With deep regret we have to record the death of Mr Samuel Harris, of 12, Crabb-street, Rushden, which sad event took place on Tuesday. Deceased, who was 50 years of age, leaves a widow and two daughters.

About 14 years ago Mr Harris, who was engaged in hand-sewn and bespoke boot work, was found to be suffering from tuberculosis in the right leg, and amputation was declared to be necessary, the operation being performed at Bedford Hospital. Though never a robust man physically, he made a good recovery from the operation, and was afterwards able to walk about with the help of an artificial limb.

Serious symptoms of internal trouble developed themselves during the last year or two, and in autumn last Mr Harris spent a month on the South Coast, without, however, receiving any apparent benefit. Gradually he grew weaker, and the end came at about 8 o’clock on Tuesday morning.

Deceased was the eldest son of Mrs and the late Mr Thomas Harris, of Higham-road, Rushden, and about 24 years ago married Miss Fanny Glenn, third daughter of the late Mr and Mrs Joseph Glenn, of High-street, Higham Ferrers, he was as a lad a scholar in the Higham Wesleyan Sunday School and subsequently took up work in connection with the school and the church.

About a quarter-of-a-century ago he became a local preacher in the Higham Wesleyan Circuit, and was a most acceptable preacher in the villages, conducting services while his health was sufficiently good, and, though after his operation he had to give up this work, he still took a keen interest in it, and his name remained on the circuit plan, in the list of lay preachers. He was for many years a member of the Rushden Tent of the Independent Order of Rechabites.

By those who knew him intimately the late Mr Harris was known to possess many fine qualities. A man of high character, of clear intellect, and of lofty ideals, he won the esteem of a large circle of friends, and his untimely death will be deeply regretted in Rushden and Higham Ferrers and in many of the villages around.

Note: The funeral is reported the following week.