THE LATE MR. WILLIAM KNIGHT.
Last Sunday morning, just before worshippers were proceeding to morning service, Mr. William Knight, one of our oldest townsmen passed away leaving a reputation which had secured for him the highest esteem of all by whom he was known.
Mr. Knight had been for nearly 59 years at the Newbury Wharf, originally when it was worked by the Kennet and Avon Canal Company, and more latterly since it has passed into the hands of the G.W.R.
He had been ailing the last few weeks, but it was not until the previous Friday that he took to his bed. He was 82 years of age last February, and of his death it may be said that it was the decay of nature.
He leaves three sons and a daughter. His youngest son has just completed his year of office as Mayor and next year, in the ordinary course of events, no doubt witness the accession of his eldest son to the Civic Chair.
His second son, Mr. William Knight, left Newbury when young, but having succeeded in business returned to settle in his native town. His surviving daughter its comfortably settled in Reading.
The funeral took place yesterday at the Cemetery, the body being laid to rest in the grave which was dug 32 years ago for his wife, and since then opened for a deceased daughter.
The Rev. H.H. Skrine read the burial service, and a number of old friends gathered around the grave thus opened to receive the familiar form of their late townsman.
The mourners, included the three sons, son-in-law, two serving brothers (Mr. Charles Knight of Newbury and Mr. Edmund Knight of Wokingham), also four grandsons, Mr. John Flint, an attached friend, and Mr, Balding of Devizes, as representing the Canal Company.
The raised shutters at many of the shop windows also testified to the respect shown to the memory of the deceased.
Some beautiful wreaths were sent by several friends, including Mr. J. Flint and family, Mr, and
Mrs. R. Canning, Mr. C. Midwinter and family, Mr. W.E. Hall, and also several by relatives of the deceased.
Mr. H.S. Hanington of Newbury, carried out the funeral arrangements.
Newbury Weekly News and general Advertiser: 28th November, 1889. |
