JOHN MACHIN
The LATE Mr. JOHN MACHIN.—
An old and well-known inhabitant of Newbury passed away last Thursday in St. Bartholomew's Almshouses. Mr. Machin, who was in his 72nd year, had for some years been infirm and unable to walk except with the aid of two sticks, had yet enjoyed fair average health up to within a short time of his death.
In his early days, which were previous to the times of railways, he was accustomed to travel with his carrier's van between London and Newbury, leaving Newbury for the Metropolis late on Thursday evening, and reaching London early on Saturday. The return journey occupied a similar period. In those days the convenience of bank drafts was almost unknown, and Mr. Machin was frequently entrusted with large sums of money from the tradesmen in Newbury to the London wholesale houses, on account, the exact amounts due being rarely transmitted, so as to avoid the high rate of duty charged on receipts in full. Mr. Machin subsequently acted as goods delivery agent to the Great Western Railway in Newbury, and his vans when not so employed were frequently during the summer in demand for picnics to Beacon Hill, the more fashionable break being then unknown.
He afterwards became proprietor of a furniture removal van, an incident in the history of which was once chronicled in rhyme in these columns.
Failing health rendered him an eligible candidate for an almshouse, where he has since lived in comfort. His widow, who is of a still more advanced age, has for years been unable to leave the house, and much sympathy is felt for her at being now dispossessed of the home which she had hoped would be hers till the close of life.
Mr. Machin was a Past Grand of the Loyal Britons' Pride Lodge of Oddfellows, having been a member of this Lodge for many years, and continued his membership during his prosperity, so that when old age overtook him and he became reduced in circumstances, he was enabled to receive the benefit of his early thrift and forethought in a superannuation allowance.
Deceased was buried on Tuesday afternoon and was followed to the grave by a number of his brother Oddfellows. The Rev. E. W. Shalders officiated, and the funeral charge at the grave was read by Bro. J. Pyke, P.G.
Newbury Weekly News and General Advertiser - Thursday 17 May 1883
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