Samuel Seward (1857-1938)

DEATH OF MR. SAMUEL SEWARD: LIFE-LONG SERVICE TO METHODIST CHURCH

His “Farmer’s Boy” Reminiscences

The death of Mr. Samuel Seward, of “Longmead,” Howard-road, Newbury, which took place on Tuesday morning, will be regretted not only by his many friends in Newbury, but by country folk in the surrounding villages in the Methodist circuit, where for over 60 years he filled engagements as a local preacher.

Dr. Seward would have been 81 years of age on the 9th February. He carried his years well, for he was active to the last. It is only six months ago that he gave up driving a motor car. He learned to drive when he was 69, and drove the same car for eleven years without any trouble. He used it mainly for getting to the village churches for his preaching appointments, but he was always ready to take anyone else in need of a lift.

Despite his age his eyesight was remarkably good and he could read a newspaper without glasses. His only handicap was deafness, which had persisted for some years. He was walking about the town only last Thursday, was taken ill the same evening and removed to St John’s Nursing Home next day. Three operations were performed, and he passed away on Tuesdaymorning.

Samuel Seward was born at Ashford Hill. He began life on a farm, and so great an impression did these distant days of sheer hard and honest toil make upon his mind that he frequently recalled them, in fact, when in the nursing home this week he was reminiscent of the time when he was a “farmer’s boy.” They were spoken of as the “good old days,” he used to say, but he preferred the present, although he would add it was not all honey now in the farming industry.

As a boy of ten, Mr Seward used to drive a team of horses, go pitching, tieing, loading and sowing, and, indeed, help with everything on the farm, from early morning until after midnight. He said that many a family of five had to live on six shillings a week, with a house provided. Given favourable weather for harvesting, they used to commence work at five in the morning. Mr. Seward had to take his team two miles to the farm, work hard through the heat of the day, and continue after dark, when the men on the ricks had lanterns to aid them in seeing where to put the sheaves. It would be half-past one next morning when he got home. His rate of pay was a farthing an hour, or fivepence a day, out of which he was expected to find his food,and there was no such thing as a half-day’s holiday. The women folk used to work with their husbands, and the help of the children was requisitioned when school hours were over. No wonder Mr. Seward gave up farm work when he was 18, at which time he had a team of five horses to look after, and was earning 5s. 6d. per week. After being mill-hand at Chamberhouse Mill for a time, he was then foreman for 11 years at West Mills, owned by the late Mr. Wallis. 

Mr. Seward took over the baker’s and confectioner’s business and restaurant in Cheap-street about 47 years ago, which he ran successfully and which is now in the possession of his son, Mr. Fred Seward. For 36 years he has lived in Howard-road. His wife died in April, 1929, since when he has been cared for with unremitting attention by his housekeeper, Miss May Foster. 

Mr. Seward gave a life-time of devoted service to the Methodist Church. Last September his photograph was hung in the School Hall of the Bartholomew-street Church, and beneath it appears the following record: Newbury Circuit Steward from 1908 to 1934; treasurer of the Lay Agents’ Fund (Messrs. Baker’s gift) from 1915 to the present time; trustee of the Bartholomew-street Church for 42 years; local preacher for over 60 years. Only two or three weeks ago he took the service at the Stroud Green Chapel. It is difficult to measure his contribution to his church and circuit. Ever generous, he was a leading supporter of church bazaars and other efforts, and on many occasions he has lent his meadows at Howard-road for church and circuit fees, and given a financial lead as well. Mr. Seward leaves three sons and two daughters. 

The funeral takes place tomorrow (Friday), service at Methodist Church, Bartholomew-street, at 2 p.m. followed by interment in the Newtown-road Cemetery.

Newbury Weekly News 27th January, 1938

SAMUEL SEWARD

THE LATE MR. SAMUEL SEWARD

FUNERAL AND MEMORIAL SERVICE
There was a large attendance at the funeral service of Mr. Samuel Seward, of "Longmead," Howard Road, Newbury, which took place at the Bartholomew-street, Methodist Church, Newbury, on Friday afternoon. Many of the village chapels in the Newbury Circuit, where Mr. Seward's 60 years' of local preaching had been so much appreciated, were well represented. The service was conducted by the Rev. A. Russell Potts, who appropriately referred to Mr. Seward's long and devoted service to the church and circuit. The prayer was taken by the Rev. 0. Kirkby Evans.
The family mourners were Mr. and Mrs. Arthur Seward, Mr. and Mrs. Fred Seward, Mr. and Mrs. Leslie Seward (sons and daughters-in-law); Mr. and Mrs. Phil Davis, Mr. and Mrs. A.O. Moore (sons-in-law and daughters)Mrs. J. Stanton, Reading (sister.) Mrs. Wootton, Miss Stanton and Miss Butler (nieces), Mr. A.J. Seward, Miss Cissie Seward, Mr. and Mrs. Ken Seward, Mr. and Mrs. Alan Seward, Mr. Don Seward, Mr. and Mrs. Lyn Davis, Mr. John Davis, Mr. Brian Seward, Mr. and Mrs. Wheeler (grandchildren), Miss Foster (housekeeper), also Miss Butcher, Miss Sheppard and Mr. Bert Austin, of the Market Place Restaurant and Mr. W. Hazell.

Long list of those present followed.

SUNDAY'S MEMORIAL SERVICE
The morning service at the Bartholomew-street Methodist Church on Sunday too the form of a memorial service to Mr. Seward, when tribute was paid to his memory, his life and character, by the Rev. A. Russell Potts. Mr Potts said although he had only known Mr. Seward for a comparatively short period, he learned to admire, respect and love him. He found in him a friend and a brother, a brother because he had the happy way of being young with those who were much younger than himself, while in friendship he was an orthodox Methodist, for he lived in that atmosphere of friendliness which characterised the proclamation of their founder "We are friends of all, and the enemies of none." Mr. Seward had lived a wonderful life. Considering the strenuous nature of his early years, one marvelled at his continued vitality.
Though he had long since severed his intimate connection with agricultural life, he still bore the marks of the true countryman. His calm, persistent, steadfast manner distinguished him. He had learned how to endure arduous toil and to tackle a difficult task without dismay. His grit and determination carried him through a successful career, the climax of which many a man might have envied him. He exhibited a fine spirit of independence and self-reliance. Mr. Seward was a man who not only shouldered is own responsibilities manfully, but he was ever ready to help others. Though he shouldered heavy burdens, he possessed the art of carrying them lightly. This might be accounted for in three ways, first, he had a keen appreciation of good humour; secondly, he possessed a cheerful spirit; but thirdly, and most of all, religion was his greatest joy. He lived in an atmosphere of worship, because, his grateful spirit was ever conscious of the goodness and grace of God. It was his long and ripened experience of the love of God which inspired him to preach for over 60 years and caused him to be loved by those to whom he ministered. "We shall greatly miss his presence from our pulpits and the pew," said Mr. Potts, "But his gracious spirit as well as the message he has proclaimed and the life he has lived will continue to have an influence we cannot measure. In paying our tribute to his memory, we praise God for such an example of Christian faith and love, in such a life so radiant, so steadfast and true; a man who counted it all joy to give to his Church and his Lord what he had to offer, of his service, his substance and himself."

Newbury Weekly News 27 January 1938
Mrs P p48 WB7 Died 25 January 1938 aged 80 Buried 28 January 1938 Bk 1917 p 208 no. 11261

Also wife Jane died 20 April 1929 aged 69