Treasurer, Mr. J. Finch.
Honorary Secretary, Mr. J. H. Smith.
A Meeting will be held at Baylies’s School, Tower Street, Dudley, on Friday, August 29th, 1856, for the purpose of raising a Fund in grateful recognition of the valuable services rendered to the cause of Education by the late Mr. Joseph Pitchfork, who was Master of that School for a period of 30 years.
The Committee earnestly appeal to the Public, the Friends, and the Pupils of the deceased in furtherance of this desirable object, it being the last mark of respect they can pay to the memory of one who has long and unweariedly laboured for the intellectual advancement of the rising generation, and whose sudden decease has left so much to pity and deplore.
Mr. Pitchfork was a Radical in politics, and, in his early days, a friend and unswerving supporter of Sir John Campbell, Bart. He died at the early age of 51 years, respected and beloved by a very large circle of scholars, old pupils and acquaintances, leaving a blank in the town which was long unfilled.
September 9th, 1856. The Grand Lodge of Freemasons of Worcestershire, clothed in their regalia, walked in procession through the town, and dined together at the hotel.
September 10th, 1856. Mr. James Worley, the Collector of the Income and Property Tax and Assessed Taxes for this Parish suddenly absconded with upwards of £2,000 belonging to the Crown Treasury; he afterwards underwent imprisonment in Worcester Gaol for the offence, the town being compelled to make up the deficiency.
Died, September 19th, 1856, having dropped down dead in the street, Mr. John Shedden, Tailor, Stone Street, aged 74 years.
December 10th, 1856. The new Parsonage House of St. Edmund’s Parish was occupied at this time by the respected incumbent, the Rev. John Davies, M.A., the land and a handsome donation was given by Lord Ward, the rest of the funds having been raised by voluntary subscription amongst the congregation and friends of the church.
December 17th, 1856. The ladies of St. Edmund’s Congregation this evening presented to Mrs. John Davis, at the new St. Edmund’s Parsonage, a purse containing £100, as a mark of respect and esteem. Mr. Churchwarden C. F. G. Clark was mainly instrumental in securing the erection of this Parsonage House.