Rushden Echo, 1st November 1918, transcribed by Kay Collins
Obituary—We regret to report the death, which took place on Wednesday week, of Pte J W Smith, of the Agricultural Corps, Labour Battalion, at Roade Farm, Potton-road, Biggleswade, of acute pneumonia, after a very short illness. The deceased was well-known at Higham Ferrers, and prior to his enlistment he was associated with the Wesleyan Church, and was for many years secretary of the choir, working very energetically both in that capacity and other directions. He was also secretary of the Small Holdings Association at the commencement of its career in Higham, and was also a member of the committee of the Allotment Association. As a member of the Rushden Adult School Choir he was much respected. He was the eldest son of Mr and Mrs T Smith, of Wharf-road. The funeral took place at the Higham Ferrers cemetery on Saturday last. The Rev C Borman conducted the service at the church and at the graveside. The coffin bore a breastplate with the inscription:-
Pte J W Smith
Died October 23rd, 1918
Aged 32 years.
The mourners were Mr and Mrs T Smith (father and mother), Mr and Mrs L Smith (brother and sister-in-law), Mr and Mrs P Smith (brother and sister-in-law), Mr G Smith (brother), and Mr J Smith (brother-in-law), Mr and Mrs R Smith ((brother-in-law and sister-in-law), Mr and Mrs C Smith (brother-in-law and sister-in-law), Mr and Mrs G Randall (uncle and aunt), Miss D Smith (niece), and Mr Brookbanks (friend), Biggleswade. There were a number of wreaths. Three soldiers, representing the Agicultural Corsp, also followed. The fact that the deceased’s wife was lying very ill at the time of his death adds to the sadness of the case, but we are glad now to report that Mrs Smith is now making satisfactory progress, although she is prostrated at her husband’s death. The deceased leaves a widow and one child (a son).
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