It is with sincerest regret that we have to record the sudden death, which took place on Tuesday at the age of 64, of Mr. John Jaques, of Duck-street, one of the best known and most highly respected residents of Rushden, by whose demise another link connecting the Rushden of to-day with the Rushden of the past is snapped asunder. The sorrow of recording the decease of Mr. Jaques is all the keener in consequence of the painfully sudden and unexpected manner in which his death took place. Last Saturday Mr. Jaques attended Wibsey, Bradford, in company with other representatives from the Wellingborough Independent Wesleyan circuit, to take part in the recognition of the Rev. T. G. Harper, who had just taken up his ministry there. Mr. Jaques did not leave Bradford till Tuesday, and called at Nottingham, where his wife was staying with Mrs. Hockney (their daughter). On Wednesday morning Mr. James Jaques (Messrs. Jaques and Clark) received a telegram urging him to come at once, as his father was dangerously ill, and although he started immediately and reached his journey’s end within a couple of hours, it is doubtful if he arrived in time to see him alive, as another telegram reached Rushden at noon announcing his father’s death.

Mr. Jaques had lived in Rushden all his life, where, by dint of persevering industry, he had secured for himself a comfortable competency, and, owing to his kindly and unassuming manner he was probably the best-known man in the place. He will be greatly missed by the poor and afflicted, to whom he had always been a constant friend and helper.

For a considerable period the deceased was in the employ of Mr. G. Denton, and about ten years ago he retired from active work. He was one of the most prominent members of the Rushden Independent Wesleyan cause, occupying the position of society steward at the time of his death and having been a local preacher in the circuit for very many years. He was the oldest hon. subscriber in the district to the Local Preachers’ Mutual Aid Association. He rendered valuable service to the Queen-street Sunday School; as a local preacher his labours were always acceptable, his discourses being plain and eminently practical. During the last few years advancing age prevented very frequent visits to the villages in the circuit. He was vice-president of the Rushden and Higham Ferrers Free Church Council, and was a year or two ago the local delegate to the national conference. In politics Mr. Jaques was an ardent Liberal, and he was a staunch and earnest temperance reformer. His loss will be keenly felt, his homely, genial manner, his high character, and his sterling worth combining to endear him to all with whom he was brought into contact. The town of Rushden is all the better and purer for Mr. Jaques’ life and example, the moral influence he exerted having been both real and wide.

Death is attributed to heart disease. The funeral of the deceased will take place at the cemetery to-morrow at 4 p.m., a service being held in the Independent Wesleyan Chapel, High-street, at 3 o’clock. The deepest sympathy is felt for the widow and family in their great and sudden bereavement.