The death took place on Friday evening last, at his residence, Griffith-street, Rushden, of Mr Thomas Hooper, for many years a representative of the Liverpool Victoria Legal Friendly Society. The deceased, who was 56 years of age, had been ill only about three weeks, and his death was, until quite recently, totally unexpected. Mr Hooper had been to Wellingborough, and on his return realised that he had taken a chill, which unfortunately affected an old-standing internal complaint. He took to his bed, and eventually grave symptoms manifested themselves. Dr Nash and Dr Milligan were called in for consultation with the deceased’s medical attendant, and everything possible was done to alleviate the patient’s sufferings, but he gradually grew weaker and passed away last Friday evening, at the age of 56. He leaves a widow to mourn her loss.

Deceased was born at Olney, but he was brought to Rushden at a very early age, and had lived in the town practically all his life. He belonged to a family who had been Baptists for at least a hundred years, and he himself was member of the Park-road Baptist Church, with which cause he had been asslociated—first as a scholar in the Sunday school and afterwards as a teacher and in other capacities—ever since he could remember. He was very regular in attending the services at that place of worship, and, by his uprightness, had won the respect of a large circle of friends. He was a member of the Rushden Temperance Society and of other organisations, and took an active interest in the work of the Rushden Liberal Association. For many years he was a member of the Rushden Men’s Adult School, serving on the committee and in other ways, and he took an intelligent part in the discussions following the lessons Sunday by Sunday, his remarks always being pithy and to the point.

The funeral took place on Tuesday at the Rushden Cemetery, the Rev R C Law, A T C, pastor of the Park-road Baptist Church, officiating. The mourners were: Mrs Hooper (widow), Mr and Mrs Robert Hooper (brother and sister-in-law), Miss Ann Hooper (sister), Mr Fred Perkins and Mr Herbert Perkins (brothers-in-law), Mrs W T Hooper, of Rothwell, and other relatives, including Mrs T Hooper’s sisters. The coffin was of polished elm, with brass fittings. There were a number of beautiful wreaths, including one from the widow and one from deceased’s brother and two sisters (Robert, Ann and Polly). Mr Arthur Sanders was the undertaker.