18th January 1952 SA
MR JOHN WRIGHT DIES AT 102: SANDON WORTHY
THE “Grand Old Man of Sandon,” Mr. John Wright, died at his home at Prospect House on Sunday, at the age of 102.
The son of a farmer who lived to be 90, Mr. Wright was born at Cauldon, Alton, and with his parents and six brothers and sisters later moved to Weston Hill, Derby. He farmed on his own account for many years in that area, and afterwards for seven years at Chartley Manor Farm, halfway between Stafford and Uttoxeter.
He took over Yew Tree Farm, Sandon, in 1881, and on his retirement, first resided at Burston Cottage, before moving to Prospect House, where he had lived for 32 years.
For 34 years he played the organ at Sandon Church before a shoulder injury in 1933 forced him to give this up. However, he was soon back, and played at Burston until he was 90. He was clerk to Sandon Parish Council forf a number of years, and acted as rating officer for Sandon for the Stone Rural Council.
His relaxations have always been gardening, walking and music. During inclement weather he spent a great deal of time carving in English and Austrain oak, a hobby in which he became interested after attending evening classes in Sandon.
MARRIED AT 82
He married for the second time in 1931, when he was 82. On the occasion of his 100th birthday, he blew out, unaided, the 100 candles on the large cake presented to him by the villagers.
HE never smoked, and the only alcoholic drink he has taken—excepting on special occasions—is cider.
At one time he was secretary of the Sandon and Milwich branch of the Conservative and Unionist Association, and of the Trent Valley Flower Show. For many years he was also a manager of Sandon Church School, and a member of the Parochial Church Council.
THE FUNERAL
The funeral took place on Wednesday at Sandon Church, the vicar the Rev. W. Basil Buckland, officiating. The lesson was read by the Rev. W.F. O’Neil Fisher, rector of Tixall and Ingestre, and prayers were led by the Rev. J.H. Herbert, rector of Stone.
In a short address, the vicar of Sandon said that in the words of St. Paul, John Wright had “fought a good fight and had finished his course.” It had been a long fight of over 102 rounds, and it had been far from smooth. Taking care of himself, to John Wright, had not meant sparing himself.
The bearers were Messrs. H.W. Sargent, K. Bostock, R.W. Lindop and W.H. Shepherd—members of the Sandon Parochial Church Council.
Members of the family present were Mrs. Wright (widow), Miss M. Wright (neice), Mr. H. Wright (nephew), Mr. John Wright Hall (godson), Mrs. J.L. Hudson, Mis[s] Maskery (cousin), and Mr. John Sampson (nephew), and Mrs. W.H. Sampson.
Among those present at the church were Lady Harrowby, Mr. J.W. Moore (representing Major Hugh Fraser, M.P., and the Stafford and Stone Conservative Association), Messrs. R.O. Johnson (also representing Mr. S.H. Johnson), O. Powner, A. Furnival (Stone Rural District Council), S.T. Kent, J.T. Johnson, J. Cadman, Brittain Adams, T.W. Knowles (Sandon Estate), Mrs. Frank Downing, Miss M.E. Sampson, Miss G.M. Sampson, Mrs. W. Sampson, Mrs. C.M. Wilson, Mrs. T. Foster, Mrs. M.A Hawley, Mrs. F.H. Chawner, Miss D.V. Chawner, Mr. and Mrs. V. Davies, and Mrs. M. Faram.
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