As briefly and exclusively reported in the Rushden Echo last Friday, the death occurred that day of Mr Zerah Newell, aged 82, at 34, Portland-road, Rushden. Deceased, who was born at Chelveston on Dec 21st 1843, joined the Baptist Church at Raunds at the age of 17. He transferred to “Succoth”, Rushden, very soon after, continuing in membership there up to the time of his death, thus covering a period of over 66 years. There for many years he was a deacon and Church secretary, also holding for some time the position of Sunday school superintendent. Perhaps of all his public activities his labours in this way afforded to him the greatest pleasure.

In early life he went to live at Irthlingborough, and at once began to take an active public interest in the town’s welfare, joining Court “Eden’s Flower” of the Ancient Order of Foresters. As soon as possible he was elected to office, and for four consecutive years was Chief ranger. He was then elected by the Court as its secretary, honourably and successfully holding this position for 50 years. At the end of this period, on his retirement from office, the members, to mark their appreciation of his work, presented to him a very beautiful illuminated address. Previous to this, presentations had been made to him of the D.C.R. emblem and that of the Order when he had held officer of secretary for 25 years, and a wallet with Treasury notes when he had completed 50 years in office in the Court. His labours in Friendly Society work extended beyond Court “Eden’s Flower”. For many years he was a delegate to District meetings, becoming a well-known figure at these gatherings. His contributions to their deliberations were warmly welcomed and appreciated by his fellow-members. A number of times he was chosen as district auditor and was also District Chief Ranger. On several occasions he was elected to represent the District at the annual High Court meetings. No effort was ever spared by him in his labours for the cause of Friendly Societies, and especially for the Order to which he himself belonged. During his secretaryship of Court “Eden’s Flower” a juvenile branch was opened and a female society also.

Taking advantage of the 1870 Education Act, he was very soon active in his endeavours to secure for Irthlingborough a School Board, and in a short time he succeeded, a School being opened. He was ultimately elected to the Board and was a member as long as he remained in Irthlingborough. He held the position of chairman for nine years, and was mainly responsible for the erection of the first building of the block that comprises the present Council schools in College-street, Irthlingborough. He had a deep and sincere sympathy in all matters of an educational nature.

Very soon after its commencement he associated himself with the Industrial Co-operative movement at Irthlingborough. For some years he served on its committee. On his removal to Rushden he continued his interest in the society here, and for four years he served on the Rushden Co-operative Society committee. He always had in its prosperity a feeling of great satisfaction and pleasure.

Being a great lover of music, it was natural that he should find himself at every opportunity taking a leading part in the divine services. His last public appearances were on Jan 4th and 6th at Succoth Chapel, Rushden, on Jan 4th, at the members’ New Year tea, and at Irthlingborough Baptist Church members’ New Year tea on Jan 6th. At both these gatherings he spoke a few words, expressing the pleasure he felt at being present. His life was a long and active one, and by his integrity in public activities he commended himself to those who knew him best. Those who knew him in the home circle will know that here it was that the best and most endearing qualities of his mind and heart were seen and known as they could be seen and known in no other place or sphere.

His wife predeceased him by seven years, and there are left two son, Mr Judah Newell (Irthlingborough) and Mr Joseph Newell (London), and three daughters, Mrs H Desborough (Southport), Mrs W Hobbs (Sandbach), and Mrs T H Martin (Rushden).

The Funeral

conducted by Pastor B W Clover, took place on Tuesday, a service being held in the cemetery chapel, followed by the appointed burial service of the Ancient Order of Foresters at the graveside. The mourners were Mr and Mrs J Newell, of Irthlingborough (son and daughter-in-law), Mrs H Desborough, of Southport (daughter), Mr and Mrs W Hobbs, of Sandbach (son-in-law and daughter), Mr and Mrs Hobbs of Sandbach (son-in-law and daughter), Mr William Brown (grandson), Mrs E A Sugars (granddaughter), Mrs G H Clayton (granddaughter), Nurse F M Brown, of London (granddaughter), Mr and Mrs S Brown (grandchildren), Mrs W Britchford, of Irthlingborough (niece), Mrs J Allen, of Raunds (niece), Mr and Mrs E Cuthbert, of Irthlingborough (brother-in-law and sister-in-law), and Mr H Hobbs (friend). Official representatives were as follow: Succoth Baptist Chapel, Mr C Mole, Mr Horace Bennett (deacons), and several members; Irthlingborough Baptist Chapel Pastor H W Caton, Mr R Nurrish, and Mr J Perkins (deacons), and several members; A O Foresters, Bros H W Dickerson, P.C.R., of Irthlingborough (who read the service at the graveside), C Newman, C.R., A E Wallis, secretary, G Dickerson, S.W., F Austin, J.W. (Irthlingborough), C Mason, D.S.C.R., W H Butlin, District Trustee, A Perrin, P.C.R., and W Whittemore, P.C.R. (Wellingborough); Rushden Co-operative Society, Messrs G W Coles, J.P. (president), W Bazeley, J.P., J Hornsby (members of the committee), and T E Wigginton (secretary). Mr and Mrs Ethelbert Houghton, formerly of Irthlingborough, Mr B Vorley, Mr E Wrighton, and other old friends also attended. Mr Joseph Newell (son), Mr A E Brown (son-in-law), Mr E Sugars, Mr G Clayton and Mrs W Brown were unavoidably absent.

In the cemetery chapel Pastor Clover expressed sympathy with the bereaved relatives. He said that the loss to Succoth was very great indeed. The welfare of God’s Church had been very dear to the heart of their departed brother. They would long treasure the memory of him.

The breastplate on the coffin bore inscription:

Zerah Newell
Born December 21st 1843
Died January 15th 1926.

Messrs Whittington and Tomlin were the undertakers.

The members of the family of the late Mr Zerah Newell desire to express their gratitude to the many friends for sympathy shown to them in their bereavement.