Many interesting reminiscences are recalled by the death on Saturday of Mr James Arnold Baker, of 6 Woburn-place, Rushden.

Mr Baker was the oldest of five brothers, four of whom survive, and celebrated his 81^st birthday  last November. He leaves a widow, who is 88 today, and three daughters, one of whom, Mrs Alfred Cooch, resides at Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA.

The later Mr Baker, who was bred and born in Rushden, as was his father before him, started out in life at the age of five to drive a plough for his father, and on Sundays attended the old Top Meeting at Rushden. He subsequently obtained work with Mr Thomas Chambers, of Higham Ferrers, and with Mr Rhodes, who was bailiff to the squire at Rushden. At the latter work he remained for some seven years and then went on to various jobs including iron quarrying at Wellingborough. Mr Baker for nine years played centre forward for the Rushden rugby team, and was one of the best sack carriers in the district.

Of the four surviving brothers, Mr Thomas Baker claims to have worked the first Blake’s boot sewing machine in Rushden, and Mr Charles Baker was formerly a member of the Rushden Temperance Band.

Mr Benjamin Baker used to be an able cricketer. Mr William Baker made the first loaf of bread for the Rushden Co-operative Society when they started that branch of activity in Crabb-street.

The funeral of Mr Baker took place on Tuesday, The Rev Travers S Stoney officiating. The widow was unable to attend being a confirmed invalid. [a list of mourners and wreaths follows]