James Brown (1831-1905)

The funeral took place at Newbury Cemetery on Thursday last of Mr. James Brown, of 10 Shaw-crescent, who died on the previous Monday at the age of 74. He was followed by his four sons and two daughters, and the officiating minister was the Rev. F, Halliday, and among those around the graveside were Messrs. B. Freeman, Brind, Woodger, Sainsbury, Mrs. C. Webb, Mrs. North, Mrs. Dolton, Mr. and Mrs. Wintle, Mr. and Mrs. J. Webb, Miss Gould, together with several friends from Shefford. 

It was the wish of the deceased that no flowers should be placed on his coffin; this wish was so far respected that the wreaths sent were afterwards conveyed to the Cemetery. 

Deceased came from Shefford to Newbury over fifty years ago, to the employ of Mr. Bentall, then a draper in Northbrook-street, and afterwards he was with Messrs. Bodman and Jones, and was accustomed to take part in the funerals carried out by both firms. 

For half-a-century he was a local preacher, formerly in connection with the Primitive Methodists and latterly among the Wesleyans. He was also caretaker for some years at the Wesleyan Church. This makes the fourth local preacher in connection with the Wesleyan Circuit who has died within six months.

Newbury Weekly News, 31 August 1905