[From Manx Quarterly, #14 Sep 1914]

WILLIAM CLEMENT WILLIAMS.

Died June 3rd. 1913.

The impressive funeral of Mr William Clement Williams (architect) took place at All Saints', Halifax, Yorkshire, on Friday June 13th. Mr Williams passed away on Tuesday, June 3rd, at Beacon Croft, Port Erin, in his 67th year, and the news came as a shock to his numerous friends, by whom he was greatly esteemed, his charming personality having gained for him the warmest admiration. Mr Williams was naturally of a retiring disposition, and took no part in public affairs. His whole heart was in his profession, and some of the most important buildings in Halifax were designed by him. Many churches, chapels, schools, and factories are the expression of his genius. The Primitive Methodist Chapel at Port Erin is a monument of his ability and generosity. It has been described as one of the finest buildings in the Island. Mr Williams believed in the ministry of magnificent buildings. His early years were spent with one of the leading church architects in Oxford. He was a Fellow of the Royal Institute of British Architects, and for some years Mr Williams was senior deacon at Park Congregational Church Halifax. His hobbies were water-colour painting and photography. He was of the pioneers in the world of photography, and had secured over fifty medals and diplomas for exhibition work. He was a brave, manly, tender soul; a man of great personal value to the community being universally reverenced and respected. In a letter addressed to the Rev James W. Hailwood (acknowledging an expression of condolence), Mr H. Percy Williams, a son, remarks: " My father's death leaves a large gap in our family circle, as he was loved and respected by all. He leaves many records of an industrious life; all my life I never remember him being idle for half an hour." He is now at rest. He rests from his labours, and we derive from the pleasing memory of his truly great life inspiration for the duties of the coming days. Mr Williams leaves a widow and six children, with whom deep sympathy will be felt.

JOSEPH CARR.

Died June 13th 1913.

We regret to record the death of Mr Joseph Carr, of Alexander-terrace, which occurred on Friday morning, June 13th, at Noble's Isle of Man Hospital, at the age of 77. Mr Carr was not a Manxman, but he rendered excellent service to the land of his adoption during his long sojourn here. Many years ago he came to the Isle of Man from Northwich, Cheshire, and carried on a successful tannery business at Tromode. He associated himself with several business enterprises, being director of the Glen Helen Hotel Company and of Gelling's Iron Foundry, and a large shareholder in the Douglas Gas Company. Mr Carr was also a public man. He was first elected to the Douglas Town Council in 1896 as representative of No. 5 Ward, which subsequently became known as Derby Ward. He was defeated in November, 1904, but in the same month was re-elected at a bye-election, and continued to serve as a Councillor until his retirement in 1906. His principal work was done in connection with the Water Committee and the Sanitary Committee. He took a great interest in the acquirement of the steam barge by the Corporation for the disposal of the refuse of the town. As a member of the Douglas School Board, Mr Carr also served the town with faithfulness and industry, he being a member of the board from May, 1907, to November, 1908. For the last month or two, the deceased gentleman had been in failing health, and he underwent an operation for a painful internal malady at the Hospital last Saturday. While his health permitted, he took an active interest in public and religious work. He was a faithful attender at Finch-hill Congregational Church. Prior his illness, Mr Carr had been a particularly healthy man, and he was invariably kindly and genial. His hobby was bowling, in which pastime he achieved considerable prowess. He was a director of the Finch-hill Bowling Club, and a frequent prize donor, and sustained his interest in the club to the last. His interest in town matters did not evaporate with his retirement from the Council; during his later years he often attended the gallery at the monthly meetings the Douglas local authority. He leaves a married daughter, Mrs Austin, who is now on the Island, and was with her father in his last hours.

THE FUNERAL.

The remains of the late Mr Joseph Carr were laid to rest in the Douglas Borough Cemetery on Tuesday morning. There was a large attendance of Douglas men at the funeral, including the Mayor (Ald. R. Corlett, J.P.), Councillors D. Gray, J. J. Corlett, E. Corrin, and T. G. Kelly, Alderman R. Moore, the Town Clerk (Mr A. Robertson), Messrs F. C. Poulter, Wm. Goldsmith, H.K., T. P. Ellison, J.P., P. Christian, J.P., J. Kay, A. Stead, M. Carine, D. Evarard, W. L. Clague, T. C. Hinds, T. Champion, and many others.

EDWARD CORTEEN.

Died June 20th. 1917.

A much respected and thoroughly patriotic Manxman passed away on Friday June 20th, in the person of Mr Corteen, of Hawarden-avenue, Douglas. In early life he was a joiner, but he in the course of a few years took up the more congenial occupation of parochial surveyor of his native parish of Maughold. So well and skilfully did Mr Corteen fulfil the duties of the post that he was promoted to succeed the late Mr Jefferson as Surveyor-General of Highways of the Island. He retired on pension in after fifty years' honourable service with the Highway Board. Having reached the age of four-score years, his failed gradually, until he became in the last year or two. Strength failed, so that he was bedridden for some weeks, and the end was not unexpected.

Mr Corteen, while in possession of vigour, was a regular worshipper at Rosemount Church; he was a man of integrity, and was in his day a keen musician. In gatherings partaking of Manx characteristics, he delighted to offer the Lord's Prayer in the Manx language. Mrs Corteen survives, and of a large family a son and two daughters remain at home.

The funeral of the late Mr Edward Corteen, ex-Surveyor General to the Isle of Man Highways Board, took place on Monday, June 23rd, and was largely attended, the interment being at Maughold Churchyard. The chief mourners were Messrs Robert, Albert, James, Ernest, and Fred Corteen, sons of the deceased; Mrs T. R. Kelly, Miss Corteen, and Miss Jessie Corteen, daughters; several grandchildren; Messrs W. Jelly (brother-in-law), H. Corteen and W. Kerruish (cousins), the united ages of these three amounting to 265 years; and a large number of nephews, nieces, grand nephews, and grand-nieces. The Highway Board were represented by the Chairman (the Vicar-General), Messrs R. Kerruish, AV. Radcliffe, and R. H. Collister, members of the board; Mr Walter Kay. Surveyor-General; Mr R. H. Cubbin, secretary; and almost all the parochial surveyors. At Maughold the funeral was met by a large number of parishioners and Ramsey residents. The Rev J. R. Ellis (Wesleyan Superintendent) attended at the home of the deceased and gave out the hymn, " O God our help in ages past," and offered prayer. The service at Maughold was conducted by the Vicar, the Rev J. G. Pope, and after the interment the hymn, " Rock of Ages," was feelingly sung.

THOMAS KEWLEY.

Died July 1st. 1913.

The " Riponshire Advocate," of July 5, says: — " The death occurred at Waterloo, on Tuesday, of Mr Thos. Kewley, an old and respected resident. Deceased, who was a native of the Isle of Man, and a son of the late Mr Thos. Kewley, Eary Lane, Greeba, came out to Victoria when he was about 18 years of age. For several years he lived at Ballarat, but came to Beaufort in the early 'fifties soon after the Fiery Creek rush broke out, and subsequently settled as a farmer at Waterloo, where he had lived for over 40 years. Deceased had only been ill for about a month, cardiac failure being the cause of his death. He had reached the ripe age of 78 years. Deceased leaves a widow and eleven children (six sons and five daughters) to mourn their loss. Of the sons, Henry and William are living in Queensland, George in Melbourne, Edward in Beaufort, and Arthur and Al in Melbourne. Three of the daughte viz., Misses Edith, Louisa, and Annie in Melbourne, and the remaining two in this district. The funeral took place on Thursday in the Waterloo Cemetery and was attended by a large number of sympathising friends. The coffin, which was of oak, was covered with beautiful floral tributes of sympathy; a very pretty wreath being sent by the Waterloo Sunday-school. The coffin-bearers were Messrs Arthur, Edward, A. G., and George Kewley (sons), A. Kewley and Theo. Schlicht (cousins) ; whilst the pall bearers were Messrs W. Callister, Jo Lancey, W. P. Schlicht, W. Dickman, Jno. Frusher, junr., M. Fynn, H. Stewson, R. Holdsworth, and A. Ansaldi. The R W. B. Jessop conducted the Anglican service at the house and grave."

CAPTAIN JAMES GALE.

Died July 12th. 1913.

On Wednesday afternoon at 5-30, July 9th (says " The Times-Herald," Palatka, Florida, of July 18th), Captain James Gale died at his home in Welaka, Fla., after being confined to his bed only a few days. The deceased will be well remembered by all the old-time residents of the county, as prior to the freeze he was an extensive orange buyer, his business not alone taking him all over this, but in all the orange districts of the State. Capt. Gale was born on the Isle of Man seventy-one years ago, and came to this country when but a lad, and resided with his uncle at New Orleans, who, in ante-bellum days, was one of the largest shipowners of the South. Capt. Gale commanded many of his uncle's ships, and in the great typhoon in Calcutta in 1864 had the distinction of being in command of the only steamship that rode safely through that awful storm, while hundreds of craft were washed ashore. He served under Garibaldi in the revolt against the Temporal Power in Italy, and was presented with a sword by that General in recognition of his services. He became interested in Florida orange growing in 1876, and planted a grove at Norwalk, where he resided until the big freeze, moving then to New York, where he lived for many years, but failing health caused him to again move to Florida about six years ago In 1877 he married Miss Cline S. Dimitry of New Orleans, who survives him. He leaves also three sons — William D. and James, of this county, and John B., residing in Brooklyn, N.Y. The interment took place on Thursday morning at eleven o'clock in beautiful Oakwood Cemetery; the Rev Dr Pasco officiating. — Capt. James Gale was eldest brother to Mr Robert Knox, of Leigh-terrace, Douglas.

REV. ROBERT KILLIP.

(from Examiner Annual)

Died August 30th. 1913.

The Rev. Robert Killip, retired Wesleyan minister, died at Peel, August His last circuit was Mornington road, Southport. His health had unsatisfactory for some time, but end came with startling suddenness. The following concise notice of Mr. Killip's career appeared in the "Examiner Annual" for 1908 : —

Probably the foremost astronomer in the ranks of the Christian ministry is the Robert Killip, whose surname proclaims his Manx blood. In the days of his boyhood, Mr Killip resided in the Island and he frequently attended Victoria-street Church — then known as Thomas-street Chapel — with his grandmother, who was in business in Strand-street, Douglas. Mr Killip is one of the ablest of Wesleyam ministers, while among scientists he enjoys a great reputation. He is a very fine lecturer, and particularly is he fascinating when he discourses upon his favourite and sublime hobby — astronomy. Wherever stationed, Mr Killip fits up an observatory wherein he erects his 5-inch equatorial, clock-driven, telescope. Mr Killip was one of the party of British astronomers which went to Spain nearly three years ago, for the observation of the solar eclipse.

BISHOP DENTON THOMPSON'S TRIBUTE.

In the course of his address to an immense crowd of people at the open-air service, on Douglas Head on Sunday, the Bishop of Sodor and Man (Dr Denton Thompson) made eloquent reference to the late Rev Robert Killip, the Manx Wesleyan Methodist minister, who attained to considerable fame as an astronomer and whose death occurred recently. His Lordship, speaking of the natural beauties surrounding Bishopscourt, to which he invited the people on the following day, said he could not but think that day of one who had recently passed within the veil, the Rev Robert Killip, and who, two days before he became ill, had spent an afternoon at Bishopscourt. When he (the Bishop) was Rector in Southport he knew Mr Killip, then the superintendent minister of the Mornington-Road Circuit, as a wide-reading and deep-thinking man, a Christian scientist, or, rather, a scientific Christian, a student of nature as well as Scripture, a faithful servant of God, and an able minister of the Gospel of Christ. Crossing from the mainland nearly a year ago, Mr Killip came up to speak with hint on the boat, and as a result of the conversation, he expressed the hope that he might some day visit Bishopscourt. " A few weeks ago," the Bishop went on to say, " he wrote asking for an interview, and on the Thursday before he died he spent several hours with two clerical friends and myself. He would insist upon walking through the glen and seeing its beauties, albeit he looked so tired — indeed, he was glad to rest on my arm in crossing the bridges. When we entered the rock-riven cave, I told my friends something of its history, and especially its symbolic teaching. Then we spoke of the Rock of Ages, and the River Side by which we are able to enter into fellowship with Christ. Never can I forget the radiance of his face as afterwards he thanked me for the testimony given that afternoon to the reality of that fellowship, and for the happiness he had realised by his visit. The following Saturday he fell seriously ill at Peel, and passed away in an unconscious death to his rest and reward — 'So He giveth His beloved sleep.' I received a letter from a mutual friend, to whom he had written, speaking of the comfort and blessing he had derived from his visit to Bishopscourt. God help us all to live such a useful life, and give to us all such a. peaceful death!"

DR. T. A. WOOD.

Died September 22nd. 1913.

An interesting personality was removed from Douglas on September 22nd by the death of Dr T. A. Wood — generally known, in an a view to distinguishing him from a Douglas medical confrere, as " Manx Dr Wood." The deceased gentleman was the doyen of the healing profession in the Isle of Man, so far as members engaged in active practice are concerned, he having reached the age of 74. For some considerable time prior to his death, Dr Wood had suffered from a. heart complaint. for which he was attended by Dr Pantin. but up to a short time before his death he regularly attended to the duties of his practice. A few years ago he, for the benefit of his health, went on a sea voyage to the Canary Islands, and returned much, improved, but eventually illness re-asserted itself, and it was only by the exercise of indomitable will power that the doctor was enabled to remain in harness to practically the end of his career. Dr Wood carne of a very old and highly respected Manx family, the Woods of Knocksharry, German, and on the death of his father he inherited the ancestral estate. After completing his school education, he became a medical student in Edinburgh, and in this capacity had a brilliant career, securing his diploma in medicine and surgery with honours. Some forty years ago he commenced, practice as a physician and surgeon in Finch-road, Douglas, and soon got together a very big connection. He was, so far as the Isle of Man is concerned, the pioneer of modern methods of treating human ailments, and to the end lie kept well abreast of all the latest discoveries in medical and surgical science — he was ever a student, and an ardent student at that. All medical literature was at his finger ends, and in this connection he did not confine himself to British publications, but kept all faith with Continental and American treatises. Indeed, he had great faith in many American methods, and frequently employed them with much success in the course of his practice. Over thirty years back he left Douglas and engaged in practice at Woolton, near Liverpool, but eventually returned to the Isle of Man and re-engaged in his profession. While in his full vigour he had a very large practice, which was by no means confined to the Douglas district, and up to the day of his death there were many Manx people who refused to be treated ay any other practitioner than the veteran doctor. He was a strong advocate of the present-day trend to place hygiene in front of drugs — he had great faith in Nature as a healer, and in his treatment of patients he relied mainly upon advising them to so bear themselves as to afford Nature the fullest opportunity of effecting a cure. Accordingly he was wont to regulate diet, to insist on sanitary conditions being observed, and, above all, to impress the supreme importance of fresh air and sunshine. Of course, he was keenly alive to the value of drugs in certain cases, and was ever in the forefront in appreciation of such beneficial nostrums as have from time to time been given a place in the pharmacopoeia. Preventive medicine, too, found in him a firm and discriminating supporter; he was convinced of the value of vaccination, and was among the first to realise the importance of the serum treatment of diphtheria. The latest developments of modern surgery were at his finger tips, and when necessity arose he never feared to apply them in the course of his practice. Though somewhat caustic of manner, he was very kindly of disposition, and in the course of his long practice he secured the respect and esteem not only of his medical confreres, but of the general public. He was one of the founders of the Isle of Man Medical Society, and was an ex-president of that very useful body. He was also a very old member of the honorary medical staff of Noble's Isle of Man Hospital, in which fine institution he ever displayed constant and assiduous interest. Very frequently Dr Wood was called into consultation by other practitioners, who always regarded his views and advice with the greatest respect. He wielded a very able pen, and at one time he occasionally contributed the columns of the " Examiner " concerning subjects relating to medicine and surgery. Born and bred in the country Dr Wood always took a deep interest in agriculture and other rural matters He effected considerable improvements at Knocksharry with the object of giving modern methods of farming an opportunity of development, but it is to be feared that these operations did not benefit him financially. He was a very well-informed man upon most subjects of general interest, his reading being by no means confined to medical literature. On the whole, his views were extremely broad, politically he had strong Tory leanings, and particularly was he opposed to several of the proposals contained in the Manx Constitutional Reform programme. A severe blow came to him in the death of his only son, which took place a dozen years or more since. This young gentleman after distinguishing himself in the schools and the playing fields at King William's College, entered upon the study of medicine and surgery at Edinburgh. His prospects were very bright, for the promise he showecl at the Manx public school was more than fulfilled in connection with his studies at Edinburgh. Eagerly the father looked forward to the day when he would be joined in the practice of his profession by the son, and this eagerness was reciprocated by young Wood. Just as everything pointed to a speedy and happy consummation of this most, natural hopes, the news came to Douglas one day that the promising and bright young medical student, although a strong and accomplished swimmer, had been drowned while bathing in a lake near Edinburgh. The shock to Dr Wood was staggering of effect; indeed, he never recovered from it, and ever afterwards, though he strove to hide his feelings, it was very evident he was a broken-hearted man. The deceased gentleman was married to Miss Kate Graves, a daughter of the late Mr Henry Graves, of Peel, in his day the most prominent shipbuilder in the Isle of Man.

The funeral, which was private of character, took place on Thursday, interment being at Peel Cemetery.

MRS. CLEGG (of Liverpool).

[Wm + Cath Clegg (c 1853) Photo © Jean Corkett]

Died July 14th. 1913.

The death occurred on July 14th, at y Clottage, Fistard, Port St. Mary, Clegg, widow of the late Mr Wm. builder, of Liverpool and Douglas.

Mrs Clegg, who had been in failing health for some time, resided at 6 Balmoral-road, Liverpool, and came to the Island about three weeks ago. She was 92 years and was born at Ballakneale, in the parish of Rushen. A life-long Wesleyan-Methodist, she was an active and adherent of her Church, and many — both in Douglas and Liverpool — have memories of her helpfulness as class-leader One of her sons, Alfred, entered the Wesleyan ministry and died on the mission field at the West Coast of Africa. Besides the daughter (Miss Clegg) who has nursed her so tenderly, the surviving children are: Mr William Clegg, builder, of Douglas and Liverpool; Mr J. Edwin Clegg, dentist, Douglas; Mr Thos. Clegg, builder, Liverpool; Mr R. E. Clegg, farmer, Natal; and Mrs Thos. Kneen, Ballacorkish, Rushen. The interment took place at Braddan Cemetery on Thursday.

Service was held in Rose Mount W.M. Church (the church in which deceased worshipped for many years while residing in Douglas), impressively conducted by the Rev W. J. Hartley. Mr Hartley also officiated at the graveside. The mourners were Messrs Wm. Clegg, Thos. Clegg, and J. Edwin Clegg (sons), Mrs Thos. Kneen and Miss Clegg (daughters), Mrs Thos. Clegg (daughter-in-law), Mr Thomas Kneen (son-in-law), Mr John H. Kneen (of Pretoria), Mr Wm. Clegg, F.R.C.O., and Mr Thos. Kneen (grandsons), Mr W. Louis Clague, Mr R. J. Clague, and Mrs Collister.

[Both Wm + Cath were baptised Clague but changed name to Clegg when in Liverpool]