Extract from Memories of the 1890s by R E Bayes:
Two weeks before his tenth birthday he "took a regular part time job with a dairyman, having previously worked on Saturdays for a clothier and a draper. His first full time job was with a clothier named King near the railway station; two of his colleagues there, Moody and Luck, afterwards went into business for themselves."
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Note: Harry Everingham came to Rushden in 1896 from Spalding LIN, and was working as a draper on his own account. He was then in a joint venture as Everingham & King, at 40 High Street in 1898.
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Looking north - c1898 before the fire destroyed this row of shops
On the end wall [38 High St] an advert for Moody & Luck
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In 1899 the news reported "Messrs Moody and Luck's window is dressed with a good assortment of hats, caps, etc.". [did they share with Everingham & King?]
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The Succoth Church c1885 and cottages (right) lost in the fire
Rebuilt as 38 & 40 High Street
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Little is known about William Henry Moody, except he was born at Burton-on-Trent in 1870.
After training as a tailor, he came to Rushden in the mid 1890s. At first he worked for Mr King, who traded near the railway station. With a Mr Luck who also worked for Mr King, they set up on their own opposite Cave's Shoe Factory about 1898.
Moody & Luck were trading from a property that was destroyed in Cave's great fire of 1901.
After the fire they moved to a shop at 27 High Street. The window has 'Moody & Luc, Cash Tailors' painted on, but the name board above has just Moody. [perhaps the "k" had been rubbed off?]
W H Moody advertised in Kelly's from 1903 - 1931.
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27 High Street c1905
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27 High Street c1910
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William possibly had other business ventures elsewhere. In 1902 he entertained at the Wesleyan Church Bazaar, with his "Magic, Mirth & Mystery," and in 1904 at Higham Ferrers Parish Rooms he did a conjuring act, and some musical contributions.
William also played cricket and he was a member of the Masonic Pemberton Lodge.
In 1908 he took a fine picture of the Feast.
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William Moody c1895
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Rushden Argus, 1st May 1914, transcribed by Kay Collins
NEW GAME—Two well-known local sportsmen are introducing a new game into the Midlands. Messrs. A. W. Thompson and W. H. Moody are arranging for a push-ball match to take place in Rushden about Feast week. The popular American game has never been seen in the Midlands, and much interest will be evoked in the forthcoming match, which will be played by local gentlemen for charity.
Mr. Moody and Mr. Thompson hope to get some skilled exponents of the game on each side, and there will be a number of practice games arranged. We wish the project every success.
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Mason - Bro Moody in 1919
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Rushden Echo, February 1st 1924, transcribed by Kay Collins
Freemasonry—Last night at the Holy Royal Arch (Wellingborough) Chapter of Freemasons, E.Comp. W H Moody, P.pr., G.Swd.B., of Rushden, was installed in the chair of Z, .......................
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Mr. W. Moody’s Team
at the Annual Rushden Feast Monday Match – undated
P Wright, A Trott, A Tarrant, S Briggs, J Hobbs, H Strudwick, J Gunn, T Colson,
W Rees, L Brawn, W Moody, T Hayward, E Hayes, R F Knight
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He died here in 1940 and was buried in Rushden Cemetery in Grave F916 with this inscription:-
I.N.R.I. To the memory of William Henry MOODY who met the dawn on October 4th 1940 aged 70 years. "I am Alpha and Omega the beginning and the ending saith the Lord". S.M.I.B. "Requiescat in pace".
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