A nonagenarian native of Rushden passed away at Middle Farm, Ringstead, yesterday week, in the person of Mrs. Mary Ann Smart, widow of the late Mr. Henry Smart, of Newton Bromshold, who pre-deceased his wife on March 31st 1893.

The deceased lady, who was 97 years of age, was born at Rushden on June 13th 1817, and had lived under six reigning monarchs. At the time of her birth George III was on the throne, and she was married on June 9th, 1838, one year after Queen Victoria’s accession. For 47 years Mr. and Mrs. Smart were tenants of the Swan Inn, Newton Bromshold, and for practically the whole of that time Mr. Smart was warden of the Newton Parish Church. Three daughters and one son survive their mother.

After the death of her husband, the late Mrs. Smart went to reside with her daughter, Mrs. E. A. Wyman, of Middle Farm, Ringstead. About two years ago she had a serious fall, since which time she had suffered a great deal, so that the end came as a happy release. Although her sight had failed, Mrs. Smart retained most of her faculties, the most remarkable being her wonderful memory. She could well remember the running of the stage coaches through Rushden, and the nature of the local festivities held in connection with three coronations in which she participated. At the time of her girlhood the population of Rushden was little more than 1,000, and there was then only one boot manufacturer in Higham Ferrers and none in Rushden. Food was very dear, tea being 6d. per ounce, loaf sugar 1/1 per lb., and bread 11d. per quarter loaf. Eggs and butter were, however, cheap in comparison with the present day, the former being 8d. a score and the latter about 9d. a lb.

The funeral took place at Newton last Monday at 2 o’clock. The funeral cortege left Ringstead about noon, and proceeded to Newton, being met at the gates of the churchyard by the Rev. W. H. McCleary, Rector of Shelton.

The chief mourners were Mrs. C. Wyman (daughter), Mr. Chas Smart (son), Ringstead; Mrs. Measures (daughter, Mr. Harry Measures (grandson), Higham Ferrers; Mrs. Ralph Wyman (daughter), Miss Polly Wyman (grand-daughter) Ringstead; Mrs. Hall (grand-daughter), and Phyllis (great-granddaughter), Ringstead; Mr. and Mrs. Nurrish (cousins), Rushden; Mrs. H. Measures Horn, Wellingboro’; Mr. C. Clarke (grandson), Higham Ferrers; Mrs. C. Smart (daughter-in-law) and Mrs. Ruff (grand-daughter), Ringstead; Mr. and Mrs. Reynolds (grand-daughter and grandson), Pertenhall; and Mrs. Fellows, Welingborough. Others present were Mr. B. Mortimer (churchwarden), Newton; Mr. C. R. Horn, Wellingborough, Mr. C. Clarke, Ringstead, Mr. Robert Lines, Newton and others.