GEORGE JOHN COSBURN

DEATH AND FUNERAL OF MR. G. J. COSBURN.

It is with extreme regret that we record the death on Sunday afternoon, following a long and trying illness, of Mr. George John Cosburn, of the Market Place, Newbury, our feelings of sorrow being rendered the more acute reason of his long and honourable association with the “Reading Mercury" in journalistic capacity, for had been an active and highly valued member of the literary staff practically from boyhood, until some three years since, when failing health compelled him relinquish Press work.

Mr. Cosburn, who celebrated his 78th birthday in July last, had never really rallied from the shock caused by the death of his wife nearly thirteen years ago, for from that date he seemed to shun that active participation in business pursuits, which had been so notable during his career. Then some three years since his health was seriously affected, and with advancing years be was unable to rally, the result being that he was confined to his room for a long period and, gradually sinking, passed away very peacefully on Sunday afternoon.

The writer of this notice, who had been with Mr. Cosburn for more than 25 years, is glad to have this opportunity of testifying to the fact that whatever proficiency he may have attained in the profession very largely due to the training he received from the deceased while he was active Pressman. Among his colleagues, the late Mr. Cosburn was highly esteemed as a very capable journalist, and his work was always characterised by a thorough grip of essentials, while he had a remarkable gift of summarising, which is no mean accomplishment.

Born at Reading on July 22nd, 1839, Mr. Cosburn having been educated privately in Surrey and also at Brighton, served his apprenticeship at the “Mercury” office, under Messrs. Cowslade, and early showing an aptitude for literary work, was placed on the reporting staff, and maintained his association with the paper in that capacity until three years since. He came to Newbury in 1867 as the local representative of the “Mercury,” and ever since has occupied a prominent place in the business circles of the town. He established a printing and stationery business in the Market Place some years after settling here, and by dint of careful oversight, and the employment of up-to-date appliances, established a high reputation for good work, and this was never lost, the production the Caxton Printing Works being always of a high order. For 44 years without a break he had published a directory for the town and district, which, commencing in modest style, grew by degrees to be an illustrated guide to all the surrounding villages, and a really welcome work of reference in business establishments. He had also been responsible from its inception for publication of the “Berks Masonic Register and Calendar,” edited in its early days by the present Provincial Grand Master (W. Bro. J. T. Morland) and until last year by W. Bro. Theodore H. White. It may also be mentioned that he executed large orders for the late Colonel Sir Howard Vincent, M.P., when that gentleman resided at Donnington Holt, and was hon. secretary of the United Empire Trade League.

In addition to his extensive business, Mr. Cosburn engaged in considerable public work. He was for many years secretary to the Newbury Chamber of Agriculture. He was one of the first to be enrolled a member the Royal Berks Rifle Volunteer Regiment, so long commanded the late Lord Wantage, of Lockinge. In Friendly Society work he took a keen interest, and at the suggestion of the late Canon G. R. Portal, founder the organisation, he took the post of divisional secretary of the National Deposit Friendly Society; while in 1888 he received the appointment of secretary to the Royal Berkshire Friendly Society, which was founded largely by the efforts of two county worthies long since departed—Mr, Richard Benyon, of Englefield House, and General Cherry, of Panford. From this latter position he only retired when upon the introduction the National Insurance Act, the work of Friendly Societies was so largely increased.

Mr. Cosburn was the oldest Freemason in Newbury, if not in the whole province having become a member of the Loyal Berkshire Lodge of Hope, No. 574, in 1868. He was also a member of the Porchester Mark Lodge, No. 27, and filled the Master’s chair in 1884. At the periodical social gatherings of Masons he was always a welcome guest, and the brethren throughout the Provinces of Berks, Bucks and Oxon will learn of his passing with regret.

In the course of his journalistic duties, the deceased attended many notable gatherings, and the columns the London Press and Masonic journals, as well those of the “Mercury” and provincial papers very frequently contained his contributions. It will be gathered from the foregoing that Mr. Cosburn had spent a very active and varied life, and his enforced absence in recent years, owing to failing health, from the scenes of activity in which he delighted to figure, has been a source of regret to his many friends. It may be mentioned that two of his Press colleagues—Mr. T. W. Turner, editor of the “Newbury Weekly News,” and Mr. J. W. H. Kemp, for many years the representative of the “Berkshire Chronicle ” in this town, came to Newbury at practically the same time, and are still at work in Newbury. Mr. Cosburn was for many years associated with the Institute of Journalists, In his long and trying period of incapacity, Mr. Cosburn had the benefit of the untiring attention and devoted nursing of his two daughters, with whom, and the other members of the family, there has been much sympathy in their trouble and anxiety.

The Funeral

The funeral took place Wednesday, the cortege leaving the deceased's residence in the Market Place at noon, and proceeding to the Parish Church, where the first portion of the burial service was held. The rector (the Rev. Lionel R. Majendie) met the coffin at the western entrance, and conducted the obsequies throughout. The hymns sung were: “There is blessed home” and “Abide with me.” Mr. Ernest Watson presided at the organ, and, before the mourners left the church, played the Dead March from “Saul.”

The interment took place the Newtown Road Cemetery, the remains being deposited in the same grave that of the late Mrs. Cosburn. The mourners were; Mr. G. Fontaine Cosburn, Mr. Frank H. Cosburn (Compton), Mr. Walter H. Cosburn (Bristol) (sons). Miss Isabelle Cosburn and Miss Beatrice L. Cosburn (daughters), Mrs. J. McNey Bell (cousin), Mr. Frank Cosburn, jun. (grandson), Mrs. Fred Cosburn. (widow of the deceased's son, Mr. F. S. Coshurn), Mr. George W. Lovegrove (Southampton) (nephew), Mr. W. Gamble (for many years foreman of the printing works), Mr. Arthur Allen, of Reading (representing the Royal Berkshire Friendly Society), and Mr. John S. Herbert. The early hour at which the funeral was fixed made it inconvenient, for many to attend who would otherwise have done so.

The Masonic Lodges of the town were represented by the following brethren: Messrs. Warren, H. Pitman, J. Howard, G. K. North, E. Turner, F. C, Hopson, and P. Chillingworth, and after the pronouncement of the benediction at the cemetery they filed past, the grave, and dropped on the coffin sprigs of acacia.

Among others present were: Mr. F. W. Neale, chairman the Berks, Bucks, and South Oxon District the Institute of Journalists, and also representing the “Reading Mercury”; Messrs. T. W. Turner, Frank H. Stillman, and AshleyTurner (“Newbury Weekly News”); Mr, J. W. H. Kemp, Alderman E. Gould, Mr. E. J. Forster, Councillor T. H. Pratt, Mr. Henry Pratt, Mr. R.J. Adev, Mr. Edgar Stillman, Mrs. Fabry, Miss Gamble, Mr. and Mrs. W. G. Stillman, Mr. Alfred Allen, the Misses Draper, and others.

The coffin was covered with floral tributes of affection and esteem, the senders including the following:— “ Cissie and George,” Beatrice,” “ Frank, Lizzie, and Frankie”; “Walter, Kitty and Chubby”; Mrs. Clara Cosburn, Mrs. Hunter (Ramsgate), Mr. and Mrs. Walter Lovegrove and. family (Exeter), Mr. George W. Lovegrove, “ Isabel, Walter, George, and Bert ” (Reading), Mrs. J. M. Bell, niece and nephews, the Loyal Berkshire Lodge of Hope, No. 574 (“ With deepest sympathy for an old and esteemed brother ”). the Royal Berks Friendly Society, Alderman and Mrs. Gould and family, Mr. and the Misses Hamlen (East Ilsley), Mr. James Tufnail, Mr., Mrs. and Miss Streat, Mr. and Mrs. Arthur Allen, Mr. and Mrs. W. Gamble, Mr. and Mrs. J. S. Herbert, “Bessie,” Mr. and Mrs. Lawrence, etc.

The funeral arrangements were conducted by Messrs. Hopson and Sons.

Reading Mercury - Saturday 08 December 1917

DEATH OF MR. G. J. COSBURN

FIFTY YEARS OF LOCAL JOURNALISM

 FAMILIAR FIGURE IN LOCAL LIFE

 The death of Mr. George John Cosburn, of the Market-place, which took place on Sunday afternoon, removes a familiar figure from local life.  He had been less in evidence in later years.  Since the death of his wife, thirteen years ago, he had restricted his public activities and for a considerable time had been confined to the house.  It is only a few weeks since, owing to illness, that his printing and stationary business was closed, and the plant sold by auction, and now death has released him from the earthly pain and worldly worry. 

There was a time when few men were better known than “G.J.C.” “Cosburn, of Newbury and London” was the designation of some of his metropolitan Press friends.  It has been said that he made a mistake when he left Reading and came west to Newbury, instead of going east to London.  Those who thought this, considered he would have made his mark in London journalism.  But it is doubtful whether he could have done better than at Newbury.  Here he made himself a host of friends, took a prominent part in public life, was of it if not actually in it, established a successful business, and thoroughly identified himself with the commercial and social life of his adopted town.  Everybody knew him, and he knew everybody.  He was a born journalist, with a keen “nose for news” as they say in professional circles.  Newbury frequently appeared prominently in the daily Press, more frequently than some towns of greater importance, and it was due to the enterprise of their local representative, who delighted in “lineage” and was constantly “on the wire”. 

Mr. Cosburn was born in 1839 in Reading, and was educated privately in Surrey and also at Brighton.  He served an apprenticeship at the office of the “Reading Mercury”, and the composing room was but the preliminary stage.  Showing an aptitude for literary work, he was place on the reporting staff of the county journal, and gained a wide experience of men and maters in early manhood.  In1867 when the “Newbury Weekly News” was established, the Reading papers considered they should have local representatives and Mr. Cosburn came on behalf of the “Mercury”.  Thus began his permanent association with the borough, in which he remained as a resident for over half-a-century.  He served that journal faithfully and well during the greater part of this period, and was held in the highest regard by its proprietors.  Gifted with the power of acquiring information, a ready aptitude for seizing the salient points of a speech, or the characteristic features of a social function or public gathering, he was able to record the doings of his day and generation, in facile phrase and succinct summary. 

His professional calling took him to all part of the county, sometimes even further afield.  He reported the arrival of Queen Alexandra on her arrival as a young bride at Windsor, was present at many royal functions, and was generally “in the picture” whenever anything of importance was occurring.  He was happily at home at social gatherings, and was generally called upon to respond “The Press”, his speech being always acceptable, as he had many interesting and amusing reminiscences to recall.  Indeed, he was ready to make speeches on any occasion when opportunity prompted.  A member of the Institute of Journalists, he served the office of chairman of the local district for a year.  In his prime he was debonair in dress, and his silk hat shone with resplendency for wedding or garden party, but its brightness was veiled for funerals.  Those of his colleagues who worked with him for so many years have been saddened by his long illness, and sorry at his death.

 Mr. Cosburn was intimately acquainted with the public life and work of the town.  Invitations were given to him to become a member of the governing body, but his proverbial modesty prevent acceptance.  He preferred to record events rather than actively participate.  Nevertheless, he led a busy life.  For many years to acted as secretary to the Newbury Chamber of Agriculture, which in its day was an important body.  During a lengthened period he was associated with Friendly Society organisation, acting in conjunction with the late Canon Portal in the establishment and extension of the National Deposit Friendly Society in Berkshire and Hampshire, acting as divisional secretary, with headquarters in Newbury.  In 1888 he was appointed secretary to the Royal Berkshire Friendly Society, which he continued to fill until the coming into operation of the Insurance Act, when the Society’s head offices were removed to Reading.  Mr. Cosburn also had an extensive connection in insurance matters.

 An enthusiastic and zealous Freemason, he took special interest in the Mark-degree, having filled the positon of Worshipful Master, in 1869.  He was initiated a Freemason over forty years ago, the W.M. at the time being Bro. Richard Wellington Ravenor.  Bro. Cosburn also held high Provincial rank.   As a Masonic Pressman he was present at most of the important gathering in the South of England, and was the publisher of the “Masonic Calendar” for Berkshire.

Deceased was one of the first to be enrolled as a member of the Royal Berks Battalion of Volunteers, took part in the review by Queen Victoria, in Hyde Park.  He was the publisher of the “Newbury District Directory”, which developed into an illustrated guide to the neighbourhood, and enhanced his reputation as a printer.

 As before-mentioned, Mrs. Cosburn pre-deceased him thirteen years ago, and of a family of seven, three sons and two daughters survive.  The latter nursed their father with assiduous care during his long illness.  He was in his seventy-ninth year.

 THE FUNERAL

 The funeral took place yesterday (Wednesday), the first portion of the service being conducted at the Parish Church by the Rector (Rev. L.R. Majendie), Mr. Ernest Watson was at the organ, and played appropriate music including “O rest in the Lord” at the commencement, and the Dead March in “Saul”, as the body was borne out of the church.  The hymns sung were “There is a blessed home” and “Abide with me”, the latter with quiet and devotional feeling.  The mourners were Messrs. George F., Frank H., and Walter H. Cosburn (sons), Misses Isabelle and Beatrice Cosburn (daughters), Mrs. F. S. Cosburn (daughter-in-law), Mrs. J.M. Bell (cousin), Mr. George W. Lovegrove (nephew), Mr. Frank Cosburn jun. (grandson), Mr. William Gamble, Mr. John S. Herbert, and Mr. Arthur Allen (representing the Royal Berkshire Friendly Society).  The freemasons were represented by a deputation, including Bro. W.J. Pitman (secretary and treasurer), Bros. F.C. Hopson, G.K. North, J. Howard and P. Chillingworth.  Journalistic colleagues present were Mr. Councillor T.W. Turner, Mr. J.W.H. Kemp, Mr. Frank W. Neale (chairman of the local district of the Institute of Journalists, and also representing the “Reading Mercury”), Mr. F. H. Stillman and Mr. Ashley Turner.  Others in attendance in church and at the graveside were Alderman Edward Gould, Mr. Councillor T.H. Pratt, Messrs. E.J. Forster, H. Pratt, Rupert Adey, Edgar Stillman, Alfred Allen, Misses Draper, Mrs. Fabry, Miss Gamble, and others.

 The interment took place at Newbury Cemetery, the Freemasons, according to time-honoured customer, dropping sprigs of acacia in the grave.

 Floral contributions were sent by the following: Cissie and George; Beatrice; Frank, Lizzie and Frankie; Walter, Kitty and Chubby; Mrs. Hunter (Ramsgate); Mrs. J.M. Bell; Mr. and Mrs. Walter Lovegrove and family (Exeter); Mr. G.W. Lovegrove (Southampton); Ald. And Mrs. Gould and family; Mr. and Mrs. Arthur Allen; Mr. and Mrs. J.S. Herbert; Mr. and the Misses Hamlen (Ilsley); Mr. J. Tufnail; Mr and Mrs. W. Gamble; Mr., Mrs. And Miss Street; Bessie; Mr. and Mrs. Lawrence; Royal Berks Friendly Society.  “With deepest sympathy for an old and esteemed brother, from the Lodge of Hope, No 574”.

The coffin was of polished oak, with brass fittings, inscribed “George John Cosburn, born July 22^nd, 1839, died December 2^nd, 1917, aged 78”.

 The funeral arrangements were carried out by Messrs. Hopson and Sons.

 Also:   George Cosburn married Isabella Ann Fontaine (b. 1838) in Ramsgate on 28^th July 1863.  They had 7 children: George, Ferdinand, Albert J, Isabelle Lizzie, Frank H, Beatrice Louise and Walter H.  George died on 2^nd December 1917 and he left £1,476 14s. 11d. to his daughters Isabelle and Beatrice.  Isabella died in 1905.

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+ others

GEORGE JOHN COSBURN

For over half-a-century, three Newbury men have been engaged in local journalism, Mr. T. W. Turner of the “Weekly News”, Mr. G. J. Cosburn, representing the “Reading Mercury”, Mr. J. W. H. Kemp, for many years the presentative of the “Berkshire Chronicle”, and, latterly of the “Western Gazette”.  These three worked in close and sympathetic association during the last fifty years.  The death of Mr. Cosburn reduces the number to two, surely a record of united long service for any town in the kingdom.

 NWN 06/12/1917