Death of William Hodges, Aberdare, July 12 1902
The death occurred at 10 o’clock on Wednesday night of Mr. William Hodges, outfitter, Victoria Square, Aberdare. Deceased, who was the oldest tradesman in Aberdare, was 82 years of age. A native of Shepton Mallet he came to this district about 54 years ago as manager to the late Mr. Samuel. Soon afterwards he opened a business of his own which in time developed into one of the largest in South Wales. About 40 years ago he was appointed High Constable for the Division of Miskin Higher. Deceased had suffered keenly for some weeks, and was attended to by Dr. E. Jones. He leaves four sons and two daughters. By his death a vacancy is caused on the Aberdare District Council in the Town Ward.
Note as High Constable
1858. Mr William Hodges, Outfitter.
July 29th 1858, St Elvan’s church bells were consecrated. On that occasion the Paisley bell-ringers were brought to the town to ring the bells for the day, and on the previous evening gave an exhibition of hand-bell ringing in the town.
July 8th, 1859 Mr Hodges presided over a meeting convened to advocate Parliamentary Reform by the reduction of the rating qualification to £10 in the County and to all ratepayers in the Boroughs and the adoption of a Ballot. In the following April, Mr Hodges presided over Mr Bruce’s meeting; and an election taking place that year, he also presided over a meeting in support of Mr Ellderton who opposed Mr Bruce. Mr Ellderton was defeated by 800 votes to 106. The Bwllfa Water Works was completed September 1859.
When Mr Hodges attended the Glamorgan Assizes to present the Voter’s list, he was fined £5 (which was subsequently remitted), because the Constable of Caerphilly had not produced his list; the latter official was at that time subordinate to the High Constable of Miskin Higher. In March 1859, Mr R.H. Rhys, at the Merthyr Board of Guardians, protested against the extravagance of the Magistrates of Quarter Sessions, and against the appointment of English Clergy to the Swansea and Cardiff prisons as Chaplains.
Funeral of Councillor William Hodges
The funeral of Mr. William Hodges, who died oil Wednesday night last week, took place on Monday afternoon, when a large and representative number of persons came to pay their last tribute of respect to one whom they had known and loved for so long a time. The funeral procession was headed by Mr. Edward Morgan and Col. Phillips, chairman and clerk respectively of the Aberdare District Council of which deceased was a member. Other members and officials that followed were Alderman J. W. Evans, Councillors L. N. Williams, W. T. Morgan, Thomas Lewis, John Bucknell, Mr. Owen Williams, surveyor; Messrs. James and Lewis, sanitary inspectors. Councillors David Hughes, Tydraw, and D. Thomas, Ferndale, represented the County Council. Aberdare School Board was represented by Messrs. W. J. Heppell and John Morris, chairman and clerk respectively of the Aberdare School Board. Among others present were the Rev. J. Robertston, Drs. W. LI. Rhys, E. J. Trevor Jones, T. W. Parry, J.P. Messrs. Griffith George, J.P.; Major Morgan, J.P.; C. Kenshole, P. T. Rhys, W. D. Phillips, M. R. David. T. Lloyd, J. W. Harries, W. Sarvis, T. Lines Jones, D. M. Richards, J. Griffiths, Park School, J. E. Morgan, A. Keast, Cwmbach, John Prowle, David Hughes (Boot), W. R. Haylings (Leader Works), R. H. Miles, W. J. Evans, R L. Berry, Richard Lewis. The bearers were the managers of the various branches of Messrs. Hodges and Sons, viz.:—Messrs. E. Morris, J. C, Morgan, L. O. Morris, G. Saxon, T. Erricker, T. Johns, R. Gunter and W. Davies. The whole of the employees of the branches attended, the establishments having been closed for the day. Wreaths were received from Mr. D. A. Thomas, M.P.; Mr. and Mrs. David Thomas, J.P., Ferndale; Mrs. Edwin Hodges, Ramsey Mr. John Hodges and family, Preston; Mr. and Mrs. °J. Hodges, Newport; English Wesleyan Church, Aberdare Liberal Club; Mrs. Hannah, Ferndale. Mr. Hodges’ family; from the employees of each of the branches Aberdare, Ferndale, Swansea, Pontypridd, Pontycymmer, Porth, Newport and Pentre Mr. T. Bevan, Ferndale; Mr. and Mrs. Ivor Davies, Ferndale; Mr. Walter Jones and family, Ferndale; Mr. Alex. S. Cameron, Aberdare Mr. and Mrs. H. Lewis Cardiff (late Aberdare) Messrs. Buckley and Sons Leeds; R. H. Miles; Mr. C. Heed and family; Messrs. Wallace and Linnell, Kettering: Mr. and Mrs. F. Pardoe, Aberdare. The chief mourners were Messrs. Edwin, Gilbert, James, and Frank Hodges (sons); Mr. p, Hannah, Ferndale (son-in-law); and Messrs, Frank and Walter Hannah (grandsons). The Revs J. Simpson, Milligan and Wade, officiated, Rock of Ages cleft for 1110″ being sung by the graveside.
After the funeral the whole of the employees of Messrs. Hodges and Sons met at the Cardiff Castle Coffee Tavern, where they passed a vote of condolence with the bereaved sons and daughters of the deceased. The funeral arrangements were in the capable hands of Mr. F. D. E. George.