admirable manner, and generally donned the uniform of the Brigade on the occasion of a fire.

The funeral took place on Tuesday afternoon at the Cemetery, and a large number of persons attended out of respect to the deceased. The members of the Volunteer Fire Brigade were also present in uniform. The coffin, which was conveyed to the Cemetery in as open hearse, was covered with choice flowers sad wreaths.

Newbury Weekly News and General Advertiser - Thursday 12 April 1888