Rushden Octogenarian First person to Receive the Old Age Pension Mr. George Smith Many Rushden people will regret to learn that the old and respected inhabitant, Mr. George Smith, passed away early on Wednesday morning at the residence of his daughter, Mrs. T. H. Elliott, 19 Midland Road. Eighty six years of age, Mr. Smith was remarkably active man, and, although rather unwell, was out as usual on Friday. The illness leading to his death developed on Saturday. Mr. Smith was a native of Harrold, where he was greatly respected. He moved to Rushden about 32 years ago and became a member of the Park Road Baptist church, where he was a most regular attendant. Mr. Smith, who leaves a daughter, three sons and numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren, was proud of the fact that he was the first Rushden person to receive the old age pension. We reproduce the photo of the late Mr. Smith, which was taken in 1909, when he drew his old age pension for the first time. He attended the Post Office at 8 a.m. on the first pay day after the Act becoming operative and was the first Rushden inhabitant to draw the pension.