Joseph Farey Not entirely unexpected, yet much lamented, the death took place this Friday morning, at 1.30 o’clock of Mr. Joseph Farey, at his residence in Park Road, Rushden. Many, both old and young, in Rushden and the surrounding neighbourhood have been proud to claim his friendship. He never grew old in the sense of losing touch with the evolution of things in which he took so vital an interest. His was a character full of sweetness and modesty, yet of that power which is always part of the high minded. To the young he was young: to the grown up he was a genial friend, ready with wit and counsel, while with the elderly he was regarded as a father of wisdom and sympathy. His personality, no matter whether he was at work or at leisure was attractive in the extreme. Many hundreds will recall with pleasure his kindly acts and to such his death will be a real sorrow. Perhaps in no other field was Mr. Farey better known than in the musical world. From boyhood he became interested in music and the gift he possessed was trained as well as circumstances in the town would permit. As a young man he became a member of the choir of the Old Baptist Church in Rushden and of the Choral Society of those early days. For 41 years he was the Baptist choir conductor and under his conductorship the choir won several prizes at the Crystal Palace and one at Northampton. His son, the late Mr. George Farey, also a very accomplished musician, held the position of organist at the Baptist Church for 20 years before he left to go to Canada where he died six years go. Mr. Farey’s daughters (now Mrs. A. E. Wright, of Higham Ferrers, and Mrs. W. Tassell of Rushden, both gifted vocalists, with Mr. J. Farey and Mr. G. Farey, were for many years in great demand as a quartette party, their names being a household word for miles around. It was largely through the Farey Quartette Party and the energy and enthusiasm that they infused in others of similar tastes that the Baptist Church Choir made such a great name for itself and today the choir ranks as one of the foremost of the county. Five years ago, to his deep regret, and the great sorrow of others, Mr. Farey felt bound to resign from the conductorship of the choir, through failing health. But though he could no longer take an active part in the choir’s doings, his interest in their welfare never flagged and it was a source of delight to him to learn of their continued progress. Deceased was also a versifier of no little merit, and composed several hymn breathing a true devotional spirit. Mr. Farey was born at Ringstead 71 years ago, his Father being Baptist minister there. He was only thee years of age when he came to Rushden. He started work in his early boyhood days and for 40 years he worked for Messrs. John Cave and Sons, being a foreman there most of the time. After leaving that firm he became departmental manager for Mr. A.E. Wright at Higham Ferrers which position he held until he retired through ill health. Besides Mrs. Farey (widow) and his two daughters, the late Mr. Farey leaves 11 grandchildren. His illness has been of long and painful duration and in spite of every care and attention, he passed away this morning, little hope having been held out for the past few weeks. Mr. William Farey Tassell, grandson of the late Mr. J. Farey, is an efficient organist, officiating occasionally at St. Peter’s Church Rushden as deputy to Mr. W. P. Jolley and it is interesting to note that he acted in that capacity while still a school boy.