The re-imagined story …
Mother liked to favour Mr Pocock with her all her butchery requirements. She said he knew a thing or two about beef, which you would rather hope so, as a butcher and a farmer, but my sister thought there was more to it than that.
My sister believed that Mother might be ‘sweet’ on Mr. Pocock.
“He does have very twinkly eyes – for a butcher,” she added.
My brother and I looked up from the copy of the newspaper we were perusing at the kitchen table.
“Father passed away several years ago and Mr Pocock is also a widowed gentleman. There would be nothing inappropriate in a ‘friendship’ developing.” said my sister. “And as the eldest I think you should suggest that she invite him to Sunday lunch,” she declared.
“Yes,” my brother piped up. “I think you should take the bull by the horns.”
I remember mother being very upset when Mr Pocock passed away. Perhaps my sister was right after all.
The facts …
Death of Mr S.J. Pocock
Swindon has lost a well-known resident by the death of Mr. Samuel Johnson Pocock, who passed away at his residence, 17, Wood Street, on Saturday night.
Mr Pocock, who was 68 years of age, came of a well-known family of farmers in West Wilts, and more than half a century of his life was spent in that part of the country. In 1900 he came from Melksham to Swindon, and in conjunction with is son, Mr Percy Pocock, took over the old-established purveying business of Keylock & Co. The deceased was acknowledged to be one of the best judges of cattle in the district, and his services as an adjudicator were greatly in request at the Christmas shows. He was the first president of the Swindon Master Butchers’ Association.
Some six months ago Mr. Pocock’s health showed signs of failing, and it became necessary for him to go to London to undergo an operation. This proved so far successful that the patient experienced considerable relief and was able to return to Swindon. He did not, however, resume business pursuits, but for a while took up his residence with some friends at Corsham. Eventually he came back to Swindon, and it has for some time been apparent that his life could not be prolonged. He finally took to his bed about a fortnight since.
Mr Pocock, whose wife pre-deceased him 14 years ago, leaves a son and a daughter.
North Wilts Herald, Friday, February 9, 1917.
Burial Registers
Samuel Johnson Pocock 68 years 17 Wood Street burial 7th February 1917 grave plot E7508
He is buried with:-
Evelyn Mary Edwina Pocock 81 years died St Margaret’s Hospital, Stratton – home 72 Croft Road, Swindon. Burial 5th November 1969.
Percy Johnson Pocock Butcher 48 years 17 Wood Street, burial 11th October, 1925.
Ellen Pocock, wife of – Pocock 53 years 17 Wood Street, burial 29th May 1902.
Radnor Street Cemetery 