Obituary – Another well-known Rushdenite in the person of Mr Thomas Sanders (of the firm of Sanders & Sanders shoe manufacturers) has just passed from our midst. The deceased who was in the prime of life, was a genial unassuming gentleman, who not only won the affections of the friends composing the circle in which he moved but commanded the respect of all he came in contact with. By his death the above firm has lost its founder and senior partner; while in the social circle his loss will occasion much sorrow and regret. Although not an active politician, his Liberal principles were well known, while his unostentatious manner preserved him from the turmoil and bitterness of party strife. He was present at the great Liberal soiree on the 20th instant, and then appeared in his usual health, but it is supposed that he contracted a chill, which developed into inflammation of the lungs to which he succumbed about 1.30 yesterday (Thursday).

FUNERAL OF MR. THOMAS SANDERS—The funeral of Mr. T. Sanders took place on Monday afternoon, at the Rushden Cemetery. The cortege left the late residence of the deceased gentleman at 3.30 p.m., and proceeded via High-street and Newton-road, to the Cemetery, the respect in which the deceased was held being evinced by the closing of some the principal places of business on the route, and by the drawing of the blinds in many of the private residences passed by the procession. In addition to the relatives and friends, the chief mourners included Messrs. John Claridge, Samuel Knight, George Perkins, and Walter Lewis (a deputation from the Rushden Tradesmen's Club), Mr. Foster Vorley (deacon, Succoth Chapel), Mr. Benjamin Vorley (secretary Sunday School), the teachers and members of the choir connected with the above named place of worship, and the members of the Bible Class of which Mr. Sanders had recently been the conductor. In addition to the above, we noticed among others the following manufacturers and tradesmen who assembled to pay the last tribute of respect to the deceased:—Mr. John Cave, Mr. Arthur Cave, Mr. Ebenezer Claridge (who also placed a wreath upon the grave), Mr. Samuel Knight, sen., Mr. Fred Knight, Mr. C. L. Bradfield, Mr. W. Wilkins, Mr. Chas. Bayes, Mr. Geo. Bayes, Mr. Arthur Ashby, Mr. J. S. Clipson, and Mr. John Sargent. The Cemetery Chapel was crowded to its utmost capacity—many beingunable to gain admission—an impressive service being conducted by the Rev. W. J. Tomkins (pastor of the Old Baptist Meeting), who referred in feeling terms to the excellent character and disposition of the deceased; his kindness to his work people, and his eminent social characteristics as a loving husband, a dutiful son, and an affectionate brother. The choir and the congregation sung the hymn "Rock of Ages," the body was borne to the grave by four old employees, the coffin which was of polished oak, with the inscription “Thomas Sanders, died March 27th, 1889, aged 40 years,” upon a brass plate, being covered with choice wreaths sent by personal friends and from both outdoor and indoor workpeople. The arrangements were successfully carried out by Messrs. Knight and Son (undertakers.) As tributes of respect to the memory of the deceased, beautiful wreaths of choice white flowers were sent by Mr. and Mrs. E. Claridge (Westward Villa), Mr. and Mrs. Jolley (London), Mr. A. C. Ashby, the machinists and fitters, the rivetters and finishers, and the members of the Sunday School Class conducted by the deceased. The members of the Succoth Baptist Chapel also contributed a porcelain wreath with marbled stand and glassdome shade. The floral wreaths were supplied by Mr.Seckington, florist.