Rushden Research Group: obituary John Ellard 1908

Rushden Echo, 17th/24th January 1908, transcribed by Kay Collins

The Death of Mr John Ellard

A Rushden Shoe Manufacturer

It is with regret we have to announce the death of a well-known and much respected Rushden shoe manufacturer, Mr John Ellard, head of the firm of Messrs Ellard and Co., of Sartoris-road.

The deceased gentleman had suffered for some time from heart weakness, but it was only about a week before his death that bronchitis and pleurisy caused him to take to his bed. All that medical skill could do failed to combat the disease, and Mr Ellard passed away on Monday night at the age of 48 years.

Mr Ellard was a native of Northampton, but came to Rushden about 24 years ago. For some years he was manager of the Co-operative Productive factory on Higham Hill, but about 13 years ago he went into partnership with Mr Skeeles. This association lasted some years and the partnership was then dissolved. Mr Ellard was next associated with Mr Howes in the firm of Ellard and Howes, but about six years ago this partnership was dissolved and since then Mr Ellard has been in business on his own account, and his son, Mr J A Ellard, has been a member of the firm. About two years ago, the increase of business rendered the old factory in John-street inadequate, and the large factory in York-road, formerly occupied by Mr E Wrighton, was taken. The disastrous fire which destroyed both factory and contents seven months ago will be still fresh in the minds of our readers. This calamity was met by Mr Ellard and his son with characteristic energy, and in a very short time the firm installed in the present factory in Sartoris-road, which was formerly in the occupation of Mr Skerritt.

The deceased was a keen and active business man, but took no prominent part in public work. He leaves a widow, one son (Mr J A Ellard) and one daughter (Miss E Ellard) to mourn his loss.

The funeral takes place to-morrow (Saturday) afternoon.

The late Mr John Ellard

Impressive Funeral at Rushden

The mortal remains of Mr John Ellard, boot and shoe manufacturer, of Rushden, whose death was recorded in last week’s “Rushden Echo”, were laid to rest in the cemetery at Rushden on Saturday afternoon, a large number of people attending the obsequies as a tribute of respect. The rector of Rushden (Ven. Archdeacon Kitchin R.D.) conducted a brief and impressive service in St Mary’s Church, and subsequently read the committal sentence at the graveside.

The principal mourners were:-

Mrs J Ellard (widow), Mr J A Ellard (son), Miss Ellard (daughter), Mr J Ellard (father), Mr and Mrs Jones, Olney (sister and brother-in-law), Mrs Causley, Northampton (sister), Mr Stratton, Wymington (brother-in-law), Mr and Mrs Drage, Northampton (sister and brother-in-law), Mrs Shaw and Miss Ellard, Northampton (sisters), Mrs J A Ellard, (daughter-in-law) and Mr W Hawkins, Mrs York (cousin), Mr J Pulley, Northampton (friend), and Mr and Mrs Colton (friend).

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

John Ellard
Born Nov. 1, 1859
Died Jan. 13, 1908

The coffin was bestrewn with lovely wreaths, bearing inscriptions as follow:-

In loving memory from his wife and children.

In loving memory of our dearest brother, from his loving sisters.

With all true sympathy, from Arthur and Millie.

In loving memory from Will.

With deepest Sympathy from his pal Jim.

With heartfelt sympathy of an ever loving friend, from Mr and Mrs Colton.

In loving memory of a dear friend, from Willie, Emily, and May Colton.

With deepest sympathy from Mr and Mrs Hector (Higham Ferrers).

With deepest sympathy from the employees.

With deepest sympathy from Mr and Mrs Cox and family and Mr and Mrs A Colton.

Messrs Whittington and Tomlin were the undertakers.

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