Reference
Z699/266a-b
Title
J.T.Southall to Edward Harris Strange 14 Mar 1853
Leominster 3rd Mo 14th 1853 E.H.S.]
My dear Friend E.H.Strange -
Thou wilt be surprised to hear of the death of my dear uncle Samuel Southall but will be scarcely more startled by the intelligence than we were.
Thou art aware that he pretty much relinquished his business (as to active management) to Josiah Newman, in the course of last summer, but ever since his active disposition seemed to find him full employment in a multitude of public & private concerns so much as almost to make some of his friends anxious about him, though his general health appeared pretty good, except that he was liable especially in the winter to violent colds & asthmatic affections of the chest, from one of which attacks he had been suffering a short time since. Yesterday week however he was out & seemed to have recovered his usual health, but on 2nd day rather imprudently exposed himself to the cold which occasioned a return of some of his symptoms in the evening. Still he could not be persuaded to remain at home the next day but went to Hereford to attend our M.M. at which he acted as clerk tho' it was generally remarked how ill he appeared to be. On 4th day the doctor was sent for who pronounced his complaint violent inflammation the chest & bled him in various ways four times in twelve hours & even this did not seem at once to abate the unfavourable symptoms so that all became much alarmed. The next day (5th) about middle day he appeared relieved & continued to go on so well as almost to take away the idea of great danger till 7th day afternoon when the inflammation returned and then hope soon failed. It soon became evident he was very rapidly sinking & he quietly passed away yesterday morning about 11 o'clock. His mind appeared quite easy, but scarcely to realise his situation, so that he was very much spared the agony of parting with his beloved family. His sons were all absent and could not be summoned in time to return, but they may well lament the loss they have sustained, we hint that on his account they have no cause to grieve, but they may thankfully believe that his active & useful life has had a happy termination.
To his own family his loss will indeed be a great one, whilst my Fathers family & all of us deeply feel the gap which death has made in a circle so long unbroken. In the town too his loss will be much felt by the poor & others.
My Grandmother who last Autumn seemed to be failing has lately been very nicely. She bears this unexpected trial with much calmness & resignation, as do also my poor Aunt & Cousins. The funeral is fixed for 1st day.
I hope thyself & family are well, but I have heard nothing of you for some time. When thou visits Herefordshire I shall be much pleased to see thee here & to introduce thee to my wife. Thy Brothers I meet occasionally.
With love I am
Thy affectionate friend John T.Southall Tertius]
I see by the newspapers that Ann Lucas is deceased . She has lived to a good old age.
Edward H. Strange LEOMINSTER AMPTHILL
Ampthill 13.3.1853 15.3.1853
Beds.
Date free text
14 Mar 1853
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From: 1853 To: 1853
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No. of pieces: 1
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