A well known and highly respected resident of Rushden passed away at 24, York-road, Rushden, on Monday at 5.30p.m., in the person of Mr. Alfred Newell. The deceased’s illness was very brief, as he had only kept his bed for about five or six days. It is supposed that he caught a chill last Saturday week whilst attending Park-road Baptist Sunday school treat, but he managed to keep about until last Wednesday week, when he was compelled to take to his bed. As there was no improvement in his condition the doctor was called in on Thursday but Mr. Newell gradually became worse, and last Sunday pneumonia was diagnosed.

Although everything possible was done for the sufferer he passed away peacefully last Monday. He leaves five sons, and three daughters to mourn their loss. His wife predeceased him 14 years ago.

For 43 years Mr. Newell was connected with the firm of Messrs. John Cave and Sons, boot manufacturer, Rushden. For 22 years he was the foreman of the heeling department, and only recently retired from that position.

Mr. Newell was one of the leading members of the Rushden Court of Foresters. He joined the Court in 1885. In 1893 he was elected Sub Chief Ranger, and for two years—1894 and 1895—he was the Chief Ranger, receiving a framed certificate on his retirement from that position. In 1893 he was elected Treasurer of the Court, a position he held at the time of his death.

Deceased was a consistent member of the Baptist Church, which he joined during the ministry of the late Rev. R. E. Bradfield. He was a Sunday school teacher for 35 years.

Deceased’s eldest son, Mr. Samuel Newell, served as a medical corporal in the South African War in Baden-Powell’s Police Force, and was also captain of the Boys’ Brigade at Earls Barton. Whilst at Brisbane he rendered yeoman service to the Baptist cause as a lay preacher, and has now definitely entered the Baptist ministry, being in charge of a church at Maleny, Queensland.

The youngest son, Pte. Sidney Newell, is in the Army Cyclists Company, and for the past three months has been on the Western front. When his father died the family made an attempt to obtain leave for him, but without avail.

Deceased’s third son, Mr. Leonard Newell, has served nearly 20 years with the firm of Messrs. John Cave and Sons.

The 4th son, First Air-Mechanic J. T. Newell, is in the Royal Naval Air Service, which he joined eight months ago, prior to which he was engaged in business in Tunbridge Wells, having left Rushden seven years since. At present he is stationed at the White City, Shepherds Bush, London.

took place yesterday afternoon in the cemetery at Rushden, the deceased gentleman being buried by the side of his wife. The first portion of the obsequies was conducted in the Park-road Baptist Church by the Rev. H. J. Horn, who also officiated at the graveside.

Two of the late Mr. Newell’s favourite hymns were sung, viz., "When I can trust my all with God" and "Our rest is in Heaven". The burial ritual of the Ancient Order of Foresters was read at the graveside by Bro. G. W. Coles, secretary of the Rushden Court A.O.F. The coffin was of polish elm with brass fittings and bore the inscription:-

The deceased gentleman’s sash of office was borne on the coffin.

The mourners were as follows:- Mrs. Edward Knibbs, of Woodford Halse (daughter), Mr. Jos. Newell (son), Miss Ellen Newell (daughter), Mr. Leonard Newell (son), Miss Florence Newell (daughter), Mr. John Newell, of Ramsgate (son), Mr. Edward Knibbs (son-in-law), Mrs. Jos. Newell (daughter-in-law), Mrs. Leonard Newell (daughter-in-law), Mrs. John Newell (daughter-in-law), Mr. and Mrs. Eliezer Newell, of Chelveston (brother and sister-in-law), Mr. and Mrs. John Munns, of Finedon (brother-in-law and sister), Mrs. Benjamin Newell (sister-in-law), Miss Annie Munns (niece), Mr. Edward Newell (nephew), Miss Edith Newell (niece), Miss Ethel Brown, of Higham Ferrers (niece), and Miss Ada Warren, of Irthlingborough (friend).

There also followed the officers of the Rushden Court Alexandra A.O.F. wearing their regalia, and four stood on either side of the church approach as the coffin was borne into the sacred edifice.

Some beautiful floral tributes to the deceased’s memory were placed on the grave as follow:-

In loving memory of a dear father, from his sorrowing children at home and abroad.

To dear loving grandpa, from Eddie and Alwyn.

To dear grandpa, from Queenie, Freddie and Sidney.

In loving memory of graddad, from Florrie and Mary.

A bunch of daisies—to dear Grandpa from little Leonard.

In loving remembrance from Jack and Deborah, also Len, Winnie and Annie.

In loving memory of our dear brother from Eli and Havis "At Rest".

With Mr. and Mrs. Brown and Family’s (Higham Ferrers) deepest sympathy.

A love token to our dear Uncle Alfred from Aunt Sarah, Edith, Ted and Emily. "Until the day break, and the shadows flee away ".

From Aunt Sophia and Uncle Will and family. "Peace, perfect peace".

In loving memory of my cousin from C. Tatman.

In loving memory of an honoured friend from I.S.

In loving memory of our dearest friend from Mr. and Mrs. W. Billingham.

With kindest remembrance and deepest sympathy from the officers and members of Court Alexandra No. 6958 A.O.F.

With deepest sympathy from Mr. and Mrs. Warren and family, Irthlingborough.

Miss Ellen Newell, with the rest of the family, wish to tender their sincere thanks to all those who have shewn and sent expressions of sympathy with them in the sudden bereavement they have sustained by the death of their beloved father.