Another of the interesting group of “Rushden’s Veterans,” whose portraits we published two or three years ago, died on Saturday last in the person of Mr. George Williamson, of Park-place, Rushden.  He had reached the advanced age of 91 years.  Of our group of eleven veterans, Mr. Williamson is the seventh to pass away.  The deceased, who buried his wife nine months ago, was the father of Mrs. William Desborough, of High-street, Rushden.

  Born at Sharnbrook, he lived in that village until he was married, when he went to reside at Souldrop. For a long period – thirty years or more – he was gardener at Colworth House. Then he removed to Rushden and was gardener in the employ of Mr. Mitchell, of The Cottage. Subsequently he took to shoe work, and for some years used to walk regularly to and from the currying factory of the late Mr. Thomas Sanders at Higham Ferrers, where he was employed. Starting work at the age of six years, he continued until he was over eighty years old.

  In Mr. Williamson’s earlier days “kidnapping” was no uncommon crime. While he was a youngster he was

“Kidnapped”

by some men, who took him along the Bedford-road. One of the old coaches happened to be passing at the time, and young Williamson had the presence of mind to dart away from his captors and to hang on to the coach, in which way he managed to elude the “kidnappers.”

  An able musician, the deceased was an enthusiastic player of the double bass and also of the clarionet.  For several years he worshipped regularly at the “Elim” Meeting, a Baptist Chapel which used to stand on the site now occupied by the shop of Messrs. Webb Bros., clothiers, High-street Rushden, and here he used to lead the singing with his bass instrument.  The chapel in question was destroyed by fire, and Mr. Williamson subsequently attached himself to the Succoth Baptist Chapel, of which the famous Charles Drawbridge was at that time the pastor.  Mr. Williamson was a member of the Succoth choir, and he was a regular attendant at the chapel so long as the state of his health would allow him to be present.

  Mr. Williamson was the composer of a number of hymn tunes, several of which are still in frequent use.  In one of the London chapels a few of his tunes are in regular use to-day.

  A man of very genial disposition, the late Mr. Williamson made many friends.  Throughout his life he maintained a very high character.

The Funeral

took place on Wednesday at the Cemetery, Rushden, Mr. David Darnell (an intimate friend of the deceased) officiating.

  The principal mourners were :- Mr. George Williamson, Finedon (son); Mrs. W. Mantle, Long Buckby (daughter); Mr. Joseph Williamson, Leicester (son) and Mrs. Williamson (daughter-in-law); Mrs. Hill, Leicester (daughter); Mr. and Mrs. S. Winsor, Rushden (son-in-law and daughter); Mr. and Mrs. W. Desborough, Rushden (son-in-law and daughter), besides a number of the grand-children of the deceased.

  The body was enclosed in a coffin of polished elm with brass fittings, with the inscription :-

GEORGE WILLIAMSON
Died March 28, 1908
Aged 91 years

  Messrs. Whittington and Tomlin were the undertakers.