Mr Benjamin Sargent

THE LATE MR. BENJAMIN SARGENT – Another link with the past has been snapped by the death of Mr. Benjamin Sargent, which took place on the 3^rd, at the advanced age of 90.  The deceased, who had outlived his contemporaries, at one time took a prominent part in public life.  By calling a builder, for many years he occupied the position of Borough Surveyor, from which he retired about twenty years ago.  Mr Sargent was a prolific controversialist at the time when local schemes for the drainage of the borough were being keenly discussed, and held decided views as to the prevention of flooding, with which certain areas of the town were periodically threatened.  He was a member of the old Newbury Fire Brigade, and in 1863, in celebration of the Prince of Wales’ wedding, he was principally concerned in firing the Russian Gun as a royal solute.  In recent years, Mr. Sargent has been living in retirement in Craven-road.  The funeral took place on Thursday, the interment being in the family vault in Newbury Cemetery, the Rev. A.H.D. Newbold officiating.  The mourners were Mrs. J. Rolfe, Mrs. Harris, Miss Sargent (daughters), Mr. John Heath, Mr. Ben Heath (nephews).  The oak coffin, with brass furniture, was inscribed – “Benjamin Sargent, died February 3^rd, 1912, aged 90 years.  There were a number of wreaths from the family and relatives.

 Also -     Married to Sarah b. 1840

               Died at 1, The Willows, Craven Road

               Left £1597. 9s. 5d to Ada Kate Rolfe (daughter)

 NWN 15/02/1912   

Not in Mrs P

 b. 1852  buried 08/02/1912

Bk 1899 p.221 No 8968