DEATH OF MR EDWARD WILSON OF BADSEY
It is with deep regret we have to announce the death on Monday of Mr Edward Wilson of the Manor House, Badsey, in his 88th year. This severs a long connection with the past history of the village, he having come of a very old and highly-respected family (formerly Lords of the Manor), who have been in possession of the Manor House for nearly 250 years, and during the great portion of this period appear, from parish records, to have taken a leading part in the life of the village, where the late Mr Wilson was a large property owner. The last Mr Wilson was a son of Lieutenant Wilson of the Royal Marines, who was one of those who guarded Napoleon at St Helena. In his younger days, Mr Wilson was an active business man, and at various times served his parish by acting as churchwarden, Guardian of the poor for many years, overseer, etc. He was also for some years sergeant of the Worcestershire Yeomanry, and when the Volunteer forces were raised, he was made sergeant of the Cheltenham Corps. His gentlemanly bearing and kindly consideration for others endeared him to all those with whom he came in contact. In politics, Mr Wilson was a staunch Conservative. He was married four times, his last and surviving wife being a Miss Knight of Badsey.
The funeral took place on Thursday afternoon at Badsey churchyard. The mourners were: Mrs Wilson (widow), Mr Edward Joseph Wilson (son), Mr Edward Wilson (grandson), Mr J T Wingfield (nephew), Miss Minnie Wilson (granddaughter), Mr & Mrs A Carter, Mr C A Wilson, Mr Edward Hughes (Norton), while others who followed or were at the graveside were: Messrs C A Binyon, Henry Byrd, R Pendlebury, W R Warmington, W Mustoe, H Keen, G Ellis Garrard, A H Sharp (Evesham), Jesse Knight, Peter Crisp, G Halford, Mrs J Sladden, Mrs Hands, Miss Pendlebury, Mrs Ems, Mrs Cotterill, Miss Hands etc. The bearers were, Messrs C Knight, J Dore, T Ellison, G Nightingale, W Roberts, C Smith, W Keyte and D Hartwell. The service was conducted by the Vicar, the Rev W C Allsebrook, and a full choir was in attendance, Mr J H McDonald being at the organ. In the church the hymn, “My God, my father, while I stray” was sung, and at the graveside the hymn “Abide with me”. At the conclusion of the service a muffled peal was rung on the church bells. The coffin breast plate bore the following inscription: “Edward Wilson, died 23rd September 1907, aged 87 years.” There were some beautiful floral tributes from the following: “In loving remembrance, from a loving and faithful wife”; Mr & Mrs W Pethard, Mr & Mrs Edward Hughes (Norton). “His sister and nephew, and Mrs John Wingfield”; “Alfred and Rhoda”; Mrs Hope (Bretforton Hall), Mr & Mrs J Sladden and family, Mrs Glasbrook, Mr & Mrs Henry Keen, Mr & Miss Pendlebury, “From all at the Vicarage”, Mr & Mrs Henry Byrd.