Worthing Gazette 24th December 1901
“Funeral of Mr Cheeswright”
The funeral of the late Mr Richard James Cheeswright took place on Friday, the remains being interred in Heene Cemetery. The first portion of the burial service was conducted in Holy Trinity Church by the vicar (Rev. C J Hollis) who was assisted by the curate (Rev. G J Johnson). Amongst the mourners were Mrs Cheeswright (the widow), Mr F R Cheeswright (deceased’s son), Mr Donald Cheeswright (grandson), Mr W D Merrett, Mr William Crow, Mr T Merrett, Miss Dunkley, Mr George Pocock, Mr W C Beaumont, Dr H Leeds Harrison, Mr W Robert Crow, Mr Alec Crow, Mr H H Gardner (Chairman of the Gas Company) Messrs F Blaker, E C Patching, E Lephard (directors of the company), Mr W F Verrall (company secretary), Mr W A Walker (the manager), Mr F J Timms and Mr Williams.
The coffin, which was of polished oak with brass fittings, bore the following inscription “Richard James Cheeswright died December 16th 1901 aged 72 years “. There were a large number of floral tributes. Messrs Patching and Co were the undertakers. The late Mr Cheeswright was a former resident of Croydon, where he occupied the important position of Town Clerk; but he had long been associated with Worthing in a capacity of a director of the Gas Company. He ultimately came to take up his residence here in the Spring of 1899, and his previous association with Croydon was indicated in the name he bestowed upon his house in Queen’s Road, namely “Croydon House”.
The following week, the Gazette printed an apology. The widow mentioned was not Mrs Richard Cheeswright but the wife of Mr Frederick Cheeswright. Also Mr Cheeswright was not appointed as Town Clerk, as he opposed turning Croydon into a borough. He retired as Chairman of the Local Board of Guardians.