JAMES GODFREY
THE LATE MR. JAMES GODFREY
One of the oldest inhabitants of the borough passed away at his residence, the Acacias, on Friday morning last, at the advanced age of 82.
Mr. Godfrey was a native of Newbury. In his earlier days he was in the employ of Mr. Shaw, a well known seed grower, but about 45 years ago he started for himself in Bartholomew-street, and conducted a successful business as bacon curer and provision merchant, from which he retired a few years since, soon after the death of his elder son, who was associated with him in the same. Falling health had latterly confined him to his house, and he passed away as above stated, full of years, and highly esteemed for his strict integrity in all his business relations.
Mr. Godfrey took no part in public affairs, but for close on seventy years he had been identified with Primitive Methodism in Newbury, having allied himself in the infant days of the community when its supporters were few and maintaining therewith a close and faithful adherence to the last. For some 65 years he was a local preacher, and his strenuous labours had much to do in locally building up the church, to whose interests he devoted himself with increasing ardour. He was for nearly forty years Circuit Steward, and had attended as a delegate several District meetings and Conferences.
In the erection of the Church in Bartholomew-street, he took a leading part, and was for a number of years a trustee and treasurer, and liberal contributor to its funds. The building had a special interest for him, as it was erected on the spot where he was born. To this building his remains were borne on Tuesday, where a service was held, in which the Revs. J. Neville and J.H. Green took part.
The mourners were Mr. and Mrs. W. Godfrey, Rev. C. and Mrs Spooner, Mrs. J. Godfrey, Miss M. Godfrey, Messrs. Stanley, Egbert, and Wilfred Godfrey, Mr. W. Spooner, Mrs. Bell.
The remains were afterwards conveyed to the Cemetery, and laid to rest in close proximity to those of his widow, his son, and daughter, the latter (Mrs.Harper), having died only a few months since.
A number of beautiful wreaths were sent by members of the family and friends, and both at the Cemetery and at the Church there was a large attendance….
A memorial service takes place on Sunday evening next.
Newbury Weekly News 14 April 1904
Mrs P page 35 35A
