Mr. Charles Freeman, a well-known resident of Rushden, died on Tuesday morning, aged 67, from cancer on the liver, and the funeral took place this (Friday) afternoon at the cemetery at 3 o'clock. During the last few months Mr Freeman was evidently in failing health, and he had grown very feeble. Mr. George Bayes, of Griffith-street, found Mr. Freeman a home in his declining days, and it was in lodgings provided by Mr. Bayes that the deceased passed away. Despite some eccentricities of manner, Mr. Freeman had a great love of evangelical truths, and was himself an ardent evangelist. For many years he attended the Old Baptist Church, and he was a very regular member of the Rushden Adult School almost from its commencement. Considered a fanatic by many people who only knew his not-always-prepossessing manner, he nevertheless was regarded by those who knew him intimately as being at heart "true gold." In temperance work he was keenly interested, and only a few weeks before his death he spoke at the Rushden and District Band of Hope Union Meetings at Rushden, physical weakness bringing his remarks to an abrupt conclusion. [part of article missing]

We have pleasure in publishing the following

Appreciation

sent to us by one who had known him many years:—

Charles Freeman has passed away. Left Without father and mother, he had when young in years to face the world, and he did it nobly. He derived much spiritual benefit from the Rev. R. E. Bradfield, a name he highly revered and often spoken about up to his death. About 40 years ago he removed to Wellingborough and stood in the open-air with late General Booth, Commissioner Railton, Bro. Colridge, Bro. Job Clare and Major Pearson, and many others in the old Christian Mission days. He returned again to his native town and for many years he would stand alone in the preaching Sunday after Sunday.

Charles was sneered at not only by the world but also by many whose names are written the church book, but nevertheless he fought on daring to stand alone. When the Salvation Army "opened fire" in Rushden, he left the work he had carried on alone for so many years. He has rendered valuable help to the Army on many occasions, the last time being about a month ago, when he shouted out the old, old story he loved so much.

Many years ago a noted Secularist lecturer had been speaking on Rushden Green against Christianity, and when the Chairman asked if there was any one in the audience who would like a word, Charles said, "I'm your man," mounting the platform he was told he was only to speak five minutes. Charles said, "I can put a cork in his bottle in two."