The Rushden Echo Friday 24^th August 1917, transcribed by Gill Hollis

Death

An aged resident of the town passed away last night at 42, Queen-street, in the person of Mr. John Groome, at the age of 79 years.  The deceased gentleman, who would have celebrated his 80^th birthday in a fortnight’s time, was taken ill about six weeks ago with bronchitis, following upon asthma, and finally the disease affected his heart, and he passed peacefully away at about 6 p.m. yesterday.  The late Mr. Groome, who was a native of Denford, came to Rushden 40 years ago to enter the employ of Messrs. Wm. Green & Sons, boot manufacturers, Rushden, and he remained in the employ of that firm for over 30 years, earning for himself a large measure of respect both from the heads of the firm and his shopmates.  In spite of his advanced age, he continued at his duties right up to the time of his illness.  He leaves a widow, three sons, and two daughters to mourn their loss, in addition to seventeen grandchildren.  The funeral will take place on Monday next at the cemetery.

The Rushden Echo Friday 31st August 1917, transcribed by Kay Collins

An Impressive Funeral at Rushden – Tributes of Respect

The funeral of the late Mr. John Groome, whose death was reported in our last issue, took place on Monday at the cemetery in the presence of many sympathisers. The Rev. W. F. Harris, of Willingham, Cambs., conducted the obsequies.

The coffin, which was of polished elm, with brass fitting, bore the inscription:-

As the cortege proceeded along Cromwell-road, business at Messrs. Wm, Green & Son’s factory, where deceased was employed for over 30 years, was suspended, and the employees, as a tribute of respect, lined each side of the roadway.

The mourners were as follow: Mrs. John Groome (widow) and Mr. George Groome (son), Mrs. W. T. L. Flood (daughter) and Mr. Harry Groome (son), Mrs. R. Hensher (daughter) and Mr. E. Groome (son), Mrs. George Groome (daughter-in-law) and Mr. C. Groome (brother), Mrs. A. Groome (daughter-in-law) and Mr. W. T. L. Flood (son-in-law), Mrs. H. Groome (daughter-in-law) and Mr. R. Hensher (son-in-law), Mr. and Mrs. Ekins (grandson and granddaughter), Misses Winnie and Ivy Groome (granddaughters), The Misses Ada and Hilda Groome (granddaughters), Mrs. A. Knight (sister-in-law) and Miss Williams (friend), Mrs. G. Groome (sister-in-law), Miss Lizzie Groome and Miss Edie Cooper (nieces).

A number of beautiful floral tributes to the memory of the deceased were placed on the grave as follow:-

In loving memory of a devoted and loving husband, from his sorrowing wife.

In loving memory of a dear father, from George and Ellen, and to a dear grandfather, from his grandson Cyril.

In loving memory of a dear father, from Harry, Polly, and children.

In loving memory of a dear father, from Edgar, Annie, Olive and Evelyn.

A tribute of love to the memory of a kind and loving father, from Clara and Will.

In loving memory of a dear dad, the best of fathers, from Emmie and Bob.

In loving memory of dear grandfather, from Violet and Len.

With affectionate esteem and deepest sympathy, from fellow-workers, Messrs. Wm. Green and Sons.

With deepest sympathy, from Mr. and Mrs. S. C. Brightwell.

With deepest sympathy, from Emily.

With fond remembrance, from Jack, Rose and Mabel.

With deepest sympathy, from Mr. and Mrs. Alfred Knight.

Mrs. John Groome and family desire to express their sincere thanks for the many expressions of sympathy they have received in their sore bereavement.