ISAAC CHAPMAN

A notable   character has been removed by the death of Isaac Chapman. He was a familiar figure in the streets of Newbury, and attracted a good deal of attention by his peculiar attire and behaviour.  Isaac loved a bit of finery, a feather in his hat, a bit of ribbon afforded him as much pleasure as a young girl with a new Sunday hat. At election times he was always prominent in the display of partisan favours, and was generally to the fore when excitement ruled high. He had a habit of thinking aloud and commenting frankly on men and things in general. Although his utterances may not always have been marked by the clearest of enunciation, they they added to the gaiety of all who heard them, save perhaps anybody attempting a speech, to whom it might have proved disconcerting.  Isaac was a picker up of unconsidered odds and ends at sales, but what he did with them one never knew.  He managed to eke out a living somehow, but latterly has not derived much satisfaction out of life.  Death must have come as a happy release.