HENRY SMITH

DEATH OF AN OLD TOWNSMAN.

—The death took place early on Tuesday morning of Mr. Henry Smith, at his residence, Bevandene, Craven-road, after a lingering illness from an internal complaint. The deceased was a Newburian, born and bred, and in his boyhood days was noticed as a treble soloist, in the Parish Church in the old time, when the choir was seated in the gallery, and the Goddings were the principal organists in the district.

Later in life he was apprenticed to the coach-building, and worked at some of the best establishments, being a skilful workman, and frequently called upon to prepare carriages for state functions.

Later be settled down in Bartholomew- street, where he successfully carried on business for 28 years. For some years he was engaged in an extensive export trade to South Africa, his eldest son, Mr. F. H. Smith, having gone out to Pietermaritzburg where he established a prosperous business.

Four years ago Mr Smith retired from business, and went to live in the Craven-road, and looked forward to a period of well-earned rest. But some fifteen months ago he was attacked by an internal complaint and although the advice of a London specialist was sought, medical skill proved unavailing. A man of considerable hulk he wasted gradually, and passed peacefully away on Tuesday morning, in the presence of his family.

Mr. Smith was of a genial disposition and was one of the oldest members of the "Jack” Lodge of Oddfellows.

The funeral takes place on Saturday afternoon, first part of the service at the Pariah Church, at three o'clock.

Newbury Weekly News and General Advertiser - Thursday 09 June 1904

HENRY SMITH

THE LATE MR HENRY SMITH – The funeral of Mr Henry Smuth of Bevandene, Craven road, whose death was reported last week, took place  on Saturday afternoon.  The first part of the burial service was held at the Parish Church.  As the body was being borne into church, Mr S Argyle, organist of St Mary’s, Kintbury, and son-in-law of the deceased, played softly and expressively “O rest in the Lord” and at the conclusion “But the Lord is mindful of His own” both airs from Mendelssohn’s “Elijah”. The body was then conveyed in an open funeral car from the church to the cemetery for interment, the Revd. Clifford Frend officiating here, as well as at the Church.

The mourners were Mrs Smith (widow), Mr F H Smith (son), Mrs S Argyle and Mrs H Stillman (daughters), Mr William Smith (brother) Mr T Sheppard (brother-in-law), Miss Sheppard (sister-in-law), Messrs. S Argyle and F H Stillman (sons-in-law) Messrs. R Argyle and Stanley Stillman (grandsons0, Mrs Baker, (niece), Mr A Thorn.  Several old friends were present at the church and cemetery including Mr Churchwarden Knight, Mrs G M Knight,  Mr Hill, Mr John Mason, Mr T W Turner, Mr J WH Kemp, Mrs and Miss Lane, Mr E Smith,. Mrs Adams, Mr W. H Paine, Mrs W Keep, Mr F J Stillman, etc.

A large number of beautiful floral wreaths and crosses were placed upon the coffin, including the following: “From his sorrowing wife”, “From his loving son, Fred”, “To dear father from Pollie and Sam”, To dear Dad from Say and Frank”,  ”From his son-in-law, George”, “From his sorrowing sister Harriet”, “With sister Pollie’s love and sympathy”, John and Annie, Reggie, Hilda and Gladys, Stanley and Percy, Dorothy, Cecil and Harold, the Rector of Newbury, Mr J A Barnsley and family (Walsall), Mr and Mrs H Cooper, Mr and Mrs Sam Smith (Cranleigh), Mr and Mrs A Thorn, Miss M Lang (Boscombe), Mr and Mrs Sam Benn, Mrs Lane, Mr and Mrs Bond etc.

The coffin was of polished elm with heavy brass fitting, and inscribed:

HENRY SMITH

Died June 7^th, 1904

Aged 69 years

The funeral arrangements were carried out by Messrs Penford and Sons, Northbrook Street