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We sincerely regret that it is our duty this week to chronicle the death of Mr. Wm. Claridge, shoe manufacturer, of Rushden, which took place about one o'clock on Wednesday. Mr. Claridge has been in ill-heath for about 12 months, and about 9 o'clock on Monday evening was attacked by a paralytic stroke, which affected his left side. On Tuesday, however, he was much better, and hopes were entertained that he might rally. Unfortunately, however, this did not prove to be the case, for it was evident on Wednesday morning that he was much worse, and he passed peacefully away, at the time stated above. Deceased, who was 66 years of age, leaves a widow and three sons—Messrs. John, William, and Charles Claridge—to mourn his loss.
Mr. Claridge is one of the many men at Rushden who have worked themselves up from the ranks by perseverance to an honoured position in the town. It is about 20 years ago since he started business on his own account, being previously on the firm of Messrs. Denton and Son. From a small beginning his business has assumed large proportions—with the assistance of his sons—and "Claridge’s" factory ranks as one of the largest in Rushden.
In politics Mr. Claridge was an ardent Conservative; he held the office of vice-president to the Conservative Association, and was chairman of the Directors of the Conservative Club, until about 12 months ago, and was a director up to the time of his decease. He also held office in the Temperance Society, of which he is one of the eldest members, and has also held office in the Coffee Tavern Company ever since the establishment of the directorate. The Ornithological Society, too, received much help from him, for he was a lover of the feathered tribe. Mr. Claridge was connected with the Old Baptist Meeting; he was liberal in his disposition, always ready to help those who needed help, and above all, a man of strict integrity. The funeral is for to-morrow afternoon at 3 o'clock.
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