THE LATE MR. T.M.NIAS

We have to record the death of Mr. Thomas Merriman Nias, which took place on the night of Thursday last, April 11, at his residence, Cravenhurst. Mr. Nias was one of the oldest and best known of our townsmen. He was a native of Newbury and his family have for generations been connected with the trade of the townsmen. His father carried on the business of ironmonger in the Market-place. But he died when the deceased was quite young. Mr. Nias' mother, however, lived many years afterwards, and attained to a ripe age. The deceased himself was in business as a grocer in Northbrook-street during the fifties, from which, however he withdrew from health considerations and thenceforward lived a retired life.

He however took an active interest in the affairs of the Baptist church, of which he became a member in 1847 and and was appointed deacon in 1875, for some years holding the position in the deaconate. He was the oldest active adherent of the Temperance cause, being an official of the old society, and some half-century ago was conductor of a Band of Hope which was held in the old Baptist Chapel. About twelve months since Mr. Nias had a fall from which he never fully recovered. His physical weakness increased, and latterly he had to keep his bed, so that his end came not unexpectedly.

Many instances can be given of the kindly disposition and practical help afforded by the deceased, and his removal will be a great loss to theBaptistChurch. Mr. Nias was twice married. He leaves one son, Mr. Somerset Nias, and his widow is the sister of Mr. Alfred Jackson, J.P. Mr Nias' elder brother was Mr. Joseph Somerset Nias, who was very enterprising and erected a mill and extensive buildings at Enborne, for artificial manures and seed cake; but this was removed nearly forty years ago to Weybridge, where he died a few years since.

The funeral took place on Tuesday. The preliminary portion of the service was conducted at Cravenhurst, the relatives and friends being present. The cortège then proceeded to the cemetery, the body being borne on a glass car. In the first carriage was Mrs. Nias (widow), Mr. Somerset Nias (son), Miss Drew (niece), Mr. Smythe (nephew); Miss Jackson (sister-in-law); 2nd carriage, Mr. Drew (nephew), Miss Jackson (sister-in-law), Mr. Alderman Jackson, J. P. (Basingstoke), Mr. Thomas Jackson, J.P. (Marlborough). 3rd Carriage, Mr. Edward Jackson, J.P., Mayor of Reading, Mr. Frank Jackson (Sherfield), Mr. Alfred Jackson (Newbury), Rev. Geo Knight; 4th carriage Messrs Miller, Macfarlane, Davis, Waite and Beer(brother deacons); 5th carriage,Miss Lailey, Nurse Cooms.

On arrival at the cemetery gates a large number of personal friends and others had already assembled, and these joined in the procession. Among them was the Mayor of Newbury (Mr. Councillor Pratt), Mr. H.J. Midwinter, J.P., Mr. Councillor Lewendon, Mr. Councillor Turner, Revs. W. F. Clarke and J. Sellicks, Mrs. Waite, Mr. Wright, Mr. Wilkins, Mrs.Morton, Mr. Bune, Mr. J.K. Nash, Mr. Pettifer, Mr. Grimwood, Mr. W. Harding, Mrs. J.J. Davies, Mrs. and Miss Chivers, Mrs Clarke, Mrs. Mac Davies, Miss Miller, Miss Nash, Mrs Beer, Mrs. Mills, Misses Parsloe, Miss Heath, etc.

The service at the grave was impressively conducted by the Rev. G. Knight, who intimated that it was his intention to hold a memorial service on the evening of Sunday next at theBaptistChurch, and therefore he would not deliver an address at the graveside. A few choice floral offerings had been sent, but these chiefly from distant friends, the wish having been expressed by the family that no flowers were desired.

The arrangements were in the hands of Messrs. Jackson and Co., undertakers, Newbury and were personally directed by Mr. R.P. Elliott.

Newbury Weekly News 18 April 1907

Family Search :Thomas Merriman Nias born Newbury 1828/29

Sources:Newbury Weekly News 18 April 1907