MR. JOSEPH VINES, Esq.

The funeral of the late Joseph Vines, Esq., took place in Newbury Cemetery yesterday afternoon.  Amongst the mourners were Mr. David Vines and Mr. Benjamin Vines (brothers of the deceased), Miss Vines, his sister and his nephew, Mr. Mills and Mrs. Mills, Mr. C. Lucas, and Mr. C. Hopson.  There were also present at the funeral ceremony, the Mayor Newbury, Mr. Toomer, Mr. Blacket, Mr. J.B. Pratt, Mr. J.H. Lucas, Mr. Joseph Hopson and others.

The service was conducted by the Rev. E. W. Shalders, who gave an impressive address.  The usual marks of respect to the departed were observable in almost every stance along the streets through which the funeral passed.  The arrangements were conducted by Mr. H.J. Lucas.  The official attendance of the members of the corporate body at the ceremony appears to have been partly looked for on account of the late Mr. Vines having been officially identified with the Corporation for upwards of 30 years.

Also -   In his will he left £3,000 to his wife Hannah Vines

            He was born in Brinkworth, Wiltshire and was a solicitor

NWN 21/05/1874

d. 13/05/1874

b. 1798

NEWBURY. Funeral of the late Mr. Joseph Vines.— The mortal remains of Mr. Joseph Vines, solicitor, of this town, were interred in the Newbury Cemetery "Wednesday last. The Rev. E. Shalders officiated, and gave an impressive address, remarking upon the many excellent qualities of the deceased.

Amongst those present at the funeral besides the chief mourners, were—The Mayor of Newbury (J. F. Hickman, Esq.), Mr. J. Blacket, Mr. J. H. Lucas, and Mr. Pratt, town councillors, and many others, who desired to pay the last tribute of their respect to his memory. At most of the houses in the streets through which the procession passed, the usual marks of respect were observable.

The funeral arrangements were conducted by Mr. H. J. Lucas.

DECEASE OF JOSEPH VINES, ESQ.—This mournful event transpired about six o'clock last evening. Mr. Vines has for many months been completely prostrated both as regards his bodily and mental faculties, and has necessarily withdrawn altogether from public life. 

His past career in Newbury has however been one of lengthened duration. For many years he held the responsible offices of Clerk of the Peace for the Borough, Registrar of the County Court. and Treasurer of the Municipal Charities, his conscientious discharge of these official duties rendering him deservedly respected and esteemed, while in his professional career as a solicitor he was regarded as a man of strict integrity. 

In his private character he was pre-eminently distinguished as a scientific student and a mechanical genius, his acquaintance in particular with astronomical science and mathematics being remarkably accurate and comprehensive. In the formation of the Newbury Literary and Scientific Institution he took an active part, and has until a late period always been intimately identified with its proceedings. 

Although naturally disposed for private study rather than for mixing in society, he nevertheless always exhibited great urbanity and benevolence when in contact with others, and his disappearance from public life has been the occasion of many expressions of sincere regret. 

NEWBURY WEEKLY NEWS 14TH MAY, 1874

 The late Joseph Vines, Esq. —It is with deep regret that we have to announce the death of Mr. Joseph Vines, solicitor, old and much esteemed inhabitant of this borough, who expired on Wednesday evening last, after long and painful illness. 

 The deceased gentleman commenced his professional career many years ago under his uncle, solicitor, in Reading, to whom he was articled. He has been resident in the borough upwards of forty years, and during nearly the whole of that period has held the important offices of Registrar of the County Court, Clerk of the Peace, and Treasurer of the Newbury Municipal Charities, the duties connected with which he has discharged with the utmost fidelity and urbanity. 

 In his profession as a solicitor he was regarded as man of exceptional uprightness whilst in his private character he was known as a student in mathematics and astronomy of no mean ability. His liking for mechanics led him into many experiments, and several interesting and valuable inventions are the result.

 He was born on the 20th of January, 1798. The deceased gentleman was therefore in his 77th year. The mortal remains of the deceased will be interred in the Cemetery on Wednesday afternoon.

READING MERCURY 16th MAY, 1874

 Our obituary of to-day contains the names of two gentlemen who have been known in Newbury for the past half a century. We refer to the deaths of Mr. R. A. Ryott and Mr. Joseph Vines. 

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The late Mr. Joseph Vines was also very well known in this town and neighbourhood. He practised for a great number of years as a solicitor. He was registrar of the County Court from the time of its formation until last July, when he resigned. He also held tho office of Clerk of the Peace for the borough, and was treasurer to the Municipal charities. Each of these offices resigned last year also, in consequence of failing health. 

Mr. Vines was of very studious disposition and had considerable scientific attainment. His ready wit, pleasing manner, and amiable disposition are known to many, who now regret his death. He was, it should be added, a warm and liberal supporter of local institutions.

The funeral takes place on Wednesday next. 

BERKSHIRE CHRONICLE 16th MAY 1874