The death took place on Saturday afternoon of Mr. William Colson, of Wellingborough-road, Rushden, at the age of 56 years. The deceased, who was the son of the late Mr. William Colson, boot manufacturer, of Rushden, leaves a widow, three sons and four daughters. The oldest son and eldest daughter are in South Africa. Two of the sons are in the Northamptonshire Yeomanry. One daughter – Mrs. Waterhouse – was married last November and lives in Yorkshire. The deceased was a member of the Parish Church, and was a Conservative in politics.

The deceased gentleman’s father, who was a pioneer of temperance in Rushden and was one of the late Rev. R.E. Bradfield’s closest friends, started in business as a boot and shoe manufacturer many years ago, being one of the first in the town to become a “shoe-master.” He died about 30 years ago.

After his father’s death, Mr. Colson continued the business for some years, in conjunction with his brother-in-law, occupying the factory at the corner of Wellingborough-road and Duck-street, and he subsequently carried on the trade on his own account. Eight or ten years ago Mr. Colson relinquished the manufacture of boots and became a traveller in leather.

Some years ago Mr. Colson had an attack of rheumatic fever, which left an affection of the heart. For the last two years he has been in failing health, and six months ago he became much worse. Recently he went on a visit to his married daughter in Yorkshire and stayed for a fortnight, but there was no improvement in the state of his health, and he returned to Rushden three or four weeks ago. Death resulted form heart affection.

By Mr. Colson’s death Rushden loses another important link with the past. The deceased belonged to one of the oldest Rushden families, and by his decease several prominent families are thrown into mourning. The deceased gentleman’s brother died some years ago. His four sisters survive him – Miss Mary Ann (Polly) Colson and Mrs. John Taylor, of Northampton; Mrs. Packwood, of London; and Mrs. Isaac Cunnington, of Rushden.

took place on Tuesday afternoon. Service was held at the Parish Church at 3 p.m., the Rector conducting. The mourners were :- Mrs. Colson (widow), Mr. Frank Colson (son), Misses Elsie and Gladys Colson (daughters), Mr. Percy Colson (son), Miss Colson and Mrs. Taylor, of Northampton (sisters), Mr. and Mrs. Isaac Cunnington (brother-in-law and sister).

Among those present were Mr. and Mrs. J. Claridge, Mr. and Mrs. Wilkinson (Bedford), Mrs. Carter, Mr. and Mrs. McLeod, Mrs. Wilson Smith, Mrs. Wheeler, Mrs. Brawn, Messrs. Fred Knight, J.P., C. Claridge, C. L. Bradfield, W. Claridge, C. H. Knight, W. Woodward, S. Flavell, J. B. Bailey, W. Webb, A. Gadsby, D. Darnell, C. W. Barker, F. Sharwood, H. Wing, H. Skinner, and G. Wilby.

The coffin, of polished elm, with brass fittings, bore the inscription :-

A number of wreaths were sent, including one from the Rushden Conservative and one from the firm of Messrs. Maddock and Co., of Irthlingborough, for whom the deceased travelled.

Messrs. Whittington and Tomlin were the undertakers.