Jilly's Genealogy

It is with deep regret we record the death of Mrs Lucy Barker, widow of the late Mr W C Barker, which took place at her residence, "Roseacre," Hillside Avenue, Strood on Sunday, at the advanced age of 88, after a life spent for many years in useful public service. The deceased lady was born at the Old Flour Mill in Loose Valley, near Maidstone, on July 16th 1841. She was married in August 1868, at St Stephen's, Tovil, to Mr William C Barker, and came to reside at Bryant House, Strood, sixty years ago when the present populous Bryant Road district was but farm land approached by a farm road from Gun Lane, as well as through Barton road. There was then a farm gate at the bottom of Bryant Road, although the railway was already built. Mr and Mrs Barker attended St Nicholas Church, Rochester, and afterwards the Vines Congregational Church, where for many years they were regular attendants. Mrs Barker early devoted herself to self-sacrificing work for the public weal, and several years held a week day Bible Class for mothers at Strood Workmen's Institute, when it was situated in the High Street, opposite Angel Corner, Strood. The deceased lady had also taken an active part in visiting Strood Union Infirmary, being introduced to the work by Miss Greenfield, a prominent church worker half a century ago. On the formation of a Ladies' Visiting Committee, Mrs Barker was invited to join the new committee, and eventually was persuaded by the Ladies' Committee to seek a seat on the Strood Board of Guardians. After a contest she was duly returned the first local lady Guardian, and sat on the Board for about eighteen years, rendering most useful service, which was appreciated by both Guardians and inmates of the Institution, as well as by the public. She retired ultimately on account of increasing deafness. For some years also Mrs Barker was President of the Rochester Women's Liberal Association, and was one of its original members when Mrs Knatchbull-Hugessen, now Lady Brabourne, called the first meeting. Of late, Mrs Barker had to content herself with her garden, her household duties, in which she was ever active and in contemplative enjoyment of the view of the river and the Chatham Lines, which she could see so well from the windows of the beautiful house her husband built for her pleasure in Hillside Avenue nearly twenty years ago. She enjoyed the happy friendship of a large circle of people, who were always pleased to see her energetic figure in the streets when on her shopping expeditions, even during the last month. The end came quite suddenly and peacefully on Sunday evening, when after sleeping serenely, she had a sudden heart spasm, and sank back to sleep again - this time not to awaken in this world. Mrs Barker had been confined to her room for a week, and, feeling tired, had rested a good deal. Her son (County Alderman W Cobbett Barker JP) and daughter-in-law were with her at the last. The funeral took place at Strood Cemetery, yesterday afternoon. It was the wish of the deceased lady that there should be no mourning worn, and the interment was preceded by but a simple service conducted by the Rev Canon A T Wallis, in the Cemetery Chapel. The private mourners were: Mr W Cobbett Barker (son), Mr Charles Barker (brother-in-law), Mr George Hoar (brother-in-law), Mr Percy Hoar, Mr Walter Hoar, Mr Frank Skilton, Mr W Sills, and Mr H Tapsell (nephews), Mr Edward Bates, and Mr H A Young, while among the gathering of friends at the graveside were: County Alderman Miss Wigan, Mr H Smetham, Mr M G Couchman, Mr and Mrs C Barton, of Luddesdown, Miss Campbell (Superintendent, Scattered Homes), Mr and Mrs R Slater, Mr H Mitchell, and Mrs W Johnson. Many beautiful floral tributes, sent by relatives and friends, were placed at the graveside.