COUNTY HERALD – 23rd March 1917 – Connah’s Quay & Shotton
Death of Lieut. Colonel C. Hurlbutt
On Thursday evening last week the death occurred at his residence, Farfield, Connah’s Quay, of Lieutenant Colonel Charles Hurlbutt, who for some years had been one of the most familiar figures in the life of the locality. Deceased, who was 45 years of age, was the son of the late Mr. H. Hurlbutt, who resided at the Old Queensferry Hall, but which residence has been demolished.
Soon after the demise of Mr. Charles Davison, J.P., of Farfield, the late Colonel entered into possession of the demesne, with its beautiful countryside surroundings, and somewhat adjacent to the St. Mark’s Vicarage. There he lived as a bachelor for some years, and became interested in the local affairs of Connah’s Quay, whilst also being concerned in some phases of commercialism.
He was, during a long period associated, as one of the officers, with the Flintshire Territorials. It was during his servitude with one Batt. that he contracted an illness from which he never appeared to sufficiently recuperate; but he relinquished his duties and returned to Farfield, where he continued to receive medical treatment. Hopes were however, entertained that he would recover, but about three weeks ago his illness assumed a serious nature. His strength gradually diminished, and the end came about eight o’clock in the evening mentioned. Though not unexpected in certain circles of friends, the sad intelligence came as a surprise to many of the inhabitants of the Connah’s Quay district.
He was a brother of Lieut. Col. Henry Hurlbutt, of Llwyn Offa, Mold, the High Sheriff of Flintshire for the ensuing year. Deceased was an ardent Conservative; was ever ready to assist that cause; and he provided a bowling green for the members of the Connah’s Quay Conservative Club. He was also a staunch supporter of the Church, and had identified himself with the church and schools of St. Mark’s, Connah’s Quay.
It may here be mentioned that the deceased was a member of the firm of Messrs. C. Davison & Co., brick manufacturers, Buckley. When his health became impaired more than two years ago he proceeded to Egypt, where he endeavoured to recuperate, and also paid visits to Harrogate and Buxton.
The funeral was on Monday at noon when the general mourners assembles on the main road at the entrance of the drive to the residence, whilst on the opposite side of the road in front of the schools the children occupied the pavement.
The remains, which were contained in a massive coffin, on which were placed magnificent floral tributes from Brothers and sisters, were conveyed upon a wheel-bier to the Church, where they were met by the Rev. E.J.Davies (vicar), and the Rev. C.R. England (curate). Near the newly-erected lych-gate were the members of the local Company of the Church Lad’s Brigade.
As the remains were carried into the edifice the read the opening lines of the burial office, and the strains of the “Dead March” were heard upon the organ.
The Curate read the Psalm Service, and the hymns, ” The King of love my Shepherd is” and “Now labourer’s task is o’er” were feelingly rendered by the choir, and the large congregation which were paying their last tributes of respect to the memory of the deceased. Then the service which had been characterised by simplicity and impressiveness concluded at the Church when the organist (Mr. J.W.Connell) gave a plaintive rendition of the air, “O Rest in the Lord.”
The Cortege was reformed and proceeded to the Cemetery, near the residence of the deceased, and there the remains were laid in their last resting place, the committal lines of the obsequies being read by the Vicar.
The chief mourners were the Misses Hurlbutt (3), sisters of the deseaced, and the Lieut.-Col. Hurlbutt and Mr. Frank Hurlbutt (Brothers).
( The list of the general public at the Service can be sent to anyone interested)