The powerful voice of Mr. Levi (Buck) Turner will no longer be heard in Rushden’s streets.  The unofficial Town Crier died at his home, 9, Albion-place, on Sunday night.  He was 71, and for the past four years had been in very indifferent health, though he was able to get about the town until quite recently, and was confined to his bed only a week.   One of the town’s most familiar figures, he was a man who was popular with everyone, particularly small children.  He had “cried” in Rushden for many years, and on a number of occasions went over to “cry” in Wellingborough.   His characteristics were a broad, straight figure, a carefully-brushed black bowler hat, a powerful voice and a shining bell.  And at the close of each announcement came his “signature tune” – “And don’t say old Buck ain’t told yer!”   At one time no local Feast fair seemed complete without Mr. Turner, stripped ready for boxing, challenging all comers to a few rounds in the booth.   Mr. Turner was born at Long Buckby, and went to Northampton at the age of six.  He joined the Grenadier Guards as a young man, but when he married Miss Sarah Ann Childs, a daughter of Mr. Sartoris’ head keeper at Rushden Hall, he came to live in Rushden, and remained in the town till he died.   His work was really shoe-making, and he used to make shoes right up, but for many years he worked as a welt sewer for Mr. Charles Green.  He was for a long time a member of the Rushden Conservative Club.   Mr. Turner married twice.  There was one child, by his first marriage, who is now Mrs. Jim Smith, of Raunds, and he married again, just 20 years ago, the widow of Mr. W. Pantling, whose son, Mr. Edward Pantling, lives at Weston Favell.   There were no children by his second marriage, and the widow is left.   The funeral took place at Northampton yesterday (Thursday).   The mourners included Mrs. Turner (widow), Mr. E. Pantling (step-son), Mrs. J. Smith (daughter), Mr. C. Smith (grandson), Mr. W. Turner and Mrs. Westley (brother and sister), Mr. and Mrs. Botterill (nephew and niece).

[Levi married Sarah Ann Childs in 1888]