SUSANNAH DEANE

The grave at the cemetery, in which lay the remains of the late Superintendent Deane, was yesterday opened to receive all that was mortal of his widow, she having outlived her husband nearly 23 years. The deceased passed away on Saturday last having for the last twelve years occupied one of King John's Almshouses. For some time Mrs. Deane occupied a post under the Town Council, being the matron of the borough gaol, which was situated in Cheap-street, and was the premises now rented by Mr. Goddard, coal merchant.

I heard one of our older residents speak of Mrs. Deane as a good old soul, and extremely kind to prisoners in days when less consideration and greater rigour were shown to those who came within the clutches of the law. I am told that there are those alive who still speak of having been, in those seemingly far-off days, recipients of her kindness, and speak of her memory with respect.

I believe five of her children are still alive, and six grand-children, with seven great grand-children, many of whom yesterday gathered around the open grave, together with some old friends who held her in respect, as having faithfully performed her duty, both in the family circle and the public position as before-mentioned.

Her husband, Superintendent Deane, died on the 26th August, 1873, at the age of 67, having for nearly two years previously been incapacitated from attending to his official duties. He originally came from Shinfield, where he was constable, and afterwards lived in Reading, where he was sergeant of the police force. In 1838 he removed to Newbury, and acted as night superintendent up to 1852, when, on the death of Mr. Alfred Milsom, was appointed superintendent, and continued in office until his death. As an evidence of the respect in which he was held by his fellow-townsmen, Supt. Deane, two or three years previous to his death, was publicly presented with a silver teapot and a purse of money. The mayor at the time was, I believe, the late Mr. R. A. Ryott.

Newbury Weekly News and General Advertiser - Thursday 09 July 1896