RUSSELL JOSH EVANS

THE SUDDEN DEATH OF MR. J.R. EVANS—

Additional particulars to hand respecting the sudden death of Mr. J. R. Evans, which we notified in our last issue, state that Mr. and Mrs. Evans arrived from Tonbridge on a visit to this neighbourhood, and on Thursday week, they came to Newbury and conversed with many of their old friends, Mr. Evans appearing in his usual health and spirits. From Newbury they went into Wiltshire, and on Tuesday, Mr. Evans went for a drive with his friend, Mr. George Ferris, of Milton, the well-known agricultural valuer. While they were in the neighbourhood of Aldbourne, Mr. Evans suddenly expired. His body was removed to a house close by, and the evidence adduced at the inquest held on Wednesday left no doubt that death had resulted from heart disease. Mr. Evans had recently complained of pains in his chest, but no serious consequences were apprehended.

He has left a widow and family of seven children, for whom deep sympathy is felt in their severe bereavement. Mrs. Evans (who is a niece of the late Alderman Hale, Lord Mayor of London in 1873) came to Newbury on Wednesday evening and stayed at the residence of the Mayor (Mr. Midwinter), where her late husband's brother met her. Mr. and Mrs. Evans had arranged to spend a few days with Mr. and Mrs. Joachim, at Henwick, and were expected there on Wednesday evening, but a telegram announced the sad news of his sudden death.

The funeral took place on Monday at Newbury Cemetery. The body was brought in an open hearse from Marlborough by road. Through the kindness of the Vicar, the relatives and friends were permitted to meet in St. John's Schoolroom, and from thence followed to the grave. The service was conducted be the Rev. Canon Portal.

The mourners were Mr. Willie Evans, Rev. W. Hale and Mr. A. H. Hale, and the following friends also joined the cortege :—the Mayor of Newbury, Rev. J. Atkins, Mr. George Ferris, Mr. and Mrs. Plenty, Mr. and Mrs. D. Skinner. Ald Hickman, Messrs. S. Wentworth, Joachim, Lamb and J. Wilkins.

Newbury Weekly News and General Advertiser - Thursday 28 June 1888