Sarah
Hawkins Genealogy Site
Newspaper
Articles
Somerset
County Herald Saturday 14 Aug 1937
Page 8 Column 6 & 7
DEATH OF MR. W. H. OATEN
TAUNTONIAN WHO WAS A SOUTH WALES FIGURE
The death occurred on Tuesday morning at his residence, “Crowcombe,” Summerfield-avenue, The Heath, Cardiff, of Mr. William Henry OATEN, fourth son of the late Mr. and Mrs. H. C. OATEN, of Albemarle-road, Taunton. He was 61 years of age. He leaves a widow, niece of Mr. Tom BEVIS, of Rumwell, one daughter and three sons.
Mr. OATEN had been ailing for some time, though he was able to conduct his business and drive about in his car. On Monday evening, immediately after his tea, he had a seizure, rapidly became unconscious, and died early the next morning.
Educated at Mary-street School under the late Mr. W. G. COLE, Mr. OATEN became a painter and decorator, like his father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. He was apprenticed to Messrs. WARD, of Paul-street, and was a student of the School of Art when it was in Bath-place, and the Headmaster was Mr. ROWE.
When he married he lived in South-street, but early in his career he moved to Newport, Mon., and after a short while transferred to Cardiff to take charge of the painting and decorating department of Messrs. HOWELL & Co., Ltd. He remained in that position for over 25 years, and during that period was responsible for the decoration of many of the principal mansions of South Wales. For several years he was teacher under the Cardiff Corporation of all branches of the painting and decorating art in the evening Technical School. Pressure of business compelled his resignation, which was received at the time with great regret.
WELL-KNOWN FIGURE.
He became a very well-known figure in South Wales, especially among the nobility and gentry, who sought and accepted his advice on all decorating and furnishing matters. He was a keen sportsman, expecially <sic> in the cricket field, being an excellent batsman and bowler, and of late years his services were freely requisitioned as umpire. Indeed, he acted as umpire in a match only on Saturday last.
When he severed his connection with Messrs. HOWELL & Co. he started in business for himself, and later took into partnership his two sons, Mr. Wilfred J. OATEN and Mr. Arthur T. OATEN, the firm being carried on under the style of W. H. OATEN & Sons. In this he was highly successful, developing an ever-increasing clientele among the best families of South Wales. Only an hour before his seizure he was giving directions for a start to be made on the decoration of a large mansion at Dinas Powis, which will occupy the firm for at least four months.
Letters of condolence have poured in from all quarters in South Wales, and high tributes have been paid to his memory.
THE FUNERAL.
The funeral took place yesterday (Friday) morning at the Cemetery, following a service at the house. The chief mourners were Mr. Harry OATEN, Mr. Wilfred J. OATEN, and Mr. Arthur T. OATEN (sons), Councillor Frank OATEN, J.P., M.J.I. (Gravesend), and Mr. Edwin OATEN (Cardiff), brothers; Mr. Maurice OATEN (nephew, of Gravesend), and Mr. H. J. OATEN (of the “Evening News.” London, and formerly of the “Somerset County Herald,” nephew). Many friends were present to pay a last tribute, and beautiful floral tokens were sent.
Now three brothers lie in Cardiff Cemetery – Joseph, Frederick, and William Henry.
WELL-KNOWN TAUNTONIAN
DEATH OF MR. J. PARKHOUSE.
Mr. John PARKHOUSE, of “St. Kilda,” 61, Winchester-street, Taunton, died in the Taunton and Somerset Hospital on Sunday, two days after an operation. He was 75 years of age.
Mr. PARKHOUSE was a member of an old Taunton family. He lived at Chard for a number of years, and on returning to Taunton he was employed at Messrs. NEWTON's engineering works at Rowbarton. He retired about ten years ago, after more than 30 years' service. He was a member of the Octagon Chapel.
He leaves a widow, four sons and four daughters.
The funeral took place on Wednesday, a service at the Octagon preceding burial, at St. Mary's Cemetery. Mr. H. STEMBRIDGE officiated, assisted by Mr. R. LONG. The hymn, “He leadeth me,” was sung.
The family mourners were Mrs. PARKHOUSE (widow), Messrs. William PARKHOUSE, Okehampton, Walter and Stanley PARKHOUSE, Taunton, and Gordon PARKHOUSE, Weymouth (sons), Mrs. C. J. LEE, (Salisbury), Mrs. L. PATTERSON, Cardiff, and Miss Ivy PARKHOUSE, Canterbury (daughters), Mr. C. J. LEE and Mr. L. PATTERSON (sons-in-law), Mrs. S. PARKHOUSE (daughter-in-law), Mr. Walter PARKHOUSE (nephew), Mrs. THOMPSON (niece), Mr. and Mrs. MOYSE, Exeter (brother-in-law and sister), Mr. J. MOYSE, of Hatherleigh (brother-in-law), Miss BERRY and Mrs. KINGDOM.
Many friends were also present.
There were no flowers by request.
Messrs. E. E. WHITE & Son, Ltd., East Reach, Taunton, carried out the funeral arrangements.
<NOTES: William Henry OATEN son of Henry Charles OATEN and Sarah Ann HALFYARD, husband of Bessie BAVIS>