JOHN CAPES RICHARDSON

The Northern Echo, then published in Darlington (and it is needless to say), most ably edited by Mr W T Stead, now of The Review of Reviews, in a leading article, paid a kindly tribute to Mr Richardson, and amongst other flattering expressions said “He was a shrewd and sagacious business man,  a universal favourite, and in every circle deservedly popular”  The Darlington Telegraph, in a highly eulogistic and clever acrostic,  which we here re-produce, limned our friend’s character with a kindly hand.

Just, genial, generous, gleesome as a bird,

On all occasions equal, honest, clear;

Honour his badge: which calumny ne’er stirred,

Nerved like a lion, as a child sincere.

Caution, not craft, has ever been his guide,

And loving largely, his besetting pride;

Prompt in forgiveness, absolute in truth,

Equal to all those nameless ways that win;

Serene as age, and jubilant as youth.

Reserved, let frank, meanness to him is sin,

Integrity his guide, excelsior his cry;

Courage is native to his heart and mind;

His faith is in himself, he knows the reason why;

And in life’s race he won’t be left behind;

Rich in the love of those who knew him best,

Delighted to delight be deed or jest;

Soft as sweet woman, and in manhood far

Our topping laureled heroes of wild war;

Now go, and prosper, honest J.C.R.

JOHN CAPES RICHARDSON

THE LATE MR J C RICHARDSON

An extensive circle of friends will regret to hear of the sudden death on Wednesday, the 18^th inst. Of Mr J C Richardson, at his residence, ”The Limes” St Mary’s Hill, Newbury.  John Capes Richardson, who retired about three years ago from the post of Assistant Chief Goods Manager of the Great Western Railway, was a native of Gainsborough

He began his commercial career – a career of ever-increasing usefulness and responsibility – at Gainsborough, amidst the bustle of docks, canals and shipping, but he exchanged all this for a life of greater activity and better prospects of advancement, in the then rapidly advancing railway system. After a short period of time with Messrs Pickford and Company at Hull, Mr Richardson took service with the Hull and Selby Railway, a line ultimately absorbed by the York and North Midland Company.  Under this latter Company he was appointed to an important post at Selby, which he left in two years for York, to take up the duties of Out-Door Goods Superintendent of the Southern Division of the North Eastern Railway.

In process of time, Mr Richardson’s talents for service won him a still higher position on this Comoany’s system at Darlington.  From this busy centre, where his energy was displayed, not alone in close attention to the duties of his office, but in schemes for the promotion of the health and happiness of his fellow-men, Mr Richardson was induced to take the management of the Cornwall Minerals Railway. In that position he had many varied difficulties to deal with, but he ever kept a stout heart to a stiff hill, and overcame where other men would have failed from lack of self-reliance.

When this Cornish Railway was transferred to the Great Western Company, its manager became Assistant Goods Manager at Paddington, an appointment only relinquished from failing health.

Mr Richardson has been the recipient during his life time of many marks of appreciation from his colleagues and the general public.  His uniform courtesy, generosity, zeal, and public spirit, merited these testimonies.  Fond of literature and science, with a sensitive and emotional nature, Mr Richardson ever kept an open window in his soul.  From whatever quarter the light came, he welcomed it, and utilized it.  Narrowness of mind and bitterness of spirit were foreign to him. Intolerance he hated, and he endeavoured to see good in every religious denomination.  He cheerfully preached in various pulpits, and was a constant supporter of Young Men’s Christian Associations, Workmen’s Clubs, and kindred movements.

He was a Freemason, and in politics a Liberal.  When Mr W T Stead edited the Northern Echo, he said of Mr Richardson: “He was a shrewd and sagacious businessman, a universal favourite, and in every circle deservedly popular”

Mr Richardson leaves a widow and a large family, some of whom reside in Newbury, whilst others live in the North of England or abroad.

Newbury Weekly News 19 November 1896

Missing years but in Accounts Book

John Capes Richardson – buried 20 November 1896

Mr Richardson was a freemason, having been initiated into St. Andrew’s Lodge No. 1151, at Tywardreath, Cornwall on 29th October, 1874.

JOHN CAPES RICHARDSON

The Late Mr J C Richardson – The remains of Mr J C Richardson, ex-Assistant Chief Goods Manager of the Great Western Railway (the announcement of whose death and an account of his career appeared in our last issue, were conveyed on Friday afternoon last from his residence, “The Limes” St Mary’s Hill, and interred in the Newbury Cemetery. The service was conducted by the Rector, the Rev. E I Gardiner, M.A.  The mourners were: Mr James Richardson, Mr S Richardson, Mr A Richardson (sons) Mr Godby Richardson (grandson), Miss Richardson and Miss F Richardson (daughters).  There were also present Mr J E Hennell  (Assistant Chief Goods Manager G W R) representing Mr J L Wilkinson , General Manager: Mr Frederick J Hearn (G W R, representing Mr L W Meiden, Goods Manager at Paddington); the Misses Draper, Mr G J Cosburn, Mr and Mrs R M Couper, and the Rev. J M Connell, Presbyterian Minister, friends of the deceased.  The coffin was covered with choice and beautiful flowers, in the form of wreaths from the widow and family. Mrs Dawson of York (daughter), the chief officials of the G W R at Paddington, Mr and Mrs Cosburn, Mr and Mrs Couper and Mr and Mrs Torpey, of Harlington. The funeral arrangements were under the direction of Messrs. Hopson and Sons, Northbrook Street.