A-Z Challenge 2025: April 17th : O for Obituaries

From the Mid Sussex Times

A very flowery style of reporting here on Sept 8th, 1885:  During the past few days the scythe of death has been mowing down its victims.  Scarcely had the earth closed on the remains of Mary Mitchell (happily released from great and continued sufferings) when the irresistable blade sundered the mortal thread of Lucy Batchelor, at the early age of 32.  Her illness was of long duration, but she was patient to the end.  Widow Cooper, of Cleaver's Lane, has also succombed to an insiduous disease, borne with unflinching fortitude. She will long be remembered as a cheery and useful member of society.  Her amiable disposition secured to herself not a few valuable friends, and these now mourn an irreperable loss.  Deceased was 67 years of age.  Finally, with profoud grief, we record the demise of Mr John Norris, of Broad Street, whose indisposition was of short duration.  Few were aware of the fatal character of his attack, but on Saturday the serious apprehemsions of the medical faculty became circulated.  At noon, on that day, the venerable practitioner was seen to discard his brougham.  With measure step, absorbed in deep thought, he wended his way to and from the sick chamber.  From that hour hope surrendered to grief.  Dissolution ensured on Sunday afternoon, and for the fourth time in ten days the passing bell proclaimed the singular chord of death.  Deceased was a man of limited acquaintance - his few associates ever regarding him as a most excellent friend - being so circumspectly genle and unassuming.  His memory will not be transiently esteemed, but lastingly retained.  A widowed and aged mother ia sorrowfully bowed down.  Mr Norris was in his 40th year, and unmarried.

January 10th, 1888: We have to record the death, at the age of 82, of Mr. William Upton, which occurred on the 2nd inst. For nearly 60 years deceased superintended the highway repairs in the northern part of the parish, his trustworthy and competent abilities being always commended by the parish officers. During the last few years his infirmities prevented him, in some measure, from fulfilling his duties, and he was consequently relieved from further responsibility. He was only confined to his bed four days, at the close of which he quietly passed away. The funeral took place on Thursday, the place of interment being the Parish Churchyard. The mourners comprised his three daughters, Mr. W. Upton (nephew) and wife, and other friends.

April 7th, 1885:  The remains of the late Mr. John Simmons (whose death was recorded in our obituary column last week), a native of Cuckfield, and who for half-a-century occupied a small farm in Brook Street, previously held for a long period by his father, were interred in the Cemetery on Tuesday, the hearse being followed by a long string of relatives and friends. Deceased, who had nearly completed his 77th year, was generally respected. Mr. Simmons leaves some interesting memoranda, detailing sales and prices of corn, &c., in his younger days, and in the time of his father.

January 10th, 1882:  We have to record the death of Mr. W. Attwood, which took place early on Wednesday morning last, at the Union Infirmary. More than thirty years ago, the deceased started as the village shopkeeper at Pyecombe, where his tact for business soon aroused the envy of shopkeepers in the adjoining parishes. For several years he went on at a rapid rate, and everyone looked on him as a rising man; but, when least expected, bankruptcy ensued. This misfortune necessitated his removal. From this period, for a time, he was lost sight of, but eventually turned up as manager in one of the large shops at Hurstpierpoint. Following this, he once again vanished into obscurity. A few years ago, he was discovered as a workhouse pauper at Cuckfield, from whence he was rescued by Mr. G. Durrant, late of Hanlye Farm, who fitted him out with a donkey cart and milk cans. For four years he was most assiduously attentive to his duties as milkman and became respected by all his customers, and indeed by everyone who knew him. At Michaelmas last Mr. Durrant relinquished the farm, and Attwood continued the milk walk for the incoming tenant, Mr. Barford. Towards the end of October, the heavy rains set in, and though drenched to the skin for several days together, he persisted in going on with his duties. His constitution, however, at last gave way, and a severe illness followed. As soon as he could bear removal, his master had him conveyed to the Infirmary, where the excellent nurse (Miss Cope) paid him unremitting attention. The Messrs. Byass and their capital assistant, Mr. Baker, spared no pains to bring about his recovery, but his constitution was broken up, and he lingered on for several weeks, when death put an end to his sufferings at the time before mentioned. He was buried on Saturday, at Hurstpierpoint.  His age was 56 years.

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