[From Manx Quarterly, #21, 1920]
Died December 3rd, 1919.
Mr John Thomas Cowell, H.M. Receiver-General for the Isle of Man, passed away at his residence, Kenwood, Brunswick-road, Douglas, on Wednesday morning. The news of his death, which quickly spread throughout the Island, was not unexpected, for though his last illness was not of long duration, the malady he suffered from was recognised to be so dangerous of character that nothing short of a miracle could bring about recovery. Up to about three weeks ago he was out and about attending to his duties mid business in his customary energetic and thorough fashion, but once he was seized, serious developments took place and his medical attendants were forced to recognise that the hand of death was upon him. He bore his affliction patiently and even cheerfully, and died as he had lived, courageously-he passed into the Great Beyond fortified with the consciousness of having lived and striven honourably.
Mr Cowell was born in Douglas 68 years ago. Though a native of the chief town of the Island, he came of Northside stock. His father was the late Mr Robert Cowell, in his day a prominent builder in Douglas, who erected a considerable amount of house property in the town and was famous for the excellent workmanship which characterised the buildings for which he was responsible. Mr John Thomas Cowell's grand-father on the paternal side was the late Mr John Cowell, schoolmaster of Kirk Bride, who in his youth had seen service on a British ship of war in the stirring days of the Napoleonic wars. Mr John Cowell fought at the never to be forgotten Battle of Trafalgar under the great Lord Nelson, and in the course of the greatest sea fight in history, lost an arm. After retiring from the sea, he became a schoolmaster, and with his pedagogic functions he combined those of Parish Clerk. Notwithstanding his official connection with the Established Church, he was a Wesleyan Methodist, and indeed was a local preacher in that religious body. In the early days of Methodism, and for the matter of that up to less than half-a-century go, it was by no means uncommon for the followers of John Wesley to be actively associated in many important respects with Mother Church. Old-time Methodists in the Isle of Man were almost variably baptised in the Church of England by ordained clergymen of the church; they were confirmed in the Church; they were married in the Church, and when their life had run its course they were buried with Church rites. It is then by no means a matter of wonderment that the maimed sailor turned schoolmaster, should also have been appointed to the office of Parish Clerk. Mr John Cowell was a man of strong understanding and character, and altogether his parts were considerable. He occupies a place in the gallery of " Manx Worthies" pictured by the late Mr A. W. Moore in his well-known biographical collection. Mr John Thomas Cowell was educated in Douglas, and upon leaving school he was apprenticed to the late Mr George Sherwood, ironmonger, of Wellington-street and Duke-street, who carried on an extensive business in the premises now occupied by Mr T. H. Cowin, ladies' outfitter. Upon completing his apprenticeship, he became manager to Mr Sherwood, by whom he was completely trusted. Upon Mr Sherwood's death, Mr Cowell, in conjunction with Mr Richard Maltby Broadbent (Mr Sherwood's nephew), succeeded to the business and carried it on for several years, when they transferred their interest to Messrs Mark S. Broadbent and John Kneen. For a very brief period after giving up the ironmongery concern, Mr Cowell lived in retirement, but his energetic temperament would not brook severance with active business life, and in 1895 he, upon the death of the late Mr George Atkin, acquired that gentleman's extensive connection as a stockbroker, and insurance and general agent. Subsequently — in 1900 — he was appointed Isle of Man agent for the Liverpool, London and Globe Insurance Company, an important position which he retained until his death. As a business man Mr Cowell held a high reputation for probity, enterprise, and ability.
From early youth Mr Cowell took a great. interest in public affairs. Perhaps his first active connection with them arose out of the great split in the Good Templars body (a one time famous Temperance organisation), which occurred in the late 'seventies. The split resulted from a decision of the Grand Lodge of the United States to exclude people of colour from membership of lodges — or rather to insist that coloured folk should form lodges of their own and should not be eligible to associate with whites in lodges. The decision gave great offence to most of the English lodges, and these, in assertion of their contention that there should be no colour bar in the Order, seceded from the American Grand Lodge and formed the Grand Lodge of England. Many English Good Templars, however, supported the attitude of the American Grand Lodge, and continued their affiliation with it, among these loyal Templars being Mr Cowell. The split occasioned considerable stir in the ranks of Good Templars, and with a view to regain hold upon English members of the Order, Col. Hickman, who was head of the American brotherhood, visited Great Britain and addressed meetings held all over the country. He encountered keen opposition, and when speaking in Douglas quite a considerable number of Manx Templars subjected him to a rather severe heckling. The majority of the Insular brethren, however, supported him, and among these was Mr Cowell, who then, as throughout life, was a prominent Temperance man. Mr Cowell was an enthusiastic Good Templar, and he took a leading part in countenancing Col. Hickman's views and in strongly deprecating the criticism levelled during the meeting at the Colonel. On that occasion Mr Cowell bore himself with marked ability and fearlessness, and it was in large degree owing to his attitude on the occasion that the Transatlantic big gun emerged triumphant from the ordeal. The other side subsequently brought over to Douglas Mr Joseph Malins, the leader of the English secessionists, to lay their side of the question before the Manx people. Mr Malins addressed at least two meetings in the town, at one of which-held in St. Andrew's Schoolroom — he met with a warm reception, culminating in something verging upon a riot. From those days, right to the end of his career Mr Cowell was closely identified with public life in the Island. When the late Mr Thomas Keig, in 1881, sought election to the House of Keys, Mr Cowell was one of his most pronounced and able supporters. From the time that the House had been constituted by popular election, membership had been regarded as a preserve of the landed and professional classes. Mr Keig was the pioneer of a determined effort to destroy the fetish and made a gallant fight, though an unsuccessful one. One of his warmest and ablest supporters was Mr Cowell, whose advocacy of Mr Keig's candidature was so awe as to mark him as a man destined to do good service in the Councils of the Manx nation. In 1884 he was elected a member of the Douglas School Board, and in that capacity he cordially supported the policy of Mr G. A. Ring, chairman of the board, in placing public education in Douglas upon a sound footing. In 1885 he was elected to the board of Douglas Town Commissioners-the predecessors of the Douglas Town Council. He retired from the Commission when the period for which he had been elected had expired, but during his membership he strongly advocated a progressive policy-advocated it with such effect that his fellow townsfolk at the first opportunity returned him to the House of Keys. As the out-come of the passing of the Redistribution Act of nearly thirty years ago, Douglas, which had previously been represented in the elective branch of the Legislature by three members, was granted five. At the next following General Election — that of 1891 — Mr Cowell, in response to pressing invitations, came out as a candidate for one of the three seats allotted to North Douglas, and was successful at the poll, along with the late Sir John Goldie-Taubman (for many years Speaker of the House) and the late Mr John Allen Mylrea. At subsequent elections which arose from dissolutions of the House, Mr Cowell retained the confidence of the electors of North Douglas, and altogether sat in the House for the division up to 1909, when he was appointed Receiver-General in succession to Col. Anderson, who resigned office in that year. Mr Cowell, as a member of the House of Keys, amply fulfilled the promise he had displayed in other branches of public — he, and quickly came to be regarded as one of the ablest members of the House. While he was not a polished speaker, he had a ready command of language, and he was always a debater to be reckoned with. He had a remarkably fine presence - alway a valuable asset in a public man - which he retained to the end. His tall figure, straight as the proverbial rush, regular features, manly complexion, and dark clear eyes rendered him conspicuous in a body remarkable in those days for the number of handsome men it contained. Another advantage he possessed was a pleasantly modulated voice. Him courage was on a par with his good looks, and he was ever courteous. His political views were pronouncedly Liberal; but his democratic leanings were tempered with caution, and he never "played to the gallery" with a view to propitiating the many-headed. His was a sterling independence which rendered him indifferent to popular approval. He of course preferred to have the people behind him, but he scorned to sacrifice conviction for the sake of courting the acclamation of the multitude. While he sat in the House of Keys he was appointed a member of many committees of the House, and of several of the more important Boards of Tynwald. He gained a noteworthy influence in the House, and his well-expressed views always commanded the respect of his fellow-members. Possibly the most important task which fell to his lot in the House of Keys consisted in his charge of the Education Bill of 1905, which had been sent down from the Council. He was a member of the Council of Education, and was a strong supporter of the bill, which had for main object the substitution of a central authority to control all classes of public education in the Isle of Man — secondary as well as elementary — in substitution for the twenty odd small boards which existed. Mr Cowell strove manfully and with conspicuous ability in commendation of the bill to his fellow-members, but though a big section of the House professed to favour the principle, they found various pretences for not reducing profession to practice, with the result that the bill was lost. The Council of Education rightly regarded the defeat of the bill as tantamount to a vote of no confidence, and accordingly resigned. Mr Cowell retained his interest in education during the remainder of his parliamentary career, but he seldom gave it live display. While in the Keys, too, Mr Cowell was one of the most strenuous suprters of the movement for Constitutional Reform, and took a prominent part in advoting the programme which was eventually embodied in the Keys' petition to the Home Secretary - the petition which resulted in the appointment of the Home Office Departmental Committee under Lord Macdonnell's chairmanship to inquire into the whole matter of the Manx Constitution. an instance of Mr Cowell's independence of attitude while in the Legislature, it may mentioned that he was a firm supporter of the Permit Act which was introduced at the instance of Governor Sir West Ridgeway with a view to legalising the sale under certain restrictions to visitors staying in boarding-houses of beer and wines. His attitude in supporting the bill estranged him for a time from many of his temperance associates with whom the measure was anathema; but Mr Cowell, being convinced that on the whole the bill would be to the public advantage, stood by it courageously, and eventually it passed into law. When, however, the Permit Act lapsed by effluxion of time, and the Legislature refused to renew it, Mr Cowell strongly deprecated the action of the Douglas Licensing Court in granting short-term licenses in respect of boarding-houses, and thus in his view over-ruling the considered decision of the Legislature.
When in 1909 Mr Cowell was appointed Receiver-General, he became, ex-officio, a member of the Legislative Council, and had, of course, to sever his connection with the House of Keys. He had then been a member of the House for over 17 years, and as he sat in the Council for over ten years subsequently, he had altogether 28 years' service in the Legislature. During his membership of the Council he, despite the somewhat antagonistic atmosphere of the Chamber, continued to enunciate democratic views, though in doing so he frequently ploughed a lonely furrow. His hobby — a hobby almost amounting to an obsession both in the Keys and the Council was advertising the Island. He was for many years chairman of the Board of Advertising, and his persistent advocacy of the benefits of advertisement was a feature of Tynwald meetings. He never tired of impressing the desirability of publishing the advantages of the Isle of Man as a health and holiday resort, while with a view to getting increased grants for the purposes of advertising, he cajoled and pleaded constantly and on occasions pathetically. To the details of the work of the board he devoted ungrudgingly of his time and energy to very valuable purpose, and it is almost certain that in his death the work will suffer seriously.
The Constitution Amendment Act, passed this year, had as one effect the displacement of the Receiver-General as a member, ex-officio, of the Legislative Councii. In all probability Mr Cowell, had he chosen, could have returned to the Council as one of the members elected by the House of Keys. Several members of the House were strongly impressed with the desirability that the Receiver-General as chairman of the Harbour Board should be in a position to have a voice and vote in Tynwald; but Mr Cowell at the time the House was considering the election of four members of the Council was seriously ill, and candidature was with him out of the question.
Mr Cowell was always to the front in advancing the commercial interests of the Island. H was for some years a director of the Isle of Man Steam Packet Company, and in that capacity he was mainly responsible for the decision of the Company not to entertain the proposal that Sunday excursion traffic should not be engaged in.
Mr Cowell over thirty years ago acquired by purchase from the representatives of the late Mr Lewis G. Howard the beautiful residence in Rosemount known as Rose Lodge, and now occupied by Dr. Woods, and with a rather extensive plot of building land adjoining. This land Mr Cowell re-sold to considerable pecuniary advantage to himself, and on it Mount Bradda Terrace was erected. He also invested extensively in connection with the opening-out of the Mooragh Estate, Ramsey. He bought several lots, and on them erected some fine boarding house property.
For the whole of his life Mr Cowell was attached to the Wesleyan Methodist Church, and he ever took an energetic part in promoting the interests of that great religious body-the most numerous in the Isle of Man. He was very much to the front in connection with the erection of Rosemount Church-the Cathedral of Manx Methodism as it has been called. He was one of the largest subscribers to the building fund, and in other respects he very actively worked to bring the handsome edifice into being. For 25 years he was superintendent of the Sunday-school connected with the Church, and personally conducted the senior class. In turn he held every office in the Isle of Man Wesleyan District open to a layman. On several occasions he was a circuit steward, and frequently he was selected to represent the district at the annual Wesleyan Conference, where he was often appointed on Connexional committees.
In the course of these attendances at Conference he became known to and highly respected by many of the leading lights in Nonconformity, including several members of Parliament with whom he contracted a warm friendship.
In 1896 Mr Cowell was appointed to the Commission of the Peace for the Isle of Man and in his magisterial capacity he displayed both ability and zeal. He bore in mind the injunction that justice should be tempered with mercy, and especially in the case of young transgressors of the law he so ordered as to afford opportunity of making good.
Mr Cowell is survived by his wife, who prior to her marriage was Miss Quine, daughter of the late Mr Quine, builder, Castle-terrace, Douglas. Three children were born of the marriage-a son and two daughters. The son, the late Mr J. Herbert Cowell, a very promising young man, died soon after his admission to the Manx Bar some fifteen or sixteen years ago. Of the two daughters, the elder is the wife of Mr C. G. Barkla, D.Sc., F.R.S., Professor of Natural Philosophy at Edinburgh University, and a very distinguished scientist, who is the present holder of the Nobel Prize. The other daughter is Mrs Arthur W. Hosegood, of Penarth.
Mr Cowell's only sister was married to Mr Thos. H. Nesbitt, Town Clerk of Sydney, Australia, and one time Town Clerk of Douglas. She died a few years ago.
The funeral was entirely private of character.
Died December 9th, 1919,
Mr Edward Kelly, for over fifty years bellman or public crier of Douglas, died on Dec. 9, 1919, aged 79. "Kelly the Bell, man " was an institution of Douglas, and his passing will be much regretted, especially by Douglasians old enough to remember the palmy days of his office. The bellman was formerly a person of considerable importance in the Isle of Man. He discharged the functions now mainly associated with the advertisement columns of the newspapers, of proclaiming forth coming events. He cried auctions, "losts and founds," entertainments, public meetings, government notices, and ether matters of moment to the community; and generally he was an official of much utility to the general public. A quarter of a century ago, the bellman, almost daily, had quite a number of " cries " to make. The late Mr Kelly was went to make his calls at various points throughout the town in a voice clear and penetrating as the bell which he sounded before and after each call. He received his appointment in the 'sixties of the last century from the late High-Bailiff Harris, succeeding his father who had been bellman far a long term of years. Mr Edward Kelly at one time supplemented the emoluments of his office by carrying on an extensive and flourishing livery stable business. He was a man of some what striking physique and very genial disposition. Up to a week or two ago he enjoyed excellent health, and the news of his death came as a great surprise.
Died June 5th, 1919.
Douglas Methodists will have noticed the announcement of the death of a former Superintendent and Chairman of the District. Mr Burrows was here in 1901 to 1907, and his services were highly appreciated. The following appeared in the "Methodist Recorder" of June 12th We regret to announce the death of the Rev Bamford Burrows, which took place at Poulton-le-Fylde, Blackpool, on Thurs day, June 5th, in his 79th year. Born at Warrington in 1840, he entered the ministry in 1863, and spent forty-eight years in the full work, becoming a supernumerary in 1911. His circuits included Rodditch, Walsall (Centenary), Burton-on-Trent, Bradford (Great Horton), Manchester (Irwell-street), London (St. George's), Brantford, Lincoln (Wesley), West Bromwich (Wesley), Burnley, Carlisle, Kendal, Middlesbrough (Wesley), Douglas, and Darman. He was Chairman of five Districts---Lincoln, Carlisle, Whitby and Darlington, Isle of Man, and Bolton; and was a member of the Legal Hundred from 1905 to 1913. A man of wide literary knowledge, an able preacher, and a careful administrator, he won the esteem of his brethren and the confidence of the people, leaving a delightful memory in the circuits where the served the Church.
The interment took place on June 7th, at Poulton-le-Fylde. The following minis ters had the conduct of the service: The Revs F. R. Duffill, J. Shenton, and F. Masters, the first named giving a short memorial address in the absence of the Chairman of the District. Conspicuous amongst the mourners was the older brother of the deceased, amazingly alert at 83, the Rev William Burrows, of Scarborough, formerly Vicar of Hayton, Maryport. A younger brother, who predeceased Mr Burrows, was a minister of the M.E. Church, U.S.A. The survivors are Mrs Burrows (widow), and five daughters married to the following: Dr Anderson, of Southport, the Rev R. A. Taylor, the Rev F. Parkes, Mr filade Douthwaite, of Johannesburg, and Mr A. Greenwood.
The Rev F. R. Duffill writes:
In recent years Mr Burrows had not done much public work, though he preached from time to time and conducted a class, membership iii which was deemed a high privilege. A keen and discriminating reader, a thoughtful student of the age, a chess player of uncommon skill, and a particularly interesting conversationalist, Mr Burrows' mental grip had hardly relaxed at all. Loved as friend, revered as saint, and trusted as counsellor, this good man's going is greatly regretted. Signal proof that he enjoyed the confidence and regard of his brethren is afforded in the fact that he was elected to the chair of five Districts.
Died December 16th., 1919.
The death took place on December 16th, of Mrs Kelly, wife of Mr John Kelly, shipwright, of 7b Steamer-street, Barrow. Mrs Kelly, prior to her marriage, was a Miss Ellen Wade, of Knocksharry, German, and for several years she lived on the farm of Ballanare, subsequently entering the service of the late Mrs T. C. S. Moore, Lerghydhoo, as nurse, a position she held until her marriage. Mrs Kelly -vas much respected in Barrow and district, by a large circle of friends. She was a devout worshipper at the Hindpool road Congregational Church, of which she was a member. The remains were interred in the Borough Cemetery amid many manifestation of regret. The Rev. W. Wakefield, Congregational minister officiating. The rev. gentleman gave an impressive address to those assembled. He spoke of the noble and faithful life lived by the deceased, and urged those present to follow her good example. Much sympathy is extended to Mr Kelly and his two daughters in their sad bereavement. The principal mourners were: -Mr John Kelly (husband), Miss Nellie Kelly, Miss Lena Kelly (daughters), Ma Frank Moore, Mr and Mrs Bishop, Mr and Mrs Carroll, Miss Tregg, Mr and Mrs Brady, Mr Luke Brady (nephew and neices), Mr Edward Kelly (cousin). Amongst those present were : -Mrs Chilcott, Mrs Moulding, Mrs Palmer, Mrs Fallon, Mrs Mansfield, Mrs Armstrong, Mrs Millin, Mrs Irving, Mr and Mrs Hunter, Mr and Mrs McDonald, Mr Gelling, Miss Moulding, Miss Corteen, Mrs H. Lace, Miss M. Lace, Mrs Immanual. There were many beautiful floral tributes from relations and sorrowing friends.
Died October 4th, 1919.
The death occurred on the 4th October, at St. Leonards-on-Sea, Sussex, of Mr Hugh Stowell Cregeen C.E., in the 82nd year of his age, he only surviving his wife, who died at a similar age, about 21 months. Mr Cregeen was born at Ballaugh, being a nephew of the Manx lexicographer, Archibald Cregeen, who compiled the Manx Dictionary. Mr H. S. Cregeen was a brother of the late Mr Daniel Cregeen, C.E., of Douglas, who carried out so many engineering features in the Island, and a cousin of Mr Archibald Cregeen, C.E., the Railway Engineer in the Indian Himalayas. He leaves three sons and a daughter, and was interred in Ore Cemetery, Hastings. For many years he was engineer and surveyor to the Bromley Local Board, Kent, and in retirement from that position, when these authorities were abolished and their place taken by the District Councils, he acted as Consulting Engineer in the same town. Mr Cregeen's grandson, Lieut. Geoffrey H. S. Cregeen, served as pilot during the late war in the Royal Flying Corps, which he joined at the early age of 17 years, and after being out in France for some time he held a staff appointment at the General Headquarters of the Flying Corps, Hotel Cecil, London.
Died October 9th, 1919.
The death took place on Thursday, October 9th, al Pendleton, near Manchester-, of Mr William Kelly who was in his 61st year. The eldest of nine children, Mr Kelly was born at St Johns, and left, the Island about 38 years ago. An engineer by trade Mr Kelly made rapid headway in the calling he had chosen and was for 35 years chief engineer at the Grand Hotel, Manchester-a responsible position. At the time of his death he was connected with the engineering department of the Railway Works at Manchester. Mr Kelly had ever closely associated himself with the Manchester Manx Society of which he was, president for several years. He leaves a widow, three sons and three daughters to mourn their loss. The funeral which took place on Saturday was largely attended by relatives, friends, and a large number of the Manchester Manx Society, who held the deceased gentleman in high esteem. His remains were interred in Peel Green Cemetery. Inspector Robert Kelly, Castletown, who is a brother of the late Mr Wm. Kelly, crossed to the mainland on Friday to attend the funeral. He returned on Monday.
Died December 17th, 1919,
The death occurred on December 17th, of Mr Robert Corkill, of 2-f Dalkoith-street, Barrow, a prominent member of the committee of the Barrow Manx Society. and a member of the committee of the Sailors' and Firemen's Union. Mr Corkill wad a native of Ballaugh, being a son of the late Mr Robert, Corkill of that parish, who was well-known in the Hackney trade. For several years the deceased assisted his father, and for a period resided in Castletown. Coming to Barrow about thirty-six years ago, Mr Corkill entered into the Barrow Steam Navigation Company. He sailed in several of the Company's fleet plying between Barrow and Belfast and the Isle of Man. About twenty-five years ago he left the Navigation Company and entered the service of the Barrow Shipbuilding and Armament Company, Barrrow, as leading stoker in the power house and generating station, this position being retained until Whitsuntide last. During the war, Mr Corkill had a most strenuous task in coping with the extra work entailed through the necessary extensions required to meet the demand in the production of war material. He was a member of the Manx Society since its inception, and served with marked ability on the Committee for several years. Mr Corkill during last summer was engaged in the car business in Douglas. A few weeks before the close of the season, he did not feel so well, and on consulting Dr. Pantin, be was advised to abstain from active participation. in the business. He, however, continued until the end of the summer. Returning to Barrow, he had an attack of paralysis, from which he never recovered. Much sympathy is felt with Mrs Corkill and her five daughters. The funeral took place on Dec. 20th, being largely attended. The first portion of the service was held in St. Mark's Church, the officiating clergyman being the Rev. Cuthhert Postlewaite, vicar of Dalton-in-Furness, and rural Dean. The committal service was performed by the -Rev. Bert.yy of St. Paul's, Barrow.
The principal mourners were:-Mrs Corkill (widow), Mr and Mrs Fox, Mr and Mrs Wvmer, Mr and Mrs J. Read, Mr and Mrs W. Ashton, Miss Elsie Corkill (daughters and son-in-laws), Mr A. Illingworth, Miss Olive Fox (grand-daughteir), Mr E. Illingworth, 'Mr and Mrs McCaw icu~i;ins), Miss Nand (niece), Mrs Dacre, Mr and Mrs Garvie, 'Miss M. Lace, Mr :and Mrs It. C. F. Lace, Miss C. Boyde, '.fl. J. Elliot. The Doll-bearers were: Messrs Christian, McCormick, '1 V. Gowan, 1'. Morrison, J. Morrison. The Barrow Manx Society was represented by 'Messrs IC. Watson (vice-president), W. Killip, A. F. Kerruish,W. Cannell, R. Callister, T. Kissack (junr.), H. Corkish, H. Fowler, J. Knight, John Keely, Mrs Hindle, Mrs 1'. Boyde, Airs'longhtin, Mrs Fowler. Of his fellow work-mates, there were present Messrs Pritchard, H. Morrison, Hopson, J. 11oll, Phillips, .J. Haney, T. Lark-en, J. Dacre, T. Braithwaite. Floral tributes were sent by. widow, daughters and sonsin-laiv, Alf, brother and sister and family (Canada.),('brissie and Ben (Douglas), Mr and Mrs Illingworth, Mr and Mrs Bolton. Barrow Manx Society, officials and members of the National Union of Enginemen, Firemen and Electric Workers, Mr and Mrs Pitts, Miss M. Lace, Mr and Mrs H. C. F. Lace, Mrs Hopson, Mrs Phillips, Ada and Tom, Mr and Mrs Dacre, Mrs Willkinson.
Died January 28th, 1920.
We regret to record the death of Mr Alfred E. Rothwell, for many years the chief reporter of the " Isle of Man Examiner," and a director of S. K. Broadbent & Co., Ltd. On Wednesday, Jan. 28th, he was suddenly taken ill while engaged in the office, on the top floor of the "Examiner" Buildings. It was apparent that he was suffering from a stroke, and medical assistance was immediately sought. Dr. Marshall, who happened to be at the Court House, was called in, and at once ordered Mr Rothwell's removal to his home in Belgravia-road, Onchan. He was unconscious, and never rallied, and died about nine o'clock in the evening. He leaves a widow, who before her marriage was Miss Kennaugh.
By his death, the proprietors of this journal lose a most faithful and devoted servant, as well as a loyal coueague, and one in whom they had absolute trust. When Mr Robert J. Grindley, who had come from Australia to join the staff of the " Examiner," left this paper, he recommended Mr Rothwell, and never was there a more happy association. He soon adapted himself to the policy of the paper, and the proprietors always felt that they could rely on his judgment. Mr Rothwell was one of the bestknown men in the Island, and was an active journalist for over thirty years. He had previously been for a short time clerk to the Douglas School Board. As a journalist he was highly esteemed by all his colleagues, and his abilities in every department of the craft were fully recognised. As a commentator on current events, and politics, his views were distinguished by a wide liberality of thought. His generous instincts unfailingly led him in all controversial questions to take the part of " the bottom dog." He was thoroughly versed in all Manx affairs; he had an intimate knowledge of the virtues and the failings of the Manx people, and a sincere and patriotic desire to promote as far as lay in his power the welfare of the Island. No man had a larger or more varied experience of the happenings in Douglas and the Island in the last generation, and he was enabled by a marvellously retentive memory to make good use of his long experience in i.rs news paper work. He was not only actively engaged in work for the Manx newspapers, but he was for many years the principal correspondent in the Isle of Man for various leading journals on the mainland, and he never failed in this capacity to do all he could to promote the interests of Manxland as a place of resort for visitors. Personally, the deceased gentleman was very popular, and he had hosts of friends, who will keenly regret his loss.
Mr Rothwell was a Freemason of long standing, being a member of St. Trinian's Lodge. Keenly interested in sport, he was captain of the Douglas Rugby F.C. in 1888, when the Insular Challenge Cup was won by that club.
Amid many manifestations of regret, the funeral of the late Mr Alfred E. Rothwell look place on Saturday, Jan. 31st. Notwithstanding the fact that the weather conditions generally were unfavourable, a large concourse of `friends assembled outside the home of the deceased gentleman in Belgravia-road, Onchan, to pay their last respects to he who was held high in their estimation. Among the sympathisers present there were representatives of the Insular Legislature and the various Local Authorities. Freemasons, too, were much in evidence, as ware the Volunteers, and members of the local newspaper staffs. Shortly before 2-30, the coffin, covered with wreaths from sorrowing relatives and friends, was carried from the house to the hearse out side. Five minutes later the cortege moved off by way of Strathallan Park and the Governor's-road to the Borough Cemetery. Service was held in the Cemetery Chapel by the Rev. H. S. Taggart, who, after reading the funeral service and Psalm 90, delivered a short address in which he said : The circumstances under which our friend tad brother left us recently, illustrates the words we shall be hearing in a moment, " In the midst of life we are in death," and which they bid us all reflect. They also give additional cause to the sympathy which we would naturally feel for those who mourn the loss of a friend to-day. S was myself among his friends, and can recall the garfres and sports in which we took part together, nearly thirty years ago. In them our departed brother displayed the same qualities which distinguished him at the last; they were these : fairness, justice, diligence, and generosity. As some one had written recently of him, he was specially drawn to the side and support of the bottom dog. Such qualities as these, particularly this last, must have commended him to Him with whom we all will have to do, who Himself came to seek and save that which was lost, and said : " Inasmuch as ye have done to the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto Me."-At the graveside after the last committal rites had been performed, the Freemasons filed past the grave and dropped their sprays of acacia on the coffin of their highly esteemed brother.
The chief mourners were the deceased gentleman's brothers, Messrs Harry Rothwell D. H. Rothwell, and Colin Rothwell ; brothers-in-law, Messrs J. C. Kay and H. Quiggin; and his nephews, Alessrs Arthur Quiggin, Harry Rothwell, junior, and Frank Garner. Others present included the following :-Messrs G. F. Clucas. S.H.K., T. Cubbon (Isle of Man Banking Co.), J. G. Corlett, R. Butterfield, C. Brown, R. Connall, J. Garrett, W. Radcliffe, S. K. Broadbent, A. C. Lewthwaite, J. D. Fell. J. C. Quine, A. Quayle, J. Callow. P. Devereau, R. G. Fargher, R. J. Grindiey. P. W. Caine, J. R. Bregazzi, It. Kneale, H. B. Cannell, W. J. Fell, J. L. Killip, J. h;varard, A. Robinson, H. Robinson, R. Wiliiamson, J. Austin, S. Burgess, D. Corrin, J. Phillips, H. Blakemore, 11. I. Reid, B. Kelly, G. Lewin, W. J. Kelly, W. Cttl;l~on, J. J. Mopghtin, J. B. Edgar, W. L. Spenco, Capt. Corkill, H. B. Callow, F. Newton, R. H. Collister, Arthur Bawden, and R. I1. Corteen.
Wreaths were sent by Mrs Rothwell; Mr and Mrs D. Rothwell and family; Mr and Mrs H. Quiggin and family; Mr and Mrs H. Rothwell and family; Mrs a_n Rothwell; Mrs Kewley and family (Victoria street); Mr and Mrs Garner and family; Mr and Mrs J. Bucknall and family; and St. Trinian's Lodge of Freemasons.
Messrs J. J. Spence & Co. provided the coffin and superintended the funeral arrangements.
Mr A. H. Teare, M.H.K., Editor of the " Ramsey Courier," writes:--" I was profoundly shocked to learn of the death of Mr Rothwell, whom I have regarded for a long period with considerable respect. and affection. For twenty years, as a member of the Manx Press, I have been intimate with him. His splendid devotion to duty, sterling honour and sympathetic nature have always evoked my admiration, and made him genuinely popular with his colleagues. His manly an, outspoken criticism was always worthy of notice, because it was the product of good judgment and sincere conviction. During my legislative career I have more than once come under his lash in the columns of the " Examiner"; but his most pungent criticism did not disturb our personal relations. Mr Rothwell, as a man, was inspired by high principles and a broad conception of life; he was the enemy of bigotry, narrow-mindedness and cant, and equally the friend of all human creatures who, although stumbling through the frailty of their nature, were sincere in their efforts to make the best of life. He was always cheerful and blessed with a strong sense of infectious good-humour-more often than not met one with a smile. The Insular Press, and indeed the Island at large, is distinctly the poorer by the passing of this capable and, big-hearted gentleman, who has so faithfully and honourably used his gifts for the common good. As a fellow journalist and one associated with the public life of the Island, I desire to pay this humble tribute to his undoubted worth. He has indeed served his generation faithfully. May he rest in peace."
Mr John Robinson, of the "Bradford Daily Argus" (formerly of the " Ramsey Courier' ) writes:-" I have received both telegrams and letters about the death of my friend Alf Rothwell, which I greatly regret. No one knew him better than myself. We worked together for years on the best terms, and he was always popular. I am sure he will be very much missed."
To Mr Editor.
Sir,-Can you spare me a line of your valuable space to pay humble tribute to the memory of Alfred Rothwell, than whom no fairer-minded journalist ever trod the Isle of Man. He loved his calling, for which he was pre-eminently qualified, but his greatness was in his charity of thought and sense of fairness. This little community can ill afford to lose such a man.
ERNEST A. BLAIR.
Douglas,
30th January, 1920.
At the monthly meeting of the Douglas Board of Guardians Tuesday, February 10th, the Chairman said:- Before commencing with the business, I feel sure it is the wish of this hoard that we should pass a. vote of condolence with the family of the, late Alfred Rothwell, who. for thirty years, attended the meetings of this Board, in his capacity as a reporter. He died with tragic suddenness, as every one of you know. It was a great check to the ner~.unallv, as I was speaking to him that day. I am sure we are all anxious to express the sympathv of the Board with his widow, and members of his family. I move that.
The members stood up by way of signifying their assent.
Prior to taking up the business on the agenda at the Douglas Town Council at mothly meetingl on Wednesday, 11th Feb., The Mayor said: Before commencing the public business, permit me to refer to the loss the town and Council has sustained since our last meeting. I refer to the tragic and sudden death of Mr Alfred E. Rothwell. He had been a prominent figure at the meetings of the Town Council since the town was incorporated, and I am sure we all regret his loss. We looked upon him as a man of great ability, who always expressed the true spirit of manliness in his reports. I am sure we all sympathise with his widow, and those left behind, I move that a letter of condolence be sent to his widow. Alderman Craine: I second that, and quite concur with all that has been said. He was a personal friend of most of tho members 'here. With or against you in your views, he always acted the gentleman. By way of signifying their assent, the members upstood.
At the monthly meeting of the Onchan Village Commisioners on Tuesday, February 10th (Mr F. Skillicorn in the chair), Mr F. Newton said he would like to propose that a letter of sympathy be sent to the widow of the late Mr Alfred Rothwell. They had generally done so in the case of other reporters who had been called away from them. He did not think there was any need for him to eulogise the late gentleman as they all knew him so well. Mr Rothwell had often attended their meetings and had always been pleasant in his manner besides ever betraying an anxiety for the welfare of the district. He had known the late Mr Rothwell for over 40 years during which time he had always found him a thorough sport and gentleman.
Mr Barron seconded and said he had known Alf, as he was familiarly known to them for many years, indeed as long as he knew Douglas. He could go back to the days when he used to play football, though Mr Rothwell was then with the seniors and he with the juniors.
The Chairman associated himself with the motion.
The members upstood by way of signifying their assent,
died November 10th, 1919.
We regret to record the death of Mr Thomas Champion, which took place at his residence " Somerville," Cronkbourne-road, on Nov. 10th. He had been ailing for a considerable time. Mr Champion spent his life in H.M. Customs, his last service being in Bristol, from whence he retired about fifteen years ago, and settled in the Island. He was a very acceptable Wesleyan local preacher and Temperance advocate, his place of worship being Rose Mount Wesleyan Church. He was well read in general literature, and sometimes wrote to the Insular press, his letters showing considerable literary merit. He was twice married, his second wife being daughter of the late Mr W. Quine, M.H.K., of Silverdale, who survives him; a son and daughter also survive. The interment took palace in Malew Churchyard on Wednesday, and was largely attended. The Rev C. Farrington held a short service at the residence of the deceased, and the Rev Canon Quine (brother-in-law) conducted the Church of England service at the graveside.
Died December 31st, 1919.
Douglas lost a very estimable citizen by the death of Mr Peter Milne, of The Waverley, Queen's Promenade, which took place early on the closing day of 1919. Mr Milne was a victim of cancer, the modern scourge. Up to last Spring he enjoyed excellent health, though an affection of the throat which seized upon him in February occasioned him some concern. Eventually the seizure took a malignant turn, and though there were occasional rallies, the disease on the whole gained ground. About three weeks ago Mr Milne's condition grew so bad that he was confined to the house. Fortunately he suffered little pain, and death when it came was easy. In June, 1916, Mr Milne was co-opted a member of the Douglas Town Council in respect of Athol Ward. He discharged the duties associated with membership in the conscientious fashion which was characteristic of the man. He had the confidence and respect of his fellow members of the Council, and indeed of all people , with whom he came into contact. In everything he undertook he acted uprightly and with a full regard to the Golden Rule. Last November he was appointed chairman of the Sanitary Committee of the Council, and he also served on the Promenades and Stores committees. He was one of the founders of the Douglas Boarding-House & Lodging-House Keepers' Association, and for several years was president of the body. Personally he was most pleasant. Genial and kindhearted, his manner was a benediction, and he never tired of trying to make the lot of his fellows a happy one. He was a native of the Southern part of Scotland, and settled in Douglas over thirty years ago. His first venture was the Waverley Boarding-house on the Loch Promenade, where by his industry and courtesy he established a big connection. This connection followed him and increased substantially when he removed to The Waverley, Queen's Promenade. Indeed at the time of his death he conducted one of the biggest businesses in his own particular line in Douglas. He leaves a widow and four daughters. One of the daughters is the wife of Mr Thomas Woolcock, now of California; another is married to Mr A. A. Barron, borough surveyor of Minehead (formerly borough assistant surveyor of Douglas) ; while the remaining two are unmarried and reside at The Waverley.
Died December 9th, 1919.
One of the most outstanding personalities of the Primitive Methodist Church during the past half-century-the Rev James Travis, of Chester passed away on Tuesday, 9th December, in his 80th year, after a short illness.
Mr Travis had a double connection with Laxey. When a young man of 18 he began his ministry in the Douglas Circuit, and his first Sunday's work was at Laxey. He has often told of that day's experiences, and how he conducted no less than six services between 7 a.m. and 8 p.m.
He, in later years, took to wife Miss Killip, a member of the very worthy and highly esteemed Ballacollister family who have been, and still are loyal supporters of Minorca Chapel Laxey. With such close ties binding him, Mr Travis made it an almost annual custom to spend a holiday in Laxey, and had a prolonged stay in the autumn of this year, when it was only too evident that his physical powers could not much longer retain the spirit which was bright and alert up to the last.
Mr Travis was an ex-President of Conference, ex-Missionary Secretary, and ex-President of the National Council of Evangelical Free Churches. He was a powerful preacher, a faithful pastor, and wise administrator, as well as a foremost temperance advocate and social reformer. Mr Travis super-annuated in 1906, after 47 years of arduous and successful ministry in the Manchester and Liverpool districts. He was familiarly called "The Venerable and Grand Old Man of Primitive Methodism" and no name carried with it greater weight and respect.
The loss of his wife in 1911 was a heavy blow to him. Of late years he resided with his daughter and son-in-law, Mr and Mrs A. W. Vernon, Waterloo Road, Chester.
Died January 4th, 1920.
Dr Edmund Crosby Quiggin, a Fellow of Caius College, Professor of Celtic in Cambridge University, and a member for many years of the 'Manx Society, was found lying unconscious in Chelsham-lane, Warlingham, Jan. 4th (as mentioned in these columns), by a cyclist. He died in a farmhouse nearby shortly afterwards.
At the inquest at Chelsham, it was stated that Mr Quiggin was staying at Warlingham with his mother for the benefit of his health. 'Medical evidence showed that death was caused by cerebral haemorrhage, and a verdict of death from natural causes was returned.
Cambridge has lost a great linguist. Mr Quiggin was born on August 23rd, 1875, and was educated at Kingswood School, Bath. He entered Caius College in 1893, and was a Scholar in Modern Languages. He gained a first-class in the Medieval and Modern Languages Tripos in 1896 and 1897. He was English lector at Gredswald in 1898. He became a Fellow of his college in 1900, and Lecturer in Modern Languages in 1901. In 1909 he was elected Munro lecturer in Celtic, and in 1910, University lecturer in German. He was a brilliant Celtic scholar and contributed many articles on various Celtic languages to the "Encyclopeedia Britannica." During the war he served with the Army in France in the Consor's Department, and later at the Admiralty as a lieutenant, R.N.V.R. After the war he went to Paris in connection with the work of the Peace Conference. He returned last year, and had finished one term at Caius College. He edited the volume of essays presented to Dr. Ridge way shortly before the war. The funeral took place at Warlingham.
Only a few weeks ago, the hon. treasurer of the Manx Society, of which Dr. Quiggin was a member for many years, received a letter from him on the subject of a manuscript of a new Manx Grammar, which was being prepared by Mr J. J. Kneen, for the Manx Society, and which the deceased was anxious to peruse.
Dr Quiggin told the writer about twenty years ago that he became interested in his mother tongue, the Manx language, through studying under Professor Zimmer, the celebrated German savant, who was probably the most brilliant Celtic scholar of his day. Dr Zimmer, when he was introduced to Mr Quiggin at Greifswald, said: " Now I will learn from you the Manx language." " I am sorry," replied Mr Quiggin, " I do not know the Manx language." " And you from the Isle of Mann!" exclaimed Professor Zimmer, "then I will teach you!" And he did. Dr. Quiggin was very fond of spending his vacations in Dalby and Port Erin district, and also in Donegal, in Ireland, and the Highlands of Scotland, where he was able to advance his studies in the Celtic languages,
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