Funeral of the Late Mr. W. Powell, J.P., Maesydderwen, Hirwaun 30.04.1887
On Saturday the last solemn rites of burial were accorded to the mortal remains of the late Mr. W. Powell, J.P., Maesydderwen, Hirwaun, The funeral, which was announced to be strictly private, was attended by some of the deceased’s employees us bearers, two of whom (Mr. Stephen Phippen, Briton Ferry, and Mr. Thomas Jones, Penderyn) had been in his service for upwards of thirty-four years. Both rich and poor have lost a kind friend and adviser, to all of whom he was always approachable, and to railway men of all grades he was known far and wide, and highly respected and beloved. Expressions of regret and sorrow were widespread and sincere. The mournful procession left Maesydderwen in the following order:—Two carriages containing bearers; hearse with glass panels, containing the body; mourning carriage, containing Mr. W. P. Powell, Mr. J. J. Powell, Mr. G. R. Powell (three sons), and Mr. James Powell (a brother of the deceased) mourning carriage, containing Mr. Shellard (brother-in-law), Mr. W. T. Rees (Maesyffynon, Aberdare, son-in-law), Mr. D. E. Williams, J.P. (Hirwaun), and Mr. F. T. James (Merthyr Tydfil) mourning carriage, containing Dr’s. Evan Jones (Aberdare) and D. J. Jones (Hirwaun), the Revs. R. B. Jenkins (vicar of Aberdare) and W. Rhydderch (vicar of Hirwaun). Carriages were also sent by Sir W. T. and Lady Lewis, Aberdare; Mr. James Lewis, J.P., Plasdraw, Aberdare; Mr. R. H. Rhys, J.P., Plasnewydd and Mrs. Thomas, Sguborwen, Aberdare.
The body was interred in the family vault in Penderyn Churchyard, and placed by the side of the mortal remains of his wife, who died only a month ago. The Burial Service was impressively read by the Revs. R. B. Jenkins, vicar of Aberdare; W. Rhydderch, vicar of Hirwaun and W. Winstone, rector of Penderyn. The custom which now so extensively prevails, of placing flowers on the coffin and grave of departed friends, was on this occasion observed to a great extent, and wreaths and crosses of the most rare and choice flowers were sent by the following, viz.:—A wreath from every member of the family, wreaths from the Hirwaun Church and vicar employees at Hirwaun; friends and employees Great Western Railway, Aberdare teachers and scholars at Hirwaun Joint schools Cardiff Arms Hotel Union Club, Hirwaun Great Western Railway passenger guards; and for 4 wreaths from private friends, who, in all cases, expressed their profound sympathy with the family in their bereavement. The funeral arrangements were efficiently carried out by Mr. Isaac Thomas, undertaker, Aberdare.
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