A well known Rushden resident passed away on Tuesday, two days after her birthday, in the person of Mrs. Martha Knight, mother of Mr. C. E. Knight, of Hilly Farm, Rushden, Mrs. Knight, who was 83 years of age, had been very feeble for some years past, and for the past four or five weeks had been compelled to keep to her bed. Death was due to cardiac failure, but the old lady was conscious up to the last, and was able to recognise her relatives.
A native of Irthlingborough, she resided in Rushden for the greater part of her life. Her husband, Mr. Edwin Knight, pre-deceased her about ten years ago. She was a regular attendant at the Park-road Baptist Church right up to about seven weeks ago, and used to take a great interest in the musical portion of the services, coming as she did from a musical family, namely, the Spences, of Kettering. Her father, the late Mr. John Spence, was one of the principal basses at Fuller Chapel, Kettering, in the early days of that church. Deceased had an excellent memory and could remember Rushden when it was but a tiny village, and her husband, Mr. Edwin Knight, was at that time road surveyor and used to collect the tolls from the turnpike keepers.
The deceased lady leaves five sons and 14 grand-children to mourn her loss.
The Funeral
took place this (Friday) afternoon in the Rushden cemetery, the Rev. H. J. Horn officiating. Prior to the committal ceremony a brief service was held at Hilly Farm.
The coffin, which was of polished elm, with brass fittings, bore the inscription:-
MARTHA KNIGHT,
Died October 21st 1913,
Aged 83 years.
The mourners comprised:- Mr. C. E. Knight, Mr. James Knight, Mr. John Knight (sons), Mr. F. Knight, J.P. (brother-in-law), Mr. Frank Knight (grandson), and Miss Elsie Knight (granddaughter), representing Mr. Harry Knight (son), who was unable to be present.
A number of floral tributes to deceased’s memory were placed on the grave. The funeral arrangements were ably carried out by Mr. T. Swindall, the hearse and coaches being supplied by Mr. Asher Abbott.
