Preece Family Tree

The Late Mr. John Maddock.

Another of our aged citizens has departed this life in the person of Mr. John Maddock. He had reached the span of eighty-one years. Mr. Maddock was a native of that part of England whence so many of the men that have built up this country came. He was born at Rattery, near Ivybridge, Devonshire, the birthplace, we believe, of the Right Hon. Sir William Whiteway. He came to this country at the age of twenty-seven and first held a position at St. John's in a bakery establisment. He soon removed to Carbonear, and opened a shop there. From this small beginning, by dint of native shrewdness and push, he in course of time, in conjunction with his brothers, Robert and Walter, built up an extensive business and made a sum of money. He removed to this town in 1881 and opened a general cash and supplying business in the premises that had been lately vacated by Messrs. Rutherford Brothers and which are now held by Mr. Norman Munn. A few years ago, he retired and henceforth lived till within two or so years of his decease at Ridley Hall, which he had years before purchased from the late Edward Quintin, senior, where he spent his time in looking after the place. For the past two years, his friends noticed that he was failing, but he kept in fairly good health till the last, being confined to his bed for only the last week or ten days, and passing away without a struggle.

Our old townsman was married first to Miss Mary Ann Guy, and later to Miss Dorcas Guy, both of Carbonear, the latter of whom survives him. By his first wife, he had one daughter, the late Mrs. William Gear. One brother survives him - Walter, residing in Carbonear. His brother Robert (father of Messrs. Joseph and John Maddock, Carbonear), died in 1885, and Richard, another brother, passed away in Australia some years ago.

Mr. Maddock was an observant man, and during his long life made good use of the ability with which he was endowed.

The funeral took place to-day, the body of our late citizen being conveyed by carriage to Carbonear at 2 p.m. Carbonear friends met near the Railway Station, and thence the funeral proceeded to the Methodist Church, and on to the cemetery where the body of the aged man was laid to rest. To his wife and relatives, the Standard tenders its sympathy.