CHARLES WHEELER

OBITUARY

An old and respected townsman passed away close upon the expiration of the Old Year. Mr. Charles Wheeler, whose decease on Sunday evening is recorded in our obituary column, had been for sixty years a resident in Newbury, and until about seven years ago, when he retired from business, he carried on the trade of an ironmonger, with its kindred industries, in Speenhamland. Soon after he first settled in Newbury, he was in the employ of Messrs. Brown and Alexander, who at that time took a leading position in the hardware trade, not only in Newbury but in Berkshire. Mr. Wheeler subsequently started in business on his own account, occupying premises in Speenhamland, whereon now stands the shop with handsome front occupied by Mr. Ernest Harris, - an exterior in striking contrast wit the unpretentious premises where Mr. Wheeler pursued his calling. The present building, so great an improvement to the Broadway, was erected by Mr. Wheeler, who on relinquishing business resided in Stroud Green. The bleak and exposed position of his residence there was however very trying to his constitution, as for years he has been confined to his room by a chronic cough. He latterly removed to the London-road, to the more immediate neighbourhood of his old friends.

His life has furnished a worthy example of persevering industry coupled with sterling integrity. In his business he was thorough master of all its details, and possessed no small degree of inventive faculty, which furnished congenial occupation even in his more advanced years.

Mr. Wheeler was for many years one of the Commissioners of Speenhamland, and from his shrewd judgment and independence of opinion he was held by his neighbours in high respect and esteem.

Newbury Weekly News 3 January 1884