The death took place at Northampton Hospital yesterday week of an old employee of the Rushden and Higham Ferrers Gas Company in the person of Mr Josiah Peacock, who passed away at the age of 63 years, following an operation. As previously reported in the “Rushden Echo,” he was suddenly taken ill and was conveyed to the County Hospital yesterday fortnight, and an operation was immediately performer by Dr Milligan, but the case was hopeless from the start. In spite of the fact that he must have been suffering from an internal complaint for some considerable time he managed to remain at his work until the Saturday prior to the day on which he was taken to the hospital.

The deceased, who leaves a widow to mourn her loss, had been in the employ of the Gas ompany from its commencement 25 years ago, and was greatly respected not only by his fellow-workmen, but also by the manager and directors. He was a native of Chelveston, and was buried in the Parish churchyard on Monday, the Rev H K Fry officiating.

The coffin, of polished elm, with brass fittings, bore the inscription:-

Josiah Peacock
Died March 28th 1918
Aged 63 years.

In addition to the family mourners, ten employees of the Gas Company followed, as did also Mr T Watson (manager), Mr W H Spicer, Mr A T Chambers, and Miss Watson.

A number of beautiful wreaths were placed on the grave, including a magnificent floral tribute from his fellow-workers. The bearer included three of the deceased’s fellow-workmen, viz. Messrs H Mitchell, H Darlow, and C Parker. Mr A Sanders (Rushden) was the undertaker.