In our obituary of last week, we recorded the decease of Mr James Eatwell, who passed away at his residence, St Mary's Villas, on October 11, at the venerable age of 90 years.
Mr Eatwell was a native of Newbury, having been born in Northbrook Street. He served his apprenticeship to Messrs Brown and Alexander, who carried on business as ironmongers in the Broadway in the premises now occupied by Mr Applegate. Mr Eatwell afterwards went into business as an ironmonger in the Fulham road, London, retiring therefrom about 40 years ago, when he came to reside in Newbury, where his brother, the late Mr William Eatwell, was already in business. While always keenly interested in town matter, the late Mr Eatwell never sought public office. He has, however for many years taken an active interest in the Newbury Savings Bank, of which he was the senior Trustee, where he was always to be relied on for attendance in the business of the Institution.
Fond of outdoor exercise, his upright figure and genial features have been familiar to all until only a short time before his death. He leaves no family and his wife predeceased him in 1899. Mr Eatwell was a member of the Congregational Church, and was for some years the “Authorised Person” to register marriages under the Act of 1898.
The funeral took place last Friday afternoon in the Newbury Cemetery. The mourners included Mrs. and Miss Day (cousins), Miss E. Milsom (housekeeper) and Mr John Barnes (solicitor). There were no flowers by request. The funeral service was conducted by Rev. J. W. Harford, who in a sympathetic address, referred to the deceased as a true “Christian gentleman,” whose life presented a worthy example to follow. Among those present were Mr and Mrs. H. Rogers, Mr. and Mrs Dyer, Mrs. Penford, Mrs. Smith, Mr Nash, Mr. Slight, Mr F. Comyns, Mr Blacket, Mr. Salway, Mr. W.E. Goodman, Mr. G. Withers, Mr J.C. Fidler, Mr Edgar Stillman, etc. etc. The funeral arrangements were carried out by Messrs Penford and Son. |