Much sympathy was roused in Rushden and district by the death which took place at his residence, “Hayway”, Rushden on Friday afternoon, of Mr. Ebenezer Claridge, head of the firm of E. Claridge and Sons Ltd., boot and shoe manufacturers.

Ebenezer Claridge

Mr. Claridge leaves a widow, one daughter and three sons, to mourn their loss. The daughter is Mrs. John S. Mason, and the sons are Mr. Oliver Claridge and Mr. Bert Claridge (who are associated with the firm of E. Claridge and Sons), and Mr. C. R. Claridge, solicitor. He was a brother of the late Mr. William Claridge (father of Councillor John Claridge, J.P., C.C., and Mr Charles Claridge).

The late Mr. Ebenezer Claridge was a son of the late Mr. George Claridge, a native of Yelden, and who was afterwards apprenticed at Rushden to the boot and shoe trade. He married Miss Mary Clark, of Rushden. Mr. and Mrs. Claridge prior to removing to their handsome new residence in Hayway lived in North-street.

Deceased was a man of great business ability. He was formerly in the employ of the late Mr. G. Denton sen., but about 30 years ago he founded the firm of which he was the head. The present factory in Rectory-road was built some 15 years ago, and about five years later the firm was converted into a limited liability company.

The late Mr. Claridge was of a very unassuming and retiring disposition, and took no active part in local government. He was, however, a warm supporter of the Independent Wesleyan Church and Sunday School. At the church he was a regular attendant. In the Sunday school he was a teacher for many years and was afterwards superintendent.

Mr. Claridge was president of the Rushden Division of St. John Ambulance Association, in the work of which he took great interest. The scheme to secure headquarters for the brigade in the town was heartily supported by him, and he prsided at the formal opening of the new building in the Midland-road a few weeks ago. He was also vice-president of the Rushden Nursing Association, whilst the Rushden Temperance Band had in him a great supporter.

He was the chairman of the directors of the Higham Ferrers and Rushden Gas Company, and a director of the Rushden Brick and Tile Co Ltd.

Deceased was 68 years of age.

The funeral took place on Tuesday afternoon, amid numerous expressions of respect and sympathy.

A service was first held at the Independent Wesleyan Church, High-street, where a very large congregation assembled. Seats were reserved for the representatives of various organisations, in addition to those for the chief mourners.

The cortege left the residence in The Hayway about 2.30, and proceeded direct to the church. The coffin was covered with beautiful wreaths and a special carriage was also requisitioned to convey the numerous other floral tributes which had been sent.

The chief mourners were: Mr. Oliver Claridge, Mr. C. H. Claridge and Mr. C. R. Claridge (sons), Mr. George Claridge (brother), Mr. John Claridge, Mr. William Claridge, Mr. Charles Claridge, and Mr. Fred Claridge (nephews), Mr. John S Mason (son-in-law), and Dr. Baker (medical attendant). Mr. Lewin (of the firm Messrs. Burnham, Son and Lewin, of Wellingborough), who is one of the executors and trustees, was represented by his partner, Mr. Sidney Cook. Mr. and Mrs. Pettit of Harrold, also attended in their private carriage.

Mortuary Card & Funeral Sheet

As the congregation were assembling the organist (Mr. J. Lindsay Clipson) played “Marche Funebre” (F. Chopin), “Funeral March” (Mendelssohn), and “O rest in the Lord” (Mendelssohn) as the coffin was being borne into the church. The pulpit was draped in black and purple, with white flowers on each side; and white flowers were also placed on the communion table.

The service was impressively conducted by the Rev. C. J. Keeler. Two hymns, “Rock of ages” and “Now the labourer’s task is o’er”, were sung. The choir were present, under the conductorship of Mr. A. H. Lawson.

After the service, as the body was borne out of the church, the organist gave a sympathetic rendering of “Dead March” in “Saul” and “Marcia Funebre sulla morte d’un Eroe” (Beetoven).

The body was enclosed in a metallic shell with an outer coffin of polished oak, with brass fittings. On the breastplate was the inscription:

After the service in the church the funeral procession wended its way through the High-street to the cemetery, where there was a very large assembly. The committal portions were read by the Rev. C. J. Keeler.

The floral tributes, which, as already stated, were numerous and beautiful, bore the following messages:-

“From his sorrowing wife and children, ‘He giveth His beloved sleep’ ”; “With much regret and deepest sympathy, from John and Mrs. Claridge”; “With deepest sorrow and in loving memory, from Charlie and Effie”; “Ever loving memory, from his affectionate niece Ellen, ‘Peace, perfect peace’ ”; “Mr. and Mrs. Owen Parker, Higham Ferrers, with much sympathy”; “With sincere sympathy, Mr. and Mrs. F. Knight and family, the Old Rectory”; “From Mr. and Mrs. G. S. Mason, with loving sympathy”;, “In loving memory of our dear teacher, from his Sunday school class, ‘Until the day breaks and the shadows flee away’ ”; “A tribute of sincere sympathy from his fellow teachers and Sunday school workers”; “With deepest regret, a token of respect from the employees”; “Mr. and Mrs. A. Norman, Southend, ‘in affectionate and loving remembrance’ ”; “With deepest sympathy, from Mr. Maddock, Nellie and Tom, Wellingborough”; “With Mr. and Mrs. T. Patenall’s deepest sympathy”; “Mr. and Mrs. T. Algernon Baker, with deepest sympathy”; “With very sincere remembrance, Miss Rae”; “With sincere sympathy, from Mr. and Mrs. G. T. Hawkins, Northampton”; “With deepest respect and sincerest sympathy, form Mr. and Mrs. Denton, Eastfields”; “With heartfelt sympathy, from Mr. and Mrs. C. Pettitt, Harrold”; “Dr. And Mrs. H. Stainer Baker’s regards and sympathy”; “In loving memory and deepest sympathy, from Mr. and Mrs. Brawn and family”; “Mr. and Mrs. F. L. Heygate, with deepest sympathy”; “With love and sincere sympathy, from Mr. and Mrs. George Denton, jun.”; “From the directors, secretary of the Rushden and Higham Ferrers Gas Company, in token of high esteem and sincere regret”; “In kindly remembrance, from the manager, office staff and workmen Rushden and Higham Ferrers District Gas Company”; “With deepest regret from members of the Rushden Ambulance Division”; “A slight token of great esteem and sincere sympathy with those who mourn, the directors of A. Norman & Son, Ltd., London”.

The funeral arrangements were carried out by Mr. T. Swindall, of Rushden.