Sarah
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Taunton Courier. Bristol and Exeter Journal, and Western Advertiser. Wednesday 25 Dec 1901
Page 5 Column 4
DEATH OF DR. H. J. PENNY.
A NOTED TAUNTON LIBERAL LEADER.
It is with much regret that we record the death of Dr. H. J. PENNY, which took place at his residence, Middle-street House, Taunton, about eight o'clock on Sunday night, in his 85th year. Only the same evening he had been prayed for at St. James's Church, where he was a worshipper, and with which parish he had been associated for a great number of years, having held the office of churchwarden. As a proof of the interest he took in the parish there can be no harm now in mentioning that the deceased gentleman, although he wished it not to be generally known, was the generous donor only last week of a cheque for 96,000 farthings, being the sum of £100, which he contributed to the “Million Farthing Fund,” for the internal improvements at St. James's Church. The wife of the deceased died about 15 years ago, and he leaves no family. During the last two or three winters Dr. PENNY's health had been rather precarious, but owing to his robust and splendid constitution he had been able to rally when the warmer weather set in, and up to the last fortnight he was about as usual. Dr. RIGDEN was his regular medical attendant, although the deceased kept up his professional friendship with the other medical men of the town, some of whom also attended him in his last illness.
Dr. PENNY was a native of Taunton, and came of an old Taunton family. He had resided for a great number of years in India, where he had filled the responsible appointment of Inspector-General of the Medical Forces, retiring on a pension about 30 years ago. He then returned to Taunton, and had ever since resided at Middle-street House, an old-fashioned and spacious residence, with extensive grounds, and which residence was occupied by his father before him. The deceased was well-known locally as the leader of the Liberal party in Taunton, which position he had held for a great number of years, but of late his increasing age and infirmity had prevented him taking part in local politics. He was what might be called a Liberal of the old school, by no means narrow-minded in his political opinions, but was generally respected by those who did not agree with his views. He acted as honorary election agent for Mr. Alexander Charles BARCLAY, when the latter was Liberal member for Taunton. Dr. PENNY had been president of the Taunton Liberal Club from its formation, and although he was unable to take any part in the last political contest in the town, when Colonel WELBY was elected by an increased majority, yet he was kept closely informed of the incidents of the contest by his supporters. Dr. PENNY was a member of the County Club. At one time he took a very active part in local affairs, and before the re-incorporation of the borough he was a member of the old Taunton Local Board. About 25 years ago, when Mr. GLADSTONE was returning to London from a visit to Mr. LUTTRELL, at Dunster Castle, Dr. PENNY met the late statesman at Taunton Railway Station, and on behalf of the then Local Board of Health, he presented Mr. GLADSTONE with an address. The deceased was a gentleman very fond of sport, especially with the gun. He rented shooting in the neighbourhood of Taunton, and up to the 80th years of his age he was able to indulge in his sport on the opening of every season. He was keen on regular exercise, and every morning in summer time he could be seen out at six o'clock taking his constitutional, in fact as a medical man he had a very great faith in the value of early rising. Fond of a pipe, like many another doctor, he was a devotee of the fragrant weed. He never practised his profession in Taunton, but after his return from India settled down in retirement in the town. One of his hobbies was floriculture, and he had gained many prizes at local flower shows. He was a generous benefactor to the poor, especially to the almshouse people of St. James's parish, and, being a wealthy man, he was very liberal to local charities. Many a poor person, particularly at this season of the year, will, it is feared, be the loser by his lamented death.
On Monday the flag from the Liberal Club in High-street was flying at half-mast. The day of the funeral has not yet been definitely decided.