DEATH OF AN OLD SOLDIER – A well known and highly respected resident of Badsey died on Monday last in the person of Mr Henry Stewart, who had reached the age of 77 years. Mr Stewart was a native of Bretforton, was an old soldier, and served 21 years with the colours. He joined the old 37th Foot (the Hampshire Regiment), and served twice in India, but never saw active service. He was promoted from private to sergeant on account of his good work during an outbreak of cholera. He married a Miss Geden, of Badsey, who accompanied him to India, where five of their eleven children were born. Of this large family only two survive*. On retiring from the Army, Mr Stewart lived at Badsey and engaged in market gardening, in which he achieved considerable success. He was a strong Liberal in politics, and was in the old days frequently seen on the platform at local meetings. He was closely associated with the first County Council contest in the Broadway division, when Mr Thomas Byrd defeated the late Mr Isaac Averill, and Mr Stewart was one of the victorious candidate’s most strenuous supporters. The funeral took place at Badsey on Thursday afternoon, and full military honours were accorded the old soldier, a firing party of the Worcestershire Regiment coming over from Norton Barracks. The service was conducted by the Vicar (the Rev W C Allsebrook) and Mr John Roberts read the office of the Sons of Temperance Friendly Society, of which deceased was a member. The mourners were Mr F Stewart (son), Mrs F Stewart (daughter-in-law), Mrs Cockerton (daughter), Mrs Pethard (sister), Mr V Cockerton, Mrs Hatch, and Messrs Harry and Fred Stewart (grandchildren), Pearl and Ruby Hatch (great-grandchildren), Mrs Tarry (niece) and Mr Davidson (Friends’ Missionary).
* There were in fact three surviving children; there was also William Henry Stewart, then living in Aldington. William never forgave his father for leaving him to work at home at the age of 9 while Henry travelled at home