1894, July 19, Thursday a g
Received sad letter from my brother who has returned to Chesterfield, Cass Co. Mo U.S.A. and is in bad health. Visited Florence Manning, who is very ill with heart disease and general debility. Mrs Kershaw and her sister Mrs Watson, came to tea. Miss Bessie Shelswell and Mrs John Shelswell called this evening. I walked round Pound lane and Pig & Whistle with Miss Sotteck.
Cutting from Banbury Advertiser of 19 July 1894
SIBFORD.
PRESENTATIONS.—A short time ago a handsome photograph album was presented by the ladies of the committee of the Sibford Lending Library to Mr. Frank Stevens, younger son of the Vicar, upon his leaving home, “as a token of affectionate regard, and in slight recognition of the constant kindness and courtesy received from him.” The album, which is artistically illuminated, is bound in dark-green leather, with initials in gold upon the cover, and will doubtless be treasured by the recipient for very many years as a reminder of the old friends of his boyhood :—
When all the world is old, lad,
And all the trees are brown :
When all the sport is stale, lad,
And all the wheels run down ;
Come home and take your place here,
The halt and maimed among ;
God grant you find some face here,
You loved when all was young !
—Adapted.
SIBFORD GOWER.
FUNERAL.—The funeral of Mrs Frances Shelswell, widow of Mr. Thomas Henry Shelswell, surgeon (who is still affectionately remembered in this district for his great kindness to his poorer patients, and his devotion to his profession) took place in Sibford churchyard on Tuesday evening, 3rd inst., amidst the deepest expressions of sorrow and regret. The coffin, on which lay a large cross of white flowers made by the loving hands of her children, was followed by the sorrowing members the family, mourning the loss of a devoted mother and sister, and was met by the Vicar and surpliced choir, the latter carrying white wreaths. After the lesson, hymn 400 was feelingly sung, and as the sad procession left the church the sweet and touching words of the Nunc Dimittis were chanted—a fitting sequel to a life’s work carried through so bravely and so well. Hymn 231 was sung at the grave, which had been lovingly lined with ferns, honeysuckle and other flowers. Very many wreaths and other floral tokens of affection were laid around. Mrs. Shelswell, during a residence of more than 40 years in this parish, and a widowhood of 31, had by much cheerful, thoughtful kindness, endeared herself to all who knew her, and has left a name which will not be forgotten by this generation. In his sermon on the morning of Sunday, July 8th, the Vicar made feeling allusion to the loss the parish had sustained by her death and to the good example she had left for others to follow.
