The Late Mr Daniel Bedford

Prestwood – Obituary – Bucks Free Press – December 1907 

We record with regret the death of Mr Daniel Bedford, a well known farmer, who passed away on Tuesday last, in the 71st year of his age.  Deceased, who was much respected in agricultural circles, was a regular attendant at Wycombe Market, and this despite the fact that for some time he had been a cripple through rheumatism.  Deceased had only been ill a few days when death ensued.  Much sympathy is felt for Mrs Bedford and the members of her family in the bereavement that has befallen them.  The funeral takes place next Monday at 2 o’clock at Prestwood Church.

The Funeral

On Monday afternoon, Dec 16th 1907, the funeral of the late Mr Daniel Bedford of Knives Farm, Prestwood, took place amidst tokens of deep respect and sympathy.  The deceased, who was well-known and much respected, had resided at Knives Farm for 18 years, and previous to that was engaged in agricultural pursuits at a farm at Great Kingshill.  As we have previously stated, he passed away after a few days’ illness on December 10th in the 71st year of his age, leaving a widow, Alice, three sons, four daughters, and a large circle of friends and acquaintances to mourn his demise.

At the obsequies, there was a large and representative gathering – a testimony to the respect in which the deceased was held.  The cortege left Knives Farm at two o’clock and proceeded to Prestwood Church, where the Burial Service was conducted by the Vicar, Rev T W Reynolds.  The hymns sung were “There is a blessed home” and “The saints of God, their conflict past”.  As the coffin was being removed from the Church to the grave, Mr Pitt, organist, gave a beautiful rendering of “The Dead March” in Saul.  The mourners were Mrs Bedford (widow), Mrs Hargreaves (daughter), Mr Joseph Bedford, Mr Daniel Bedford, (sons), Mrs H Biggs (daughter), Mr Alfred Bedford (son), Mrs Lisley, Miss L Bedford (daughters), Mr E Stevens (Four Ashes) Mr A Stevens (Prestwood), (brothers-in-law), Mr Hil Stevens (Nephew of Wycombe Heath), Mrs Eli Stevens, Mr William Stevens (nephew), Mr & Mrs Cornelius Stevens, Mr & Mrs Edwin Stevens (Prestwood), Mrs Geo Stevens (Holmer Green) Mrs Geo Stevens (Cryers Hill), Mr David Bedford (brother of Piggot’s Farm), Mr Ralph Bedford (Nephew), Mr J Lisley, Mr H Biggs (sons-in-law), and Mr & Mrs R Puissell (Naphill).

The remains were enclosed in a massive polished oak coffin, with brass furniture, the inscription on the breast-plate being:

DANIEL BEDFORD  – Died December 10th 1907 – Aged 70 years

The floral tributes, to which were attached suitable inscriptions, were from: “His devoted wife”,  Mrs J W W Booth & Family (Oxford and formerly of Prestwood), the Rev A & Mrs Marshall (Hampden), Mr & Mrs C Stevens (Prestwood) Mr & Mrs Lisley, Mr Bedford (brother), Mr & Mrs Hargreaves, Mr J Bedford, Mr & Mrs H Biggs, Mr & Mrs A Bedford “Dan & Lizzie”, Mr Rogers (Peterley) and Mr & Mrs Gardner (The Chestnuts).