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We regret to record the death, which took place yesterday week at his home at 44 Newton-road, of Mr Alfred Sargent, a well-known local boot and shoe manufacturer.
Mr Sargent became ill last March, and a specialist was summoned in April, but the effects of bronchitis persisted, and the family was prepared for its loss.
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On the left - Fairfield Cottage No 60 Newton Road - the home of Alfred Sargent and his mother had lived at No 58
Built in 1889 by AED
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A son of Mr William Sargent, who from childhood had made boots, the deceased gentleman was born in Rushden 75 years ago. He, too, had an early introduction to bootmaking—probably when a boy of 11 or 12—and for a good many years was associated with his brother Walter in the business of Walter Sargent and Co., then in Crabb-street.
In 1900 Mr Sargent founded the firm of Alfred Sargent and Sons Ltd., who have prospered at their factory in Portland-road.
He did a great deal of travelling for the firm, and all who met him in the course of business found him honourable and precise in his dealings. At home and at work he made a great point of regularity, and always set an example in the matter.
Mr Sargent could fully enjoy the bright side of life, and had a keen wit. As a young man he was fond of walking and would go long distances afoot.
He often took part in amateur theatricals, and his love of music led him to join the noted choir of the Baptist Church. He was a good bass singer, and participated with the choir in the Crystal Palace Festivals. A chorister for many years, he was made an hon. member of the choir, having followed worthily in the footsteps of his father, who, known affectionately as “Father Sargent,” regularly took his place in the choir for 54 years and could remember the days when the bass viol was used for the accompaniment of the services.
“Father Sargent” was in turn the son of William Sargent, for 25 years the sexton of the old Baptist Meeting.
Mr Alfred Sargent also sang in the old Rushden Choral Society, and was for some years the treasurer.
Mr and Mrs Sargent celebrated their golden wedding as recently as September last. They were married fifty years last Rushden Feats Monday.
A strict total abstainer, he had been a Rechabite since December 1872. He is survived by his wife, and leaves two sons, Messrs W F and A H Sargent (who are directors of A Sargent and Sons Ltd.) and a daughter, Mrs L G Roberts, of Rushden. Another son, Mr Arthur Sargent, who was a wireless telegraph expert in the early days under Senator Marconi, died at Trinidad a few years ago.
The funeral took place at Rushen on Saturday and wa attended by many friends of the deceased gentleman.
At 44 Newton-road, a service was conducted by the Rev T W Gill (Baptist minister), only the male mourners Mr Frank Sargent, Mr Harry Sargent (sons), Mr L G Roberts (son-in-law), and Mr John Scott (brother-in-law) following to the cemetery, where the company at the graveside included …….
[a long list of shoe manufacturers and church, and society members, and a list of wreaths follows]
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