JOHN McNAY BELL
DEATH OF MR.J. McNAY BELL
BOND AND IN BUSINESS IN NEWBURY
Congregationalist for over half-a-century
We regret to record the death of Mr. John McNay Bell, of 31, Cheap-street, Newbury, which occurred in a nursing home on Wednesday last week.
Mr. Bell was the last surviving son of the late Mr. Robert Bell, who founded the tailoring business on Cheap-street in 1840. He was born in Newbury in 1853, was a pupil at the old Grammar School, and except for a period of three years with Messrs. Ridley. tailors, of Oxford, had spent the whole of his business life in the town.
He was a staunch Nonconformist of the old independent and individualist type, and was associated for over 50 years with the Newbury Congregational Church as an adherent and a regular worshipper. He did not take an active part in church work, but was a steady and loyal supporter of the cause. He was a quiet, reserved man who did not readily share his deepest thoughts; but he as respected and trusted by those who knew him.
In the course of his long business career Mr. Bell was highly esteemed by all with whom he had dealings throughout the surrounding districts of Newbury and Didcot. He had retired from business for the past eight years, and had been in failing health since the death of his wife, which occurred in November of last year.
He leaves one son and four daughters.
THE FUNERAL
The funeral took place on Monday afternoon at the Newtown-road Cemetery, the service being conducted by the Rev. F. H. Titchmarsh, M.A.
The family mourners were Mr. R.J. Bell (son), Miss A.M.Bell (daughter), Mr. and Mrs. William Lloyd (son-in-law and daughter), Miss M. Bell and Miss G. Bell (daughters).
Wreaths were sent by: Ann, Mag and Grace; Nell and Will, Marjorie and Barbara; Bert, Fan and John; Jack and Vera (Exeter); Mr. W. H. Gore; Millie and Blanche; “there then follows a list of the many people who sent flowers”.
Messrs. Camp Hopson and Co. Ltd. carried out the funeral arrangements.
Newbury Weekly News 25 October 1934
Mrs. P. Code 53 Page 3
John McNay Bell (the younger) died on 17 October 1934 aged 81 and buried on 22 October 1934.
Also Ann Bell, wife of the above who died on 21 November 1933 aged 81 and buried on 24 November 1933.aged 81 Born 1853.
Birth it appears not registered |