A painful sensation was caused in Higham Ferrers on Easter Monday, when the sad news got abroad that Mr. Robert Taylor Chown, of Chown’s Mill, had passed away suddenly at the age of 58 years. He was seized with a stroke on Monday morning. Dr. Greenfield was sent for, but Mr. Chown had expired before the doctor’s arrival. The deceased had a similar seizure about two years ago. On Monday morning he had been talking to his son-in-law, Mr. A. C. F. G. Woodcock, of Fernbank villas, Higham-road, Rushden, but five minutes before his fatal illness. Information was sent to the coroner, but an inquest was not considered necessary.

Chown's Mill from a postcard

The deceased gentleman leaves a widow, one son, and one daughter.

Mr. Chown’s first wife, a sister of Mrs. F. D. Brazier and Ald. Owen Parker, pre-deceased him about 26 years ago. Mr. Chown was well known throughout the district and highly respected in the borough. The Mill has been held by the Chown’s family for over 150 years.

The funeral took place yesterday in the presence of many sympathisers. The first portion of the obsequies was conducted in St. Mary’s Church, Higham, by the Vicar, who also officiated at the graveside. The coffin was of unpolished oak with brass fittings and bore the inscription:-

ROBERT TAYLOR CHOWN
Died April 24th 1916
Aged 58 years.

Mr. F. Parker was the undertaker. The mourners comprised Mrs. Chown (widow), Mr. and Mrs. Frank Chown (son and daughter-in-law), Mr. and Mrs. A. C. F. G. Woodstock (daughter and son-in-law), Mr. Swallow, Lincolnshire, (brother-in-law), Mrs. Dawes Leicester (cousin), Mrs. H. F. Weed, Mrs. Oliver Claridge and Mrs. Owen Parker (sisters-in-law).

There were no flowers by request.