1. Headstone, Fallen and Broken
[IN LO]VING MEMORY OF
[FANCI]S CARTWRIGHT
[ ]0th 1910 AGED 46 YEARS
ALSO
CATHERINE
WIFE OF THE ABOVE
[WHO DIED] JULY 13th 1943 AGED 82 YEARS
ALSO
FRANCIS CARTWRIGHT
SON OF THE ABOVE
DIED MAY 1st 1950 AGED 61 YEARS
1901 Census Francis Cartwright
Foreman Market Gardener
Principal Probate Registry Index Francis Cartwright, (1910), of
Grange Road, ££264 14s 4d
Francis Cartwright, (1950), Elm Road, £1,006 10s 11d
2. Headstone and Curbs
IN LOVING MEMORY
OF
STEPHEN DOW CHALLIS
OF SOUTH OCKENDEN AND GRAYS, ESSEX
WHO DIED 4th JANUARY 1909
AGED 82 YEARS
ALSO OF
ELIZABETH RUCK CHALLIS
WIFE OF THE ABOVE
WHO DIED 3rd JULY 1923
AGED 95 YEARS
ALSO THEIR DAUGHTER
ALICE MARY
WHO DIED 1st JUNE 1967
AGED 94 YEARS
1881 Census Stephen Challis, at South
Ockenden, Miller
CHAMBERS see FORD
3. Small Curbs
GRACE ANN MABEL CHAPMAN WHO FELL ASLEEP ON THE
5th OF APRIL 1918 AGED 8 YEARS
4. Block, Curbs Fallen, Inscription(s)
hidden
ALSO JULIA CLARK
DIED NOV 18th 1924 AGED 80 YEARS
ALSO AGNES FRANCES CLARK
DIED DEC 11th 1940 AGED 90 YEARS
5. Pedestals
IN LOVING MEMORY
OF
ALFRED WALTER CLIFT
FOR 17 YEARS MANAGER OF
THE NEW BROMPTON
CO-OPERATIVE BAKERY
WHO FELL ASLEEP THE 1st OF JULY 1901
AGED 36 YEARS
[ ]
[ ]
THIS MONUMENT ERECTED AS A MARK
OF ESTEEM BY HIS FELLOW WORKERS
6. [6] Tall Pedestal
CAPTAIN T. W. J. CONNOLLY AND FAMILY
THIS EAST FACE CONTAINS SURGEON PAUL CONNOLLY'S INSCRIPTION
North Side
ALSO OF THE
FOLLOWING CHILDREN OF
CAPT CONNOLLY AND HIS DEAR WIFE
ALFRED WRIGHT
2nd SON BORN AT WOOLWICH 15th JULY
1840 DIED THERE 18th JUNE 1841
MARY HARRIET
ELDEST DAUGHTER BORN AT
WOOLWICH 23rd MAY 1845
DIED THERE 28th SEPT 1845
JOHN CRAMPTON
[ ] SON BORN AND DIED AT
WOOLWICH 9th MAY 1852?
HEBE MILLICENT
2nd DAUGHTER BORN AT BROMPTON
COTTAGE NORTH OF BROMPTON BARRKS
[ ] JAN 1858? DIED THERE 4th MARCH 1858
HER REMAINS LIE IN THE
ADJOINING CHURCHYARD
East Side
SACRED
TO THE MEMORY
OF
PAUL BENNETT CONNOLLY
YOUNGEST SON OF THE ABOVE
CAPTAIN CONNOLLY R. E.
SURGEON [ ]
[ ] LIGHT DIVISION
OF THE CAMEL CORPS
WHO PERISHED OF FEVER
AT SHALADOOD, NILE
THE 18th APRIL 1885 IN HIS [31st ] YEAR
ON THE RETURN OF THE
UNSUCCESSFUL RELIEF EXPEDITION
TO KHARTOUM
HE [WAS] MASTER OF THE
GOLD CROSS OF RUMANIA
FOR SERVICES UNDER THE
[ ] SOCIETY OF BUCHEREST
[HE] ALSO SERVED HIS COUNTRY
IN THE ZULU WAR 1879
AS A VOLUNTEER SURGEON
TO THE FRONTIER LIGHT HORSE
IN THE ENGAGEMENTS
AT HLOBANE, KAMBULA [ ]
[AND] IN THE EGYPTIAN CAMPAIGN
AS SURGEON TO THE
[STRETCHER?] BEARER COMPANY [ ]
AT THE BATTLES OF
KASSASSIN AND TEL EL KEBIR
West Side (Very eroded)
[SACRED]
TO THE MEMORY OF
MARY
WIFE OF [CAPT.] T.W.J. CONNOLLY
BORN [ ]
DIED [ ] [1865]
AT BROMPTON COTTAGE, NORTH
OF BROMPTON BARRACKS
ALSO [ ] OF THEIR DAUGHTERS ?
THO. WILLM JOHN CONNOLLY
(AUTHOR OF THE HISTORY OF THE
ROYAL SAPPERS AND MINERS, ETC.)
BORN [ ] OCTOBER 1815 ?
AT THE [CHAMPS ELYSEES ?] PARIS
DIED [AT KILBURN, WILLES]DEN ?
21st MAY 187[5]
HIS REMAINS REST
UNDER THIS STONE
Little is known about Captain Connolly. His father was
in the 95th Regiment of Foot (Rifles) and was wounded at Waterloo. It
appears he was in the Army of Occupation in Paris, (where Captain
Connolly was born), after Napoleon's final defeat.
Captain Connolly was a Quarter Master at Brompton Barracks.
There is no notice of his death or funeral in The Times or the
Chatham papers. The Royal Engineer's Journal carried this brief
mention, "21st May 1875 at 51 Chichester Road, Kilburn, Capt. Thos.
William John Connolly, in the 60th year of his age" The Royal
Engineer's Museum and Library hold his Diary, 1848-1865, in three
volumes of about one million words.
The Times 8th February 1885
"…….The Royal Irish have arrived here from the camp at Gubat
with 120 of the wounded, who have been successfully removed from Gubat
in cacolets under the charge of Surgeon Connolly."
The Times 20th April 1885
"…..The death is also announced of Surgeon- Major Connolly who
was attached to the right camp near Dongola. Enteric fever in this case
was also the cause of death, the event occurring on Sat past. Surgeon
– Major Connolly entered the army as assistant surgeon in 1871, and
after 2 years was raised to the position of Surgeon, becoming a Surgeon
Major in the fall of 1882."
The Times 23rd April 1885
"The name of Surgeon Connolly whose death from enteric fever at
Dongola was reported on Monday last, was, by telegraphic error announced
as Surgeon Major Connolly."
7. Coped Stone on High Base
North Side
SACRED
TO THE MEMORY OF
SARAH THE BELOVED WIFE OF
THE REVD D. COOKE VICAR OF BROMPTON
WHO FELL ASLEEP IN JESUS FEBRUARY 13th 1876 AGED 61
ALSO MARY ANN COOKE
SECOND WIFE OF DANIEL COOKE
WHO DIED JUNE 2nd 1904 AGED 68 YEARS
South Side
SACRED
TO THE MEMORY OF
DANIEL COOKE HON CANON OF ROCHESTER CATHEDRAL
AND LATE VICAR OF BROMPTON, KENT
WHO DIED JULY 15th 1906 IN HIS 95th YEAR
East End
ALSO
TO THE
MEMORY OF
[MARY ANN COOKE]
[1904]
[AGED 58 YEARS]
8. Headstone and Curbs
IN LOVING MEMORY
OF
SUSANNAH JESSIE CUCKOW
WHO DIED 17th MARCH 1908
AGED 39 YEARS
ALSO
THOMAS STEPHEN CUCKOW
HUSBAND OF THE ABOVE
WHO DIED26th MARCH 1922
AGED 54 YEARS
THOMAS HENRY SPRINGFIELD
CUCKOW
SON OF THE ABOVE
WHO DIED 24th JULY 1969
AGED 64 YEARS
1911 Census Thomas Cuckow, Market
Gardener
9. Headstone
IN
LOVING MEMORY OF
FLORENCE
THE DEAR WIFE OF
FRANK DAY
WHO DIED OCTOBER 2nd 1913
ALSO
THE BELOVED SONS OF THE ABOVE
LEVI WILLIAM
DIED OCTOBER 22nd 1904
AGED 5 YEARS
ALSO
FRANK ARTHUR
DIED FEBRUARY 10th 1911
AGED 13 YEARS
"Hands of Jesus"
10. Pedestals
BRENDA IRIS
THE BELOVED DAUGHTER OF
WILLIAM HENRY & ALICE DOLPHIN
WHO FELL ASLEEP FEB 3rd 1910
AGED 4 MONTHS
"He shall gather the Lambs with His Arms"
AND
IN MEMORY OF
WILLIAM HENRY DOLPHIN
LOST IN H. M. S. NATAL
ON DEC 30th 1915
AGED 39 YEARS
ALSO
ALICE DOLPHIN
WHO PASSED AWAY
OCT 20th 1945
AGED 77 YEARS
H.M.S. Natal
H.M.S. Natal was a Warrior Class Cruiser built by Vickers
at Barrow in 1905, displacing 14,700 tons fully loaded. In 1911-12 she
escorted the Royal Yacht carrying King George V and Queen Mary to India
for the Delhi Durbar. Also in the latter year, she carried the body of
the American Ambassador to New York, thereafter, she was known as the
"Sea Hearse."
She was destroyed by an internal ammunition explosion in
Cromarty Firth. Along with Dolpin, another 389 died.
11. Headstone and Curbs
IN LOVING MEMORY OF
WILLIAM DRAKE, SURGEON
WHO DIED 29th MARCH 1931
AGED 59 YEARS
ALSO
MARY PICKEN DRAKE
WHO DIED 3rd MARCH 1932
AGED 61 YEARS
12. Grey Granite Ledger
IN
LOVING MEMORY
OF
FREDERICK WALLACE ELVY
WHO DIED 14th AUGUST 1881
AGED 44 YEARS
ALSO
ELIZABETH ANN
WIFE OF THE ABOVE
WHO DIED 9th OCTOBER 1907
AGED 69 YEARS
ALSO
THOMAS ELVY, O.B.E.
CHIEF ENGINEER H.M. DOCKYARDS
SON OF THE ABOVE
WHO DIED 26th JANUARY 1949
IN HIS 83rd YEAR
ALSO
BERTRAM ELVY
SON OF THE ABOVE
WHO DIED 19th MARCH 1958
AGED 81 YEARS
1881 Census Frederick Elvy, Trafalgar
Road, Gillingham, Caulker
Principal Probate Registry Index Frederick Elvy,
Leading Man of Caulkers, £82
Thomas Elvy of Purley, Surrey, £40, 334 9s 5d
Obituary - Chatham Observer
"DEATH OF MR
T. E. ELVY, O.B.E.
HE FORE SHADOWED THE USE OF
FLOATING DOCKS
Mr T. E. Elvy, O.B.E., a former Engineer Assistant to the
Director of Admiralty Dockyards and Chief Engineer of H. M. Dockyards
has died aged 83, at Foxley Lane, Purley, Surrey.
Mr W. S. Diggins, ex Principal Admiralty Overseer of First Avenue,
Gillingham, writes :-
PROPHETIC THESIS
"It must be recorded that Mr Elvy’s greatest Service achievement
was the prophetic thesis, written in 1908, entirely at his own
initiative. In this he outlined the need for floating docking and
re-fitting bases, particularly on the East Coast of Scotland. This was
before Rosyth materialised."
The outcome of the thesis was a select Committee with Admiral Jellicoe
as chairman and Mr Elvy as Secretary. "The ultimate result was that
two floating docks of 32,000 tons capacity and two floating cranes of
150 tons capacity at 95 feet radius, capable of lifting the heaviest
guns from battleships were ordered and were ready for use many months
before World War 1 began."
Mr Diggins also pays tribute to Mr Elvy’s efforts on behalf of
students and points out that Mr Elvy himself began as an engine fitter
apprentice.
MUSICIAN OF ABILITY
"He was a musician of exceptional ability", adds Mr Diggins,
"and in earlier days was organist and choir master at Christ
Church, Luton, and later at H. M. Dockyard Church, Sheerness."
13. Blue - Grey Granite Pedestal
FEATHERBY FAMILY
EDWARD GEORGE
ELDER SON OF
GEORGE FEATHERBY
WHO DIED AT
PIEDRAS WEGRAS, MEXICO
JULY 2nd 1890
AGED 45 YEARS
CHARLES BENJAMIN
YOUNGER SON OF
JOHN ROBERT FEATHERBY
DIED JULY 23rd 1922 AGED 46 YEARS
GEORGE FEATHERBY
DIED MAY 21st 1903
IN HIS 82nd YEAR
ALSO AMELIA
HIS WIFE
DIED AUGUST 19th 1874
IN HER 54th YEAR
ANNA LOUISA WIFE OF
JOHN ROBERT FEATHERBY
DIED DEC 20th 1911 AGED 63 YEARS
JOHN ROBERT FEATHERBY
YOUNGER SON OF GEORGE FEATHERBY
DIED JULY 19th 1922 AGED 74 YEARS
MARIA FROST
BORN OCTOBER 2nd 1852
DIED 0CTOBER 3rd 1939
Principal Probate Registry Index
George Featherby of Balmoral Road, £28, 691 3s
John Robert Featherby of Bleak House, £18, 744 7s 8d
Obituary - Chatham Observer,
23rd May 1903
"DEATH OF MR GEORGE FEATHERBY
We regret exceedingly, to announce the death of Mr George Featherby,
which occurred in the early hours of Thursday at his residence, "Abergeldie",
Balmoral – road, New Brompton, after a very brief illness. Mr
Featherby, who had a somewhat eventful life, was one of the oldest
residents of New Brompton, his acquaintance with the town dating back to
the time , when most of the area, now covered by streets, consisted of
cornfields. Mr Featherby’s decision to come to this district was the
result of an accident--- a most fortunate accident for New Brompton, for
it sent into a young and rapidly growing place, a man who played no
small part in its industrial development.
George Featherby was born at Bush, near Cuxton on the 10th
of September, 1821, and was therefore nearly 82 years of age. He was by
trade, a blacksmith, as his father had been before him, and in 1852, at
the time of the Australian gold rush, he went out to that colony. He
worked as a blacksmith at Forest Creek, Victoria, for three years, and
liked the life so well that he came back to England to fetch his wife
and family. The second voyage out was marked by disaster, for when
within one day’s sail of Melbourne the ship was wrecked, and Mr
Featherby and family were fortunate in escaping death. As it was, they
lost everything except the clothes they were wearing and the money in
their pockets. In spite of this inauspicious start, however, Mr
Featherby did well "down under". He forsook his old trade,
taking a large hotel instead. There were no bricks in Forest Creek in
those days, and Mr Featherby’s premises were built of lath, plaster
and weather – boards, for which he had to pay a very heavy rent. Still
he made things hum, and though he did not make what is called a pile, he
did so well that in 1852 he set off once more for the old country.
A brief rest followed; then Mr Featherby took over some licensed
premises in Whitchapel (London). After having so long experience of six
penny glasses of beer and such lordly prices in Australia, the penny
glass of the East Ender did not suit Mr Featherby.
He had just made up his mind to go again to the Antipodes
when he met with an accident which broke his knee cap and put the idea
of a third voyage out of court. Instead he came to Rochester, and
started a brick making industry at Rainham. Subsequently he bought the
estate known as the Courtfields Brickworks, Gillingham, of which he was
owner up to the time of his death. Mr Featherby also opened out
brickfields at Norwood and Beckenham, and recently at Rochfort (Essex).
It was owing to the deposit of chalk found on Mr Featherby’s estate
that the Portland Cement Works were started at Gillingham some 28 years
ago. The Vineries which are too well known throughout Kent to need
description, were started in 1884.
The deceased gentleman was twice married. His first wife, by whom he had
four children, was sister of the late Mr John Bullbrook, of Rochester.
His second wife, who he married late in life, and who survives him, was
a Scotch lady named Mrs Hair. She has no children. Deceased was a member
of the old Board of Health for some years, and was a member of the
Gillingham Urban District Council until six years ago, when his place
was taken by his son, the present Chairman of the Council, Mr J. R.
Featherby. He was also a director of the Public Hall Company and of the
Conservative Club. Up to the day he was seized by the illness which has
proved fatal, Mr Featherby conducted all his multifarious business
affairs, and found time in addition, to take a very keen interest in the
public life of the town. He was one of the "old standards",
and his familiar figure and genial presence will be very much missed
indeed."
Obituary - Chatham News
"DEATH OF EX – MAYOR AND HIS SON
ALD. J. R. AND MR C. B. FEATHERBY
Ald. John Robert Featherby the man who piloted Gillingham through its
early stages as a borough---passed away at his residence, "Bleak
House", on Wednesday, after a severe illness at the age of 74. The
news of his death as it spread through the town carried with it a note
of deep sadness for Alderman Featherby was a man beloved by all classes
of the "biggest borough in Kent", which owed an immeasurable
debt of gratitude to him for the great services he had rendered.
Expressions of sympathy were heard on all hands, and that most of the
principal buildings in the town, flags were flown at half - mast.
Mr Featherby was a man with an extensive experience of
business life. Although he was born in England, the greater part of his
early days was spent in Australia with his father, returning to his
native land at the age of 14. He engaged in brick making, and up to the
time of his death he displayed a keen interest in that work, being
connected with a firm of brick makers in Sussex. Of a versatile
character, he was also devoted to the science of horticulture and glass
house produce, this department of the business being started by his
father, the late Mr George Featherby, in 1884. At one time the firm sold
produce to Covent Garden market. Ald. Featherby’s knowledge of fruit
growing was distinctly developed.
He was ever a prominent man in business affairs. For many
years he was chairman of the Board of Directors of the firm of Messrs G.
H. Leavy and Co., and he was the director of the local Water Works Co.,
up to the time of his death. He helped to found and was one of the
directors of the Chatham and District Laundry Company, Ltd., and a
director of the Gillingham Portland Cement Company, Ltd. In addition,
the engineering firm of Featherbys Ltd., of Bishops Stortford, Herts, of
which his son, Harry, is managing director undoubtedly owes a great deal
of its development and success to his business intellect.
It was, perhaps, in public life that he was most known and
respected. Although holding many positions, he never refused to assist
any cause which stood for the welfare of the Medway Towns. Two of his
most noteworthy offices connected with work outside of Gillingham were
as warden of the Rochester Bridge (as representative of the Gillingham
Town Council) and a member of the Medway Conservancy Board. His record
of public work in Gillingham will ever be remembered. Since 1885 Ald.
Featherby had been a member and for some years foreman of the Court Leet,
and many will remember the sorrow he displayed when the ancient
institution was disbanded towards the end of last year. He held the
office of High Constable in 1892, and was an overseer from 1886 to 1896,
was elected a member of the Urban district Council in 1897, and was
appointed chairman of that body in 1899, holding office until the
borough was incorporated in 1903, when he was chosen as Charter Mayor.
Mr Featherby played an active part in securing the charter and presided
over several meetings, when he successfully dealt with the turbulent
spirits of those opposed to the movement. At the time of the
Incorporation he was elected an Alderman and had served on the Council
ever since. During his tenure of office as first citizen, the Mayoress,
who passed away some time ago, was mainly instrumental in securing by
public subscription the present handsome Mace. On May 7th, 1921, the
town conferred upon him the greatest honour which lay within its power
to give, in the presentation to him of the freedom of the Borough. In
receiving the honour Mr Featherby, in a speech, tinged with emotion,
said that it would be treasured by him throughout his life and when he
passed away it would be handed down to his family who, he was sure,
would value it as a token of the esteem he which he was held. His great
interest in his town was exhibited when, though evidently in a low state
of health, he attended the recent meetings of the Town Council.
Ald. Featherby had a great love for music and possessed a
very fine voice. A man, who commanded the admiration of all with whom he
came into contact, he will be much missed in the life of the community.
Ald. Featherby left two sons and two daughters.
The funeral takes place to-morrow at the Grange road
Cemetery.
DIED LAST NIGHT
We regret to announce that during last night Mr C. B. Featherby, second
son of Ald. Featherby, whose obituary appears above, passed away at his
residence, Domus, Cobham, at the age of 47. He leaves a widow and four
children.
14. Headstone
IN LOVING MEMORY OF
MARY THE BELOVED WIFE OF
GEORGE FORD
WHO DIED OCTOBER 13th 1893
AGED 52 YEARS
ALSO
ALICE EMILY
DAUGHTER OF THE ABOVE
DIED MAY 10th 1884
AGED 19 YEARS
ALSO
LILY CLARA THE BELOVED WIFE OF
CHARLES CHAMBERS
AND DAUGHTER OF THE ABOVE
DIED AUGUST 21st 1892
AGED 31 ? YEARS
ALSO THE ABOVE GEORGE FORD
DIED MAY 20th 1915
AGED 78 YEARS
"Rest in Peace"
1891 Census George Ford Boot and Shoe
Maker
FROST see FEATHERBY
15. Cruciform Headstone
SACRED
TO THE
MEMORY OF
WALTER FREDERICK
GEGAN
BORN 3rd OCTOBER 1861
DIED 17th SEPTEMBER 1861
ALSO MARY GEGAN
BORN 4th [ ] 1865
DIED 28th APRIL 1865
ALSO CHARLES GEGAN
BORN 11th MARCH 1866
DIED 29th AUGUST 1867
ALSO LUCY GEGAN
WAS BORN 18th NOVEMBER 1867
[ ]
Probably children of George Gegan, a Pawn Broker of Brompton High
Street, 1865 Post Office Directory
16. Pedestal with Large Cross and
Angel
IN CHERISHED MEMORY OF
HAROLD ERNEST
THE DEARLY LOVED SON OF
JOHN AND ELIZA GREEN
OF BARNSOLE HOUSE
CALLED TO HIGHER SERVICE 16th NOVEMBER 1915
AGED 19 YEARS
ALSO THE ABOVE
JOHN GREEN
WHO FELL ASLEEP 19th JULY 1930
AGED 93 YEARS
"Resting"
ALSO ELIZA THE BELOVED WIFE OF THE ABOVE
CALLED TO REST 26th AUGUST 1946
AGED 87 YEARS
"Rest in the Lord"
ALSO
CYRIL HERBERT
THEIR YOUNGEST SON
WHO DIED 1st JULY 1899
AGED 7 MONTHS
ALSO PERCY WILLIAM
SON OF JOHN AND ELIZA GREEN
WHO DIED 23rd APRIL 1955
AGED 61 YEARS
"At Rest"
ALSO
VIOLET ROSETTA ELIZA
THE DEARLY BELOVED DAUGHTER
OF THE AFORE NAMED
JOHN AND ELIZA GREEN
CALLED TO HIGHER SERVICE
17th JANUARY 1947
AGED 46 YEARS
Obituary - Chatham
Observer
"A VETERAN PASSES - DEATH OF MR JOHN GREEN
A link with the Gillingham of long ago has been severed by the death, at
the age of 93, of Mr John Green, Barnsole House. The sad event occurred
early on Saturday morning, following a very brief illness. The deceased
gentleman was a son of the late Mr J. T. J. Green, of Britton Farm, who
had a very extensive farm which included within its bounds land which is
now Gillingham High Street. Mr John Green continued the farming
operations of his father, his land extending as far as Twydall on one
side and Watling Street in another direction. The Infectious Diseases
Hospital, Barnsole Road School, and a large portion of the
Corporation’s housing estate stands on land which was formerly
cultivated by him. About 30 years ago a disastrous outbreak of fire
occurred on the farm, destroying many of the buildings and outhouses;
subsequently the land was sold.
Deceased as a young man followed the example of public life
set by his father (who was at one time High Constable of Gillingham) by
serving for a number of years on the Local Board and also on the Medway
Board of Guardians. He was a Wesleyan and was always proud of his close
association with that denomination. Many years ago he was an active
worker at Christmas-street Wesleyan Chapel and after his marriage he
became closely identified with Canterbury-street Wesleyan Church. He was
also a trustee of Cliffe and Strood Wesleyan Churches.
Mr Green is survived by his widow, two sons, three
daughters, one brother and two sisters. One son Mr John T. J. Green, is
in business at Hythe, and the other son, Mr Percy W. Green, is in
business in Cowes. The daughters are Mrs Gill, widow of the late Mr
Evans Leonard Gill (eldest son of the Rev W. T. Gill), Miss Violet Green
(who is captain of Canterbury-street Church Girl Guides), and Miss
Gladys Green, (thr Brown Owl of the Central Hall Pack). The deceased’s
brother is Mr Walter Green, who is connected by marriage with Rev J. D.
Jones, and resides at the Vicarage, Old Brompton. The sisters are Mrs
Watts, widow of the late Mr Henry Watts, and Mrs Crabtree, widow of the
late Mr Chas Crabtree.
The funeral took place yesterday (Thursday). Prior to
interment in the family grave at Gillingham Old Cemetery a service was
conducted by rev J. J. Leedal (who came specially from the Wesleyan
Conference at Leeds) and was assisted by Revs H. W. Goldsack and A. W.
Mason.
A fete and garden party for Guides which was to have taken
place at Barnsole House on Wednesday afternoon was cancelled as soon as
Mr Green’s death became known."
HOBBIS see NORTON
HAYDEN see SEWELL
HILLS see SCOGGINS
17. Displaced Pedestal
BERTRAM GUY HOYLE
(BOY)
WHO DIED APRIL 23rd 1911
AGED 7 YEARS
"Suffer Little Children to Come unto Me"
ALFRED WILLIAM HOYLE
WHO DIED FEB 26th 1948
AGED 72 YEARS
LILIAN MAUD HOYLE
AT REST 5th JULY 1968
AGED 94 YEARS
Principal Probate Registry Index
Alfred Hoyle of Pump Lane, Rainham, £6,936
18. Red Granite Cross and Curbs
SARGEANT LLOYD AND QUARTERMASTER PALMER
(ALFRED CLIFT no. 5, LEFT BACKGROUND)
IN MEMORY OF
ARTHUR P. LLOYD
SERGT. 28th CO. R. E.
DIED FEBRUARY 14th 1889
AGED 28 YEARS
ERECTED BY THE CORPS OF
ROYAL ENGINEERS
Curbs
ALSO THOMAS PALMER LATE QR MASTER OXFORDSHIRE LIGHT INFANTRY
DIED FEBRUARY 11th 1889 AGED 58 YEARS
Inquest Chatham Observer
"THE SHOCKING SUICIDE OF A SERGEANT - INQUEST AND VERDICT
The inquest on the body of Arthur Patrick Lloyd, sergeant in the
Submarine Mining Battalion of the Royal Engineers, who was found shot
through the head on Friday morning last , near the stockades at
Gillingham road, was held in the Casualty Hospital, Brompton, on
Saturday evening. Mr E. Woodgate, Deputy Coroner, conducted the inquiry,
and Mr W. E, Stokes was the Foreman of the Jury.
Harry Skinner, Co. Sergt. Major, R. E., identified the
deceased as Sergeant of the 28th Company, R. E., whom he had known for
the past twelve months. He last saw him alive at ten o’clock a.m. on
the previous Thursday, deceased having obtained leave from nine
o’clock to midnight of that day. He noticed nothing peculiar about the
deceased whatever. His general health was very good. He had served at
the Cape and in Egypt in 1882. Witness had heard that deceased had a
sun-stroke, but he never seemed to be in any trouble, and was always
very jolly. He did not think his recent studying in "testing"
had unhinged his mind, and as far as witness knew he had no money or
mental troubles.
A TRAGIC SCENE AT MIDNIGHT
John Jones, Sergeant R. E., said he knew the deceased, and
lived in the same room with him. On Thursday night at about a quarter to
twelve the deceased entered the room. Witness was in bed, and had been
asleep, but the noise which deceased made on entering the room, awoke
him. Deceased went to his bed and commenced taking down the irons of it,
and witness asked him what he was doing. Deceased, in reply, told him to
turn over and go to sleep. Deceased then went to a box, and took out
something which witness could not see, but he saw him take out a book
and put it back again. Deceased then took his rifle out of the corner of
the room, and said "I am going to shoot myself now." Witness
jumped up to get out of bed, but the deceased had already loaded the
rifle. He pointed the rifle at him, and said "If you attempt to get
out of that bed to stop me, I’ll shoot you first." As soon as
witness saw the rifle pointed at him he felt he could do nothing.
Deceased said "You keep quiet, and I’ll not hurt you, but if you
interfere I’ll shoot you." Witness tried to persuade him not to
do it, but deceased still pointed the rifle at him, and backed towards
the door. As soon as he got to the door he lifted up the curtain and
went out. Immediately he left witness got out of bed, put on his
trousers, and went after him. There was a gas light burning in the room.
He went down and found Sergt. Dodd, to whom he reported the affair. They
went out together to search for the deceased, but could not find him.
They looked round the ditches and field works, and in every place they
thought it was likely he would have gone. He then gave up the search
[and] went to bed. The next morning he and Sergt. Dodd, about 7.40, went
out again to look for him. The affairs had previously been reported to
Sergt. Major Skinner. They found the deceased at about a quarter eight
behind a stockade on the field works. He was dead and his head was
shattered.
THE FINDING OF THE BODY
Frederick Ralph Dodd, Sergeant R. E., said that he searched
for the deceased without success on the night of the 14th, and again on
the morning of the 15th. He found the deceased, who was lying on his
stomach, and they could see 6ins of the rifle protruding from between
his feet. They did not move him. One of the deceased’s boots was off,
but he did not see any string attached to his toe.
Sergt. Major Skinner, re-called, said Sergt. Jones reported
the finding of the body to him, and he accompanied the orderly to where
it was lying. The medical officer pulled the rifle away from the
deceased, and witness noticed that a boot lace was tied to the trigger,
and the lace was looped at the other end. Deceased was of a very quiet
disposition, and very sociable.
Christopher Lloyd, Qr Mr Sergt. Instructor, R. E., said the
deceased was his brother, and was 25 years of age. He would have been 26
in March. On Monday deceased’s step father, Thomas Palmer, died at 8,
Goodwin terrace, New Brompton. During the time Thomas Palmer was in the
house prior to burial, deceased was much affected. He shut himself up in
the room with the dead body two or three times when Palmer was in his
coffin. He purchased flowers and strewed them on and around body. On
Thursday at the burial deceased was again much affected; witness rode
with him in the carriage. After the funeral, and just before tea,
deceased was very jolly and hearty, more particularly with a sister of
witness whom he had not seen for ten years. He went to see her off to
London at nine o’clock, and then returned to Goodwin terrace. From
there he went Copenhagen road, and the witnesses wife afterwards
informed him that the deceased complained of pains in the head. Witness
had known to have had pains in the head before. Witness last saw him
alive between ten and half past tem p.m.. The deceased had been ill of
dysentery in Egypt, but when returning from active service from
Zululand, between Etsowe and Maritzburg, he had a slight touch of sun
stroke, which was not put onto his medical history sheet. Deceased was
told serious consequences would have occurred if he had not bled at the
nose. Many years ago at Maidstone the deceased received a severe blow on
the frontal bone near the eye from a swing boat, and was delirious for
two or three days. The doctor who attended him warned his mother to be
careful, and not to send him to school for some time as it might affect
his brain, and to keep him from excitement. Latterly deceased had
studied hard in witnesses house at electricity, generally calling six
evenings out of seven, and staying from about six till eleven, reading
hard all the time. On several occasions he had complained of pains in
his head. Witness recommended to take aperient medicine. He did so, but
it did him no good, as he still complained of his head. He also said he
was required to do too much, to learn electricity, the new Infantry
drill, to carry on the instruction of a class and the Presidency of the
Mess Committee. The deceased had no other troubles.
The Coroner said he thought the jury would agree with him
that it was suicide whilst in a state of temporary insanity. It was a
very sad case indeed.
The Jury concurred with the Coroner, and returned a verdict
of "Temporary insanity" "
19. Pedestals
SACRED
TO THE DEAR MEMORY OF
LEONARD MUDGE
WHO DIED 26th DECEMBER 1925
AGED 33 YEARS
"Not my Will but Thine be Done"
ALSO ELIZABETH ANNE
CLINCH LAMPORT
(AUNTIE)
WHO DIED 21st DECEMBER 1921
AGED 74 YEARS
ALSO JOHN MUDGE
OF EAST COURT FARM
FATHER OF THE ABOVE
WHO DIED 9th AUGUST 1938 AGED 81 YEARS
"A Life Well Spent"
ALSO ANN BELOVED WIFE AND MOTHER OF THE ABOVE
WHO JOINED THEM 4th MARCH 1944 AGED 83 YEARS
"Lead Kindly Light"
Principal Probate Registry Index John
Mudge, £11,299 15s 11d
20. Pedestals
IN
AFFECTIONATE REMEMBRANCE
OF
WILLIAM JAMES NICOL
WHO FELL ASLEEP IN JESUS
JAN 26th 1908 AGED 51 YEARS
"A Loving Father, how we miss him,
None but Aching Hearts can tell,
We have Lost, Heaven has found him,
Jesus doeth all things Well"
ALSO ANNIE LOUISA
BELOVED WIFE OF THE ABOVE
WHO ENTERED INTO REST APRIL 15th 1916
AGED 61 YEARS
"In Sure and Certain Hope of Resurrection"
1881 Census William Nicol, in
Chatham, Railway Clerk
Principal Probate Registry Index William Nicol, of
Sheerness, £1,494 15s 5d
21. Headstone
IN
LOVING MEMORY
OF
SAMUEL NORRIS
DIED JULY 13th 1899
AGED 79 YEARS
ALSO
TAMAR THE BELOVED WIFE OF THE ABOVE
DIED JUNE 7th 1899
AGED 84 YEARS
ALSO
SAMUEL RICHARD SECOND SON
DIED SEPT 28th 1868 AGED YEARS
ALSO
JOSEPH WILLOUGHBY FOURTH SON
DIED OCT 1st 1858 AGED 3 YEARS
INTERRED IN THE ADJOINING CHURCHYARD
1871 Census Samuel Norris, Copper
Smith ?, Chatham Dockyard
1881 Census Samuel Norris, Trafalgar Road, Pensioner
22. Granite Block and Curbs
SACRED
TO THE MEMORY OF
ROBERT NORTON
WHO DIED AT LADYSMITH 10th FEBRUARY 1900
AGED 49 YEARS
"The Strife is o’er, the Battle done"
ALSO OF HIS WIFE
ELLEN NORTON
WHO DIED 10th AUGUST 1909
AGED 56 YEARS
"Neither shall there be any more Pain"
ALSO THEIR YOUNGEST SON
RICHARD ALBERT NORTON
WHO DIED 4th JULY 1913
AGED 31 YEARS
"Just as I am, Without One Plea"
ALSO OF THEIR YOUNGER DAUGHTER
ETHEL MAY PERCIVAL
WHO DIED 25th 1922
AGED 31 YEARS
INTERRED AT CHARLTON, KENT
1881 Census Robert Norton, Soldier, Royal Engineers,
Brompton Barracks, Officer’s Servant
23. Blue Grey Granite Pedestal, Cross
on top
PACKER FAMILY
IN MEMORY OF
ELIZABETH MARGARETTA PACKER
WHO DIED 6th NOVEMBER 1875
AGED 11 YEARS
ALSO ELEANOR PACKER
WHO DIED 16th NOVEMBER 1875
AGED 5 ½ YEARS
"Thy Will be Done"
IN LOVING MEMORY OF
ELIZABETH
THE BELOVED WIFE OF
MARK PACKER
WHO DIED 11th JULY 1901
AGED 63 YEARS
"Life’s Race Well Run,
Life’s Work Well Done,
Then Comes Rest"
ALSO THE ABOVE
MARK PACKER
WHO DIED 16th NOVEMBER 1929
AGED 92 YEARS
IN MEMORY OF
WILLIAM PRICE
BORN AT
MILTON 5th FEBRUARY 1803
DIED 13th MARCH 1878
ALSO
ELIZABETH MARTHA
WIFE OF THE ABOVE
BORN AT
COLWYN ? 27th OCTOBER 1807
DIED 28th SEPTEMBER 1883
"[ ] Loved"
Obituary - Chatham
Observer
"CHATHAM’S OLDEST TRADER -
PASSING OF MR MARK PACKER
The sad death of Mr Mark Packer, who in his 93rd year was the oldest
trader in Chatham, has caused a widespread feeling of regret in the
district, as the deceased was held in the highest esteemed by all who
knew him. He belonged to a family which had been associated with the
business life of the Borough for upwards of a century. His father was a
baker at the east end of Chatham and the deceased carried on the
business for a large number of years. A man of untiring energy he built
up a big concern as a baker, confectioner and seed and corn merchant,
which necessitated the creation of extensive premises near Luton Arches.
In this concern for many years past he has been associated with his son
Mr Mark Packer, jun., and despite his great age he took a keen interest
in the business almost up to the last.
The deceased did not enter into public affairs to any great
extent; he was the oldest member of the Chatham Local Guardians, and a
director of the Chatham Constitutional Club, of which he was the senior
member.
In politics he was an ardent Conservative. He leaves one
son and a daughter.
At an inquest held in Gillingham Council Chamber on Monday
afternoon by Mr F. W. Burden, Deputy County Coroner, Wm Mark Packer, 20,
Watling Street, deceased’s grandson, said that on Oct 29th deceased
had been out and was brought home in a motor car because he had said,
his leg had given way and he had fallen. He remained in bed from that
date until Saturday, when he died. Dr W. Ms Elhinney said the deceased
gentleman suffered from chronic bronchitis. On Oct 29th he was called to
Mr Packer’s house, where he found he was suffering from a fracture to
the left thigh. After two days, deceased lapsed into a condition of semi
consciousness. The cause of death was heart failure accelerated by
congestion of the lungs.
At the meeting of the Chatham Local Guardians last evening,
the Mayor referred to the regret they all felt at losing such an old
member as Mr Packer, whom he described as one of the kindest hearted men
who had ever lived, one who was held in the highest respect throughout
the district, and was a regular attendant for many years at the Board
meetings. He moved that a letter of condolence be sent to the son.
Mark Packer, the son, was Mayor of Chatham in 1933.
24. Cruciform Coffin Shape
JOHN PAGE D.D. VICAR OF THIS PARISH BORN APRIL
15th 1781 DIED MARCH 31st 1867
MARY ANN SECOND WIFE OF JOHN PAGE BORN 8th MAY [ ]
DIED 2nd DECEMBER 1912
ALSO MARY ANN HOBBIS THE GREATLY LOVED NIECE OF THE ABOVE [DIED]
[ ] FEB 1934
PALMER see LLOYD
25. Small Headstone
IN
LOVING
MEMORY
OF
THOMAS ARTHUR BEN
DEARLY LOVED SON OF
ARTHUR & ISABEL PARKS
DIED 24th FEBRUARY 1920
AGED 8 YEARS
26. Large Red Granite Classical
Sarcophagus
SIR WILLIAM AND LADY DINAH PEARCE
(THIS CLASSICAL SARCOPHAGUS STYLE MONUMENT IS ABOUT 7 FEET HIGH
IN LOVING MEMORY OF
SIR WILLIAM PEARCE
OF CARBELL, INVERKIP, RENFREWSHIRE, BARONET
NAVAL ARCHITECT
MEMBER OF PARLIAMENT
FOR THE GOVAN DIVISION OF LANARKSHIRE
DEPUTY LIEUTENANT OF LANARKSHIRE
BORN AT BROMPTON 8th 1833
DIED 18th DECEMBER 1888
ALSO OF HIS WIFE
LADY DINAH ELIZABETH PEARCE
BORN NOV 4th 1836 ENTERED INTO REST MAY 6th 1918
"Faithful unto death"
Obituary - The
Times
"The death of Sir William Pearce which we briefly announced
yesterday, closes a career of brilliant exploits in ocean steam
navigation.
Trained in the Government services at Chatham, he was
selected as a young man by the authorities to control the building of
the Achilles, the first iron vessel built in Her Majesty’s
dockyards. From the Government service he passed to the Clyde and
assumed the management of Napier’s yard, but after a few years he took
a position at Fairfield, where, in 1870, in conjunction with the
relatives of the then deceased John Elder, he originated the firm of
John Elder and Co; of which became the sole partner in 1878. It was just
prior to this that he commenced the more noteworthy scheme of Ocean
navigation with which his name has become associated, since when he has
built upwards of 200,000 tons of shipping, of nearly 300,000 horse power
and over £7,000,000 sterling in value.
The first runner of the present fast Atlantic steaming was
the Arizona built for the Guion Company. This was succeeded by
the Alaska and Oregon vessels that for speed have been
surpassed only by his latest achievements, the Eturia and Umbria
, which are modifications of the same models. Concurrently with
this, he constructed the entire Atlantic fleet of the North German
Lloyds, which included seven of the ten fastest ocean going steamers
afloat, the whole of the New Zealand Shipping Company’s fleet, which
have brought the antipodes within 36 days of the mother country, and the
fastest of the Orient fleet, which have brought Sydney within 38 days of
Plymouth.
In Channel steamers he was no less successful, and to him
is due the fact that the passage between Dover and Calais can now be
accomplished in less than an hour.
His great capacity for work and his ceaseless energy, coupled with
exceptional powers of organisation and judgment in the selection of men,
have resulted in the creation of a vast ship producing machine, which,
even as he lay on his death bed, accomplished the extraordinary feat of
constructing an Atlantic liner of 5,000 tons in the incredibly short
space of 98 working days. It was owing to this admirable organisation
that he
was able , at the close of the Soudan war, to build in 28 days, 11 stern
wheel vessels for bringing the troops up the Nile to deliver them at
Alexandria in two days less than the contract terms. Concurrently with
this he built in 21 working days a hospital boat of larger dimensions
than the other 11, and received the thanks of Lord Hartington, then
Minister for War, for his remarkable expedition.
Sir William was born at Brompton, near Chatham, on the 8th of January
1833, so that he had scarcely his 56th year. His death, technically
ascribed to heart disease, is attributable to a complete collapse of the
nervous system, the result of the severe strain of the work in which he
has been engaged.
He was elected the first member of the newly created constituency of the
Govan Division of Lanarkshire in 1885, and again in 1886, having
previously contested Glasgow in the Conservative interest in 1880. He
was chairman of the Guion Steamship Company, and of the Scottish
Oriental Steamship Company; he has been re-elected Deputy Grand Master
of the Province of Glasgow in the Masonic brotherhood since 1880;
he was Deputy Lieutenant and Justice of the Peace for Lanarkshire, and
he served on the Royal Commission on Tonnage, on Loss of Life at Sea,
and on the Depression of Trade. He was created a baronet in 1887, and is
succeeded in the title by his only son, William George, who was educated
at trinity College, Cambridge, where he graduated M.A.,LL. B, and was
called to the bar of the Inner Temple in 1885"
PERCIVAL see ROBERTS
27. Red Granite Pedestal
TO THE DEAR MEMORY
OF
SARAH MASKALL
THE BELOVED WIFE OF
JABEZ PHILPOTT
OF CHATHAM
BORN NOV 11th 1830
DIED NOV 23rd 1891
"For so he giveth his beloved Sleep"
AND OF
THEIR FOUR INFANT CHILDREN
WHO ARE BURIED IN
ST. NICHOLAS CEMETERY, ROCHESTER
ALSO IN LOVING MEMORY
OF
JABEZ PHILPOTT
OF CHATHAM
WHO DIED AT BRIGHTON
NOV 5th 1911
AGED 84 YEARS
"Into his Marvellous light"
Peter v9
Jabez Philpott, Boot Maker, Kelly’s Directory 1891
PRICE see PACKER
PRUCE see ROBERTS
28. Headstone and Curbs
IN AFFECTIONATE REMEMBRANCE OF
JOSEPH PURSE
WHO DIED JULY 28th 1878
IN HIS 49th YEAR
INTERRED IN SOUTHAMPTON CEMETERY
ALSO JANE LOUISA
DEARLY BELOVED WIFE OF THE ABOVE
WHO DIED MARCH 26th 1895
IN HER 70th YEAR
ALSO HELEN REBECCA
DAUGHTER OF THE ABOVE
WHO DIED APRIL 1st 1889
IN HER 21st YEAR
"Safe in the arms of Jesus"
ALSO JOSEPH WYNDHAM PURSE
GRANDSON OF THE ABOVE
WHO DIED FEBY 23rd 1901
AGED 3 MONTHS
ALSO OF SARAH ANN PURSE
DAUGHTER OF THE ABOVE
JOSEPH AND JANE LOUISA
DIED OCTOBER 4th 1905
AGED 41 YEARS
INTERRED IN MARPOOL CEMETERY, DERBYSHIRE
Principal Probate Registry Index
Joseph Purse of Southampton, £1,000
29. Headstone
IN AFFECTIONATE REMEMBRANCE OF
WILLIAM ROBERTS
WHO DIED 27th APRIL 1905
AGED 40 YEARS
"Thy Will be Done"
ALSO
EMILY PRUCE
WHO DIED 4th AUGUST 1948
AGED 81 YEARS
ALSO
WILLIAM CHARLES ROBERTS
WHO DIED 1st JULY 1966
AGED 76 YEARS
1911 Census William Roberts, Senior,
Licensed Victualler, "Plough and Chequers" P.H.
Principal Probate Registry Index William Roberts of
the "Blue Boar" P.H., Rochester, £822 16s
SAMSON see SCOGGINS
30. Headstone
SACRED
TO THE MEMORY OF
ANN MATILDA
THE BELOVED WIFE OF
ARTHUR SAYWELL
WHO DIED ON FEBRUARY 8th 1854
AGED 81 YEARS
ALSO ARTHUR SAYWELL
WHO DIED APRIL 28th 1865
AGED 92 YEARS
31. Headstone
[ ]
JANE ANN
WIFE OF
JOHN JAMES SEWELL
WHO ENTERED INTO REST
THE 2nd OF DECEMBER 1903 ?
AGED [ ] YEARS
[ ]
ALSO JOHN JAMES SEWELL
HUSBAND OF THE ABOVE
WHO DIED 24th MAY 1922
AGED 75 YEARS
ALSO ALICE MAUD HAYDEN
DAUGHTER OF THE ABOVE AND THE
BELOVED WIFE OF C. J. HAYDEN
WHO DIED 13th SEPTEMBER 1926
AGED 84 YEARS
32. Headstone
IN LOVING MEMORY
OF
MY DEAR HUSBAND
JAMES SCOGGINS
WHO DIED MARCH 31st 1906
AGED 61 YEARS
"One Less at Home,
The Charmed Circle, Broken, a Dear face,
Missed Day by Day from its Accustomed Place,
But Cleansed and Saved and Perfected by Grace,
One more in Heaven,
His End was Peace"
ALSO
EMMA SCOGGINS
WIDOW OF THE ABOVE
DIED DECEMBER [ ] 1918 ?
AGED 76 YEARS
"A Light is from our Household Gone,
A Voice we loved is Stilled,
A Place is Vacant at our Hearth,
Which Never can be Filled"
ALSO
THOMAS JOHN HILLS
SON IN LAW OF THE ABOVE
AT REST NOVEMBER 12th 1939
IN HIS 69th YEAR
"Sleep on Dear One, your Work is Done,
Our Love will Never End"
Rear
IN LOVING MEMORY
OF
THOMAS PECK SAMSON
WHO FELL ASLEEP 6th DECEMBER 1913
AGED 42
"Oh for the Touch of a Vanished Hand,
And the Sound of a Voice that is Still"
ALSO LILY AMELIA SAMSON
WIFE OF THE ABOVE
REUNITED 18th JULY 1951
IN HER 79th YEAR
1901 Census James Scoggins, Ship
Fitter
Principal Probate Registry Index James Scoggins, of
Gillingham Road, £396 15s 7d
Thomas Peck Samson, "Rose" Beerhouse, £1,658 12s 6d
1911 Census Thomas Samson, Beer Retailer, "Rose
Inn"
33. Pedestal with Tapering Obelisk,
Overall Height about 12 Feet
SUPERINTENDENT JOHN SMITH
(THIS MONUMENT IS ABOUT 12 FEET TALL)
IN
LOVING MEMORY OF
JOHN SMITH
SUPERINTENDENT, CHATHAM
DIVISION, METROPOLITAN POLICE
WHO ENTERED INTO REST
NOVEMBER 6th 1886
AGED 55 YEARS
"The Memory of the Just is Blessed"
ALSO
OF HIS WIFE
LAVINIA
BORN APRIL 15th 1830
DIED FEBRUARY 26th 1919
"Jesu Mercy"
ALSO
TO THE MEMORY OF
JOHN STANLEY SMITH
ELDEST SON
BORN JUNE 8th 1858
DIED FEBRUARY 3rd 1933
THIS PANEL IS INSCRIBED BY
THE SORROWING OFFICERS AND
MEN OF HIS DIVISION WHO HERE
TESTIFY THEIR LASTING RESPECT
FOR A MAN WHOSE RULE WAS
JUST YET FULL OF KINDNESS
"Blessed are the Merciful, for
They shall obtain Mercy"
Obituary - Chatham
Observer
"DEATH OF SUPT. J. SMITH
It is with the deepest regret that we have to record the removal of
another well-known and prominent figure from our midst by the hand of
death. For close upon fifteen years Superintendent John Smith, who was
in charge of the Metropolitan Police, stationed at Chatham Dockyard, has
been intimately associated with the town of Chatham, and by his death,
which took place at his official residence at half-past two o’clock on
Saturday afternoon, a blank has been caused which it will take a long
time to fill. With regard to the illness which resulted in so sad a
termination, it may be mentioned that Supt Smith received directions
from the Admiralty to attend a trial of the Lewis hand fire-extinguisher
at Fort Pitt the evening of the 20th ult., and as, will doubtless be
remembered, the ground was very damp in consequence of heavy rain. Mr
Smith remained standing on the grass for nearly two hours, and then
remarked to Mr Parkes, who had also attended the trial in an official
capacity, that he felt thoroughly chilled. He drove home in a cab and on
arriving at his residence immediately took such measures as were
calculated to ward off any ill effects from the chill, but on the
following day, he was seized with an attack of violent cholic. Since
then he has never recovered, although on several occasions his
appearance led his friends to believe that he would be restored to
health. His medical advisers Dr Warren, Dr Eames, Dr Ramfield and Dr
Williams, were most assiduous in their efforts on his behalf, but in
spite of all that medical skill could do, the deceased gentleman became
unconscious at half-past six on Saturday morning and; and remained so up
to the time of his death, the direct cause of which was Bright’s
disease, supervening upon the chill.
THE SERVICES OF SUPTERINTENDENT SMITH
The deceased gentleman has passed through a long and
honourable career in the police force, and the success he achieved was
undoubtedly the result of sterling merit and ability. He first commenced
his connection with the police in 1852 when he joined the Plymouth
Borough police as a constable, but on the 10th October of the following
year he became a member of the Admiralty Force at Devonport Dockyard.
The zeal he displayed quickly brought promotion, and he left the force
seven years later with the rank of sergeant. On October 22nd 1860, he
joined the Metropolitan Police Force as a sergeant and remained
stationed at Devonport until the 12th of September 1866, when he was
transferred to Woolwich, having been previously promoted to the rank of
Inspector on the 30th May 1864. He did not remain long at Woolwich, for
on the 1st February 1867 he was despatched to take charge of the police
at Aldershot Camp, where he won golden opinions by the excellent manner
in which he discharged the whole of his multifarious duties.
APPOINTMENT TO CHATHAM
His promotion to the rank of Superintendent was made on the
11th March, 1872, and on the 21st of the same month he commenced his
important duties as head of the Metropolitan police stationed at Chatham
Dockyard. By the wise and judicious steps taken by the new head, the
efficiency of the Division was greatly improved, until it rose to a
position which is very rarely reached. What can speak better for the
admirable way in which the deceased exercised away over the division
than the fact that during the whole of the fourteen years only one man
has been dismissed from the force? This alone speaks volumes of the
popularity of the Chief, and in fact all those under his charge looked
up to their Superintendent more in the light of a father than anything
else. The full extent of his labours in the direction of improving the
condition of those placed under his charge cannot be properly estimated.
He was ever ready to do anything which was calculated to promote their
welfare, and among other matters he was the founder of the recreation,
billiard, and reading rooms, and was President of the Police Band. Of
the zealous and faithful manner, in which he discharged his onerous
duties, it would be difficult to speak too highly. He possessed a
thorough knowledge of all the intricacies of the laws relating to the
Army, Navy and Civil Service, and to this, together with the tact which
he always displayed, must be attributed the smooth working of all
matters during the lengthened period he held the command of the
Division.
OFFICIAL COMMENDATIONS
IN addition to numerous personal commendations for good
services rendered, Superintendent Smith received no fewer than sixteen
special commendations during the time he was at Chatham, for his zeal
and ability, and for the conduct of the Division. Here are two or three
taken from that number.
"December 2nd 1875. – The Commissioner has pleasure
in notifying that Colonel J. O. Hamley, C.B., Controller of H.M. Gun
Wharf , Chatham, has by letter to Superintendent Smith expressed his
entire satisfaction with the praiseworthy conduct and attention to duty
of the police employed there during the last five years."
"February 6th 1879.—The Commissioner has pleasure in
notifying that the Admiral Superintendent (Admiral Fellowes), on
relinquishing his command at Chatham Dockyard, has been pleased to
express the high opinion of the zeal and ability of Superintendent
Smith, and his deep sense of the faithful and diligent manner in which
the police employed under him have carried out the important duties
entrusted to their charge."
Similar testimonies were also received from Rear-Admiral Brandreth and
Rear-Admiral G. W. Watson, on their leaving Chatham.
Amongst the officers of the Yard, the deceased was held in
the highest esteem, and there is not one who does not deplore his loss.
With the townsfolk, too, he was deservedly popular, and his genial
manner and many excellent qualities endeared him to a large circle of
friends. On several occasions the local authorities have heartily
thanked Supt. Smith for the willing assistance he has rendered in
extinguishing outbreaks of fire in the locality, and several years ago
he even went so far as to obtain standpipes which would fit the hydrants
outside the Yard, so that the Police be in apposition to render help at
a moment’s call. The deceased was a member of the Church of England,
and was in the habit of attending services at the Dockyard Church. He
was an active member of the Masonic fraternity, being connected with the
Beacon Court Lodge, of which he had held the important office of W. H.
He leaves a widow, four daughters (two married), and three
sons to mourn his loss, and with the bereaved family, we, in company
with hundreds of our fellow townsmen would express our heartfelt
sympathy.
A PERSONAL TESTIMONY
An official, who was intimately acquainted with the
deceased gentleman, on being asked as to the character of Superintendent
Smith, said: I have known him for thirteen years, and worked with him
for nine years, and he was the truest friend that ever I had. I believe
the same would be said of him by the whole of the Division, and I do not
suppose out of the whole 176 that there would be one dissentient voice.
Amongst the Dockyard officials he was universally respected.
Another official bore testimony of the great interest
that the late Superintendent Smith took in the young men who joined the
Division. On their arrival he used to talk to them just like a father,
giving them the soundest and most practical advice."
The article goes on at great length to cover the funeral, which was of a
large scale, with hundreds of official mourners, from the Dockyard
Police from several establishments, Dockyard officials, representatives
of the Royal Navy, Royal Marines, Army and Fire Brigade from several
towns etc. So great was the attendance that the Cemetery had to be
closed to the general public.
34. Pedestals and Cross
IN
LOVING MEMORY
OF
DAVID GEORGE SMITH
LATE MASTER GUNNER
ROYAL ARTILLERY
WHO DIED 9th MARCH 1915
AGED 74 YEARS
ALSO JEMIMA SMITH
BELOVED WIFE OF THE ABOVE
WHO DIED 17th SEPTEMBER 1948
AGED 98 YEARS
ALSO
THEIR
DAUGHTER
KATHERINE MARY
DIED 2nd 1970
AGED 90 YEARS
ALSO
HIS CHILDREN
INTERRED AT DEVONPORT
ALEXANDER CECIL
DIED 24th SEPT 1886
AGED 3 YEARS
CECELIA BLANCHE
DIED 4th JAN 1887
AGED 14 DAYS
ALSO HIS GRANDSON
SIDNEY EDGAR
DIED 1st JUNE 1902 AGED 5 YEARS
35. Flat Headstone
IN LOVING MEMORY
OF
ESTHER SPRINGATE
WHO DIED 17th MAY 1916
AGED 58 YEARS
ALSO
WILLIAM SPRINGATE
HUSBAND OF THE ABOVE
WHO DIED 28th JUNE 1913
AGED 70 YEARS
ALSO
ERNEST GEORGE
SON OF THE ABOVE
WHO DIED 2nd JUNE 1924
AGED 45 YEARS
"Rest in Peace"
ALSO HIS WIDOW
ANNIE EDITH
WHO DIED 23rd DECEMBER 1950
AGED 74 YEARS
1901 Census William Springate at
Chatham, General Labourer
1911 Census Ernest Springate, Painter
Principal Probate Registry Index William Springate,
of Burnt Oak Terrace, £66 0s 6d
36. Headstone
IN
LOVING MEMORY
OF
MARY TREVERTON
WHO DEPARTED THIS LIFE
FEBRUARY 10th 1912 AGED 74 YEARS
ALSO HENRY TREVERTON
THE BELOVED HUSBAND OF THE ABOVE
WHO DEPARTED THIS LIFE
DECEMBER 21st 1893 AGED 57 YEARS
AND WAS BURIED AT SEA
"Peace, Perfect Peace"
1881 Census Henry Treverton, East
Road, Gillingham, Boatswain, Royal Navy
37. Granite Block and Curbs
OF YOUR CHARITY
PRAY FOR THE REPOSE OF THE SOUL OF ANTHONY JABEZ
DIED MARCH 27th 1939 AGED 13 YEARS
BELOVED AND ONLY CHILD OF ALBERT J. AND R. DOROTHY WHITEHEAD
ALSO ALBERT JAMES BELOVED HUSBAND OF DOROTHY
AT REST OCTOBER 11th 1965 AGED 79 YEARS
38. Headstone
IN
LOVING MEMORY OF
KATIE
THE BELOVED DAUGHTER OF
C. AND E. A. WILKINS
WHO DIED 6th 1904
IN HER 8th YEAR
ALSO THE ABOVE
CHARLES WILKINS
WHO DIED 10th OCT 1930
AGED 66 YEARS
ALSO
ELIZA ANN WILKINS
A BELOVED WIFE AND MOTHER
WHO DIED 28th AUG 1953
AGED 88 YEARS
Principal Probate Registry Index
Charles Wilkins, of Cleave Road, £919 10s 11d
39. Fallen Broken Headstone
IN LOVING MEMORY
OF
PERCY CLAUDE WINN
FELL ASLEEP OCT 8th 1908 ?
AGED 43 ? YEARS
"[ ],
Morning Breaks and the Shadows Flee Away,
We then [ ] Joys shall Share"
ALSO
PHOEBE ALICE WINN
MOTHER OF THE ABOVE
WHO DIED MARCH 4th 1921
AGED 86 ? YEARS
"Her Passing was Peace"
ALSO JOHN
HUSBAND OF THE ABOVE
(KNOWN AS HARRY WINN)
CROSSED OVER OCT 17th 1928
AGED 77 YEARS
1911 Census John Winn, Charge Hand of
Fitters, Chatham Dockyard
Principal Probate Registry Index John Winn of
Waterloo Road, £626 1s 3d
40. Headstone
IN LOVING MEMORY OF
MARY ELIZABETH WRIGHT
WHO DIED 11th JANUARY 1907
AGED 49 YEARS
WIFE OF
JOHN JAMES WRIGHT
WHO DIED 27th JANUARY 1924
AGED 69 YEARS
AND EUNICE ELIZABETH
HIS WIDOW
WITH CHRIST 7th JANUARY 1936
AGED 84 YEARS
1911 Census John Wright, Naval
Architect
Principal Probate Registry Index John Wright of
Rock Avenue, £1,957 19s 2d
