Funeral of the late Edward RUSHTON Esq
The high estimation in which the late Edward RUSHTON was held by his fellow townsmen was this morning attested by the congregation of immense numbers of all classes to witness the interment of his mortal remains in St James cemetery. Since the funeral of Mr HUSKISSON there has not been witnessed in this town a demonstration of respect and grief so deep and wide-spread. Although the time and place of interment was not so generally known as they might have been, if there had been any wish on the part of the relatives of the deceased to make the funeral a public one, still the fact seemed to spread with a kind of mysterious celerity throughout the town, and thousands of the middle and working classes thronged to the cemetery, and planted themselves in every walk, every acclivity, and every elevation to obtain a view of the mournful proceedings. The streets through which the procession passed were lined by hundreds of people anxious to testify their respect of the deceased.
The funeral was to leave Parkside house at 9 o’ clock. Long before that time the magistrates began to arrive in their carriages, which drew up in the grounds of Spekelands, the use of which was granted by William EARLE Esq. There was also in attendance a number of members of the Town Council, and other gentlemen belonging to the town and neighbourhood. A body of police were drawn up on each side of Smithdown Lane in order to preserve the line for carriages and to prevent accidents. At the top of Parliament street the gentlemen on foot, headed by the Corporation officials, formed in procession, and preceded the funeral array in its progress towards the cemetery.
The hearse was drawn by four horses, three mourning coaches followed. The chief mourners were the four sons of Mr RUSHTON, Mr J. H. SMITH his brother-in-law, Mr Charles PRESTON, his nephew, and Dr DUNDAS and WHITTLE. Immediately the funeral moved forward, the Mayor in his state-carriage, and followed by thirty-five carriages joined the procession.
In this order the body was conveyed down Parliament street, and along St James road to the north gate of St James cemetery, where an immense number of people had gathered. On arriving at the gate the procession filed off to allow the coffin and chief mourners to pass. At this moment all the gentlemen stood uncovered. In the chapel which was densely crowded, the solemn funeral service of the Church of England was read by Rev Augustus CAMPBELL, the junior rector.
After the service the procession again formed, and, headed by the Rev Rector and the Rev H. HAMPTON, slowly moved towards the vault appropriated for the reception of the body. The vault is situated within the space which encloses the building containing the monument of Mr HUSKISSON. Here the concluding portion of the service was read by Rev A. CAMPBELL, and the sad ceremony terminated.
The vast crowds then thronged towards the vault to take a last look at the resting-place of him whose memory will be long and honourably associated with his native town.mo< The plate upon the coffin contained the following inscription :-
“Edward RUSHTON Esq, died 4th April 1851, aged 53 years.”
The arrangements for the funeral were entrusted to Messers THORNELY and WINCHESTER of Lord Street.
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