Charles Ball (1844-1931)

An Old Newburian

The death occurred at King John’s Alms-houses on Saturday night, after a lingering illness, of Mr. Charles Ball.  Like his wife he was a native of Hurstbourne Tarrant, and on coming to Newbury they linked themselves with the Primitive Methodists.  For 13 years from the time the present church in Bartholomew-street was built in 1877 they acted as joint caretakers, and since they have been keenly identified with the activities of the church, Mr. Ball having served as a sidesman for many years.  He had practically no schooling, and when seven years of age started “bird-scaring” at a shilling a week.  Then he earned 2s. 6d. a week looking after four horses.  Afterwards he was coachman to the late Mr. Charles Nutley, in Newbury, and continued to drive horses when the brewery passed into the hands of Mr. Finn.  In his prime he was a keen cricketer, and could handle a bat and ball with ability.  Mr. and Mrs. Ball, who brought up seven children, celebrated their diamond wedding in April four years ago, when they received congratulations from the King and queen.  Mr. Ball was 86 years of age and is survived by his wife, who will be 85 next month.

The funeral takes place to-day (Thursday), a service being held at the Primitive Methodist Church at 3 p.m., the interment being in Newtown-road Cemetery.

Newbury Weekly News, 18/06/1931

Funeral

The funeral of Mr. Charles Ball, of King John’s Almshouses, took place on Thursday afternoon, the service at the Primitive Methodist Church being largely attended by fellow church workers, members of the congregation and friends. The Rev. W. Lawson Jones officiated, being assisted by the Rev. Ralph R. Collier. The interment was in Newtown-road Cemetery.

The mourners were Mrs. C. Ball (widow), Mr. G. Ball (Belfast), Mr. Harry Ball Bournemouth, (sons) , Mrs. H. Russell, Caversham (daughter), Mr. H. Aldridge (grandson), Mrs. C. Middleton and Mrs. John Baverstock (grand daughters), Mrs. Simms and Mrs Blackmore, Andover (nieces), Mr. Charles Ball (nephew) Hurstbourne Tarrant, Mrs. J. Alderman (sister-in-law), Mrs. N. Russell, Southampton, Mrs. T. Taylor, Twyford, Mrs Geo. Ball, Mr. Fred  Hillier, Mr. William Noyes and Mr. Horace Russell (sons-in-law), Mr.John Baverstock and Mr. Harold Russell.

Wreaths were sent by His loving Wife; George and family, Belfast; Eddie and Horace; Harry and family, Bournemouth; Harry and Elsie; Kitty, Will and John; John and Peter; Lil and Nan, Southampton; From the Almshouses; Mr. and Mrs. harry Samuels; Primitive Methodist Women’s Own; Primitive Methodist Ladies’ Committee; Primitive Methodist Trustees; Members and Congregation;Newbury P. S. A.; Mr. and Mrs. Winters;Mrs and Miss Wellocks; Mr and Mrs. North, Didcot; Mr. and Mrs. James Baverstock; Mrs. Geering; Mr. and Mrs. Neale, Southampton; Dr and Mrs Wynter; Mr. and Mrs.Quallington; Mr. and Mrs. R.C.Scull; Mrs. Collins, Hurstbourne Tarrant; a few friends, Hurstbourne Tarrant; Harry, Amy, Tom and Betty Voss; Mr. W. Harding; and “From Uncle”.

[He married Sarah Hilliar in 1867 and they had 7 children: William, Lillian, Elizabeth, George, Edith, Henry and one other who died.   Sarah died 22/02/1938 aged 92 years.]

Newbury Weekly News, June 1931

http://www.fnrcnewbury.org.uk/biography.asp?BiogID=94

http://www.fnrcnewbury.org.uk/persondetails.asp?PersonID=843