John Kelly Curry

John Kelly Curry (c1873-1939), of J. K. Curry and Sons, blacksmith of Barnstaple

---

1939 Obituary

We regret to record the death, on Saturday last, at the age of 66 years, of Mr. John Kelly Curry, of 25, Holland-street, Barnstaple, one of the best known blacksmiths and iron workers in the West of England.

Deceased, who had been in failing health for some months, had been seriously ill for some nine weeks and leaves to mourn their loss, a widow, Mr. Miles Curry and Mr. Thomas Aubrey Curry (Barnstaple), and Mr. John M. Curry (London), sons, and Mrs. H. J. Martin (Barnstaple), daughter.

A native of Budleigh Salterton, Mr. Curry had been in Barnstaple for some 42 years, and took over the business of smith from the late Mr. George Harper. His works have become increasingly well-known and in demand as years have gone on and the direction pylon in the Square, the fine gate to the County Library, the gate to the Castle Grounds and a magnificent specimen at Westaway House, are but a few notable examples - the work of a great craftsman in iron.

For many years he had been keenly devoted to religious work and good causes in the Borough, and, in fact, had been a churchwarden Emmanuel Church, Barnstaple, for some twenty-five years. He was prominently identified with all religious causes in the Borough, and Congregationalists, Baptists, Mission workers and Methodists will miss his presence and personality. He was the hon. secretary of the British Society for the propagation of the gospel among the Jews. He was also a great worker for Temperance.

The funeral took place yesterday, interment in the Cemetery being preceded by a funeral service in Barnstaple Parish Church. The Vicar (the Rev. Preb. F. M. Wallington) officiated. Family mourners were the widow; Mr. and Mrs. M. Curry, son and daughter-in-law; Messrs. T. A. and J. N. Curry, sons; Mrs. H. J. Martin, daughter; Mr. and Mrs. H. Clark, brother-in-law and sister (Street); Mrs. A. W. Page, sister-in-law (Tiverton); Mr. E. J. Musgrove, brother-in-law (Tiverton); and Mr. J. Clark, nephew (Street). Messrs. M. J. Darch, E. Jewell, E. Vanstone (employees of the firm of Messrs. J. K. Curry and Sons), S. G. New (a former employee), E. Symons and W. Badcock were the bearers. General sympathisers included the Deputy Mayor (Councillor F. Elliott), Ald. E. Karslake. Councillors G. H. Goss, S. Aston, Messrs L. C. Adams (Barnstaple Borough Surveyor),- B. W. Oliver, J. C. Southcombe, W. J. Hadfield, F. J. Northcote, A. J. Manaton. J. B. Clarke, J. H. Bulled, A. Frayne, F. Edwards, R. Pearce, F. W. Chapman, F. E. Battershill, E. A. Lake, R. W. Scott, W. Bray, W. E. Richards, W. J. Squire, S. Bussell, F. W. Hunt, J.P.. C.A., J. H. L. Brewer, P. C. Brailey (representing Pilton Works), H. Taylor, G. Hancock (Bratton Fleming), A E. Tupper. S. H. Allen, A. T. Thorne. A. T. Long. W. Tremethick, G. Welch (Marwood), G. Worth (Roborough), J. Flew, J. Cross, J. Andrew (Umberleigh), H. Pincombe, C. T. Thomas (Secretary, Barnstaple Liberal Club), S. Ayre, W. H. Tucker (representing Messrs. James and Tucker), W. Trebble, E. T. Martin, J. F. Alford. Fennell, Somerfield. Gifford, J. Morrish, W. Howard, W. S. Runnalls, Mr. and Mrs. Chappie (Marwood), the Rev. J. T. Henwood. the Rev. W. H. Sargent, Miss Marjorie Hunt, J.P., Mrs. C. A. Curry, and Misses Barbara and Ruby Curry, Mrs. C. W. Brannam. M.8.E.. J.P., Mrs. and Miss Ford, Mesdames Hillson, Pearce, Masters, Redmore, F. W. Gillard. K. E. Boyle, W. H. Stanger, P. D. J. Penhale. Dalling, J. F. Alford, A. Lock, Smale, and Miss G. Smart. Mr. W. C. Hammett carried out the funeral arrangements. —There were no flowers by request.

Among messages of sympathy received by members of the family of the late Mr. Curry was one from Mr. G. Y. Saunders, who was for many years Borough Surveyor of Barnstaple Writing from Lowestoft Mr. Saunders states:— "His and the family name are often on our lips and you do not need me to tell you how high he stood in our opinion for his sterling character and practical craftsmanship, and our knowledge of him goes back thirty-three years."

---

See Also

Loading...