The funeral took place on Saturday afternoon last of Mr John S Adams, the well-known secretary of the Myrtle (Rushden) Lodge of Free Gardeners, whose death took place on the previous Thursday at 11, Midland-road, Rushden, as reported in our last issue. Deceased, who was only 38 years of age at the time of his death, was taken seriously ill at Christmas, and for a few days prior to his death was quite unconscious.

He leaves a widow and one child to mourn their loss. He will be sadly missed for his valuable services to Friendly Society work, having been full-time secretary of the Myrtle Lodge of Free Gardeners for the past four years.

The Rev C J Keeler conducted a service in the cemetery chapel, after which the Rector (Rev P Robson) as chaplain of the Free Gardeners, read the Free Gardeners’ burial service over the grave.

The mourners were the wife and child, father and mother, Sergt W H Adams (brother), Mrs A Bayliss, of Halifax, and Mr A Payne, of Rothwell (sister and brother), Mrs HJ Jackson and Mr W H Clarke (sister and brother-in-law), Mr H A Crane and Mr J Jackson (sister and brother-in-law), Mrs W Adams, of Northampton, and Mrs W Clarke (aunt and sister-in-law), Mrs Corbett and Mrs Wright (sister-in-law), Mrs C Jaques and Mr Baxter (friends).

Representatives of the Free Gardeners and other Friendly Societies of the town were present, and also representatives of the Athletic Club, four members of the committee of this club scting as bearers.

The coffin was of polished oak with brass fittings, and breast plate with the inscription:-

John Simon Adams
Died February 15th 1917
Aged 38 years

Sergt W H Adams, the brother of deceased, who attended the funeral, had to leave hurriedly as soon as the funeral service was over, his regiment, a Canadian contingent, being given orders to proceed to France.

The following wreaths were placed on the grave.

A harp with broken chord: With fondest love to my dear husband, from his sorrowing wife and little Connie.

A spray: To my dear daddy, with love from his little daughter.

With much love to dear Jack, from his sorrowing mother, father, sisters and brothers.

In loving and affectionate remembrance of our dear brother Jack, from his brother and sister, Sergt and Mrs W H Adams, Toronto, Canada.

With deep sympathy, from Arthur and Phoebe and family, Rothwell.

With deepest sympathy, from Mother, Kate, and Louie.

In loving remembrance from Walt and Clara.

In kind remembrance and deepest sympathy from Cousin Nell and Archie.

With very sincere and deep sympathy, to our dear brother, from the officers and members of the Myrtle Lodge of the Free Gardeners’ Friendly Society.

A token of respect and esteem from the neighbours.

Harp with broken chord: Rushden Athletic Club and Institute: with deepest sympathy and sincere regret from the general committee.

Wreath: A token of respect from the Rushden Athletic Skittle Class.

The bereaved wife and relations of the deceased gentleman wish to express their sincere thanks for all the many expressions of sympathy received in their sad loss.