DEATH OF MR SAMUEL WHITWORTH OF HURST
The death took place at his home, Rose Cottage, Hurst, in the early hours of Good Friday, of Mr Samuel WHITWORTH, aged 83 years, after an illness which commenced in November last. Up to that time he enjoyed good health, in spite of the fact that he had long since passed the allotted span. Dr HILTON attended him for his complaint, and it is characteristic of the vitality of the old gentleman that he was only confined to bed for two days, even although the nature of his malady was such that little or no hopes were entertained of his recovery.
By his demise Hurst has lost one of its oldest and most respected inhabitants whose familiar figure people that learned to look up to and respect. In his daily walks he was often seen at the hostelry of his granddaughter, Mrs Robert WINTERBOTTOM, Pitt and Nelson, Ashton, of which he was the licensee for about 20 years, until succeeded by Mr WINTERBOTTOM a few years ago.
It was always a pleasure to hear his fund of anecdotes of his early life as a collier in Hurst and interesting experiences in connection therewith, and as a farmer, and when in after life he settled down as a grocer at premises in Hillgate-street he displayed that business tact and judgment which won for him success.
On the death of his son John, who had been the licensee of the Pitt and Nelson for about four years, he took over the license of the hostelry, and held it until his retirement, about three or four years ago, to take up his residence in his native place, Hurst, where he was an extensive property owner. He was temperate in his habits, and a much-respected member of the Methodist New Connexion Church.
His motto was work, and his whole life has been characterised as full of earnest activity. He was formerly a member of the old Hurst Local Board, and his political views were Liberal, though he never took a prominent part in politics. His wife pre-deceased him 14 years ago, and there is one daughter, Mrs HILTON, living.
The funeral took place on Tuesday afternoon at St John’s Church, Hurst, and was witnessed by a large number of people. The coffin was conveyed in a hearse with glass sides, and there was a large number of floral tributes. There were six coaches containing the mourners, and the bearers were nephews and tenants of the deceased. The funeral inside the church was conducted by the Rev W A PARRY, who also performed the ceremony at the graveside.
Transcript of the original published in the Ashton-under-Lyne Reporter, April 1904
Updated: 31 January 2007