THE LATE MR. JOHN LEWIS
The remains of this gentleman, the notice of whose decease appears in our obituary today (and whose son Mr. Marcus H. Lewis is a leading member of the corn trade in this town) were on Tuesday conveyed to their last resting place in the Newbury Cemetery. In earthly life Mr. Lewis resided here, being held in high esteem by his fellow townsmen, by whom he was elected Mayor of Newbury on the ninth of November 1841, the day of the Prince of Wales' birth.

During his mayoralty troublous times agitated the town and neighbourhood, arising in part from the agricultural machine breaking then rife throughout the country. Twice, as we are informed, was Mr. Lewis compelled to read the Riot Act.

About thirty years ago he left Newbury to reside at Guildford, but he has never entirely severed his connection with this town, as in addition to family ties, he remained one of the trustees of Hunt's charity until his death, which has occurred, as our readers will observe, at the advanced age of 83. Mr. Alderman Hickman, who with the Town Clerk attended the funeral, is we believe the only surviving member of the Corporation contemporary with Mr. Lewis.

LEWIS   -   On the 24th ult., at his residence, Stoke next Guildford, Surrey, John Lewis, Esq., in his 83rd year

John Lewis (1799-1881). Draper, mercer, haberdasher and hosier in the Market Place.

Born in Tewskesbury, Glos, of a family involved in hosiery and ribbon manufacture.

Read the Riot Act at public disturbances in 1842 which followed proposals to enclose East and West Fields, eventually enclosed in 1849.

Retired from the Council 1846.

On the death if his first wife Jane Weedon (1799-1853), he married Clara Fielder (1813-95) in 1854. Retired in about 1852 to Guildford, where he lived off rental and dividend income.