WILLIAM HUGHES
THE LATE MR. WILLIAM HUGHES
—The painful illness of Mr. Hughes, of Northbrook-street, to which reference has been made in these columns, terminated fatally on Friday last, the cause of death being cancer of the bowels. The deceased, who was 62 years of age. had been in business as a baker and confectioner about 30 years, succeeding his uncle, Mr. Samuel Coxeter, with whom he came to live when he was 12 yeas of age. Had he lived till January next he would have celebrated the jubilee of his residence in Newbury.
Though interested in public matters he never took any active part therein, being of a retiring disposition. He was a member of the Baptist Church in Newbury, and was one of the oldest deacons of the Church. He was exceedingly straightforward in all his business relations, and was held in the highest esteem by his fellow tradsemen for his integrity of character.
Reference was made in Sunday evening's sermon, preached by the Rev. E. George, the late pastor, of the cordial support he always received from Mr. Hughes during the time he exercised his ministry in Newbury, and next Sunday evening the Rev. G. J. Knight will preach with special reference to the deceased and the loss sustained by his removal.
The funeral took place on Tuesday afternoon, the body being brought to the Baptist Chapel, where the first part of the service took place, at the request of many of his friends who from age and other circumstances would have been unable to attend at the cemetery.
The mourners were the three sons of the deceased, Messrrs. William, Joseph' and Herbert Hughes, Mr. Joseph Hughes, Llanrethel, his brother, and the Rev. James Davies, his son-in-law, Mr. T. M. Nias, Mr. A. Whitington, Mr. Councillor Jackson, Mr. P. E. Davies, Rev. G. J. Knight, Rev. E. George and the workmen.
There was a large congregation in the Chapel, most of them being attired in mourning. and I the reading desk being draped with black. As the coffin was borne into the chapel, the organist (Miss Davies), played Handel's air "I know that my Redeemer liveth." The opening part of the servioe was read by Rev. G. J. Knight. and Rev. E. George offered prayer, after which was sung the hymn from Sankey's Selection "It is well with my soul," which was a favourite with the deceased. As the coffin was carried out the "Dead March" was played.
The funeral procession then wended its way to the Cemetery, where there was a large assemblage of spectators. All along the route shutters were closed and blinds drawn, testifying to the widespread respect entertained for the deceased. The interment was conducted by Rev. G.J. Knight. Amongst those present in the chapel and at the cemetery were Alderman Absalom, Councillor Stone, Councillor Midwinter, Messrs. J. L. Giles, P. Mortimer, Vince, Mr. and Mrs. Wyse, Mr. and Mrs. Huzzey, Messrs. A. Percy, C. Percy, Grimwood, T. S. Waite, Mr. and Mrs. Davies, Mrs. George and others.
Wreaths were sent by members of the family, Mr. J. Hughes (brother of the deceased), Mrs. S. Powell (sister of the deceased), Mrs. Wood and family, Miss Jerome, Mrs. Nias, Mrs. Alfred Jackson, Mrs. Still. Mr. C. Stradling, Mrs. F. and Mr. and Mrs. A. Brind, Mrs. Tubb, Misses Boyer, &c.
The coffin bore the inscription:-
WILLIAM HUGES
Died April 24th, 1891,
Aged 62 years.
The arrangements for the funeral were carried out by Mr. Alfred Jackson, of the Market-place. The business will be continued as usual under the direction of the sons of the deceased.
NWN 30 APR 1891
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