George Henry Barefoot – like father, like son.

There is nothing I can add to the history of George Henry Barefoot that isn’t already mentioned in this detailed obituary (see below). Born in 1850 he was the first generation of Swindon-born railwaymen. Like his father he entered fully into the life of the railway town, supporting and working with the Mechanics’ Institution.

Published courtesy of Local Studies, Swindon Central Library.

Death of Mr G.H. Barefoot

A Sudden End

A well-known resident of Swindon passed away on Saturday night, when Mr George Henry Barefoot, foreman of the coppersmiths in the GWR Works, expired with painful suddenness after having pursued his daily avocation throughout the morning. Deceased went home to dinner in the ordinary way and partook of a meal. He then suggested to his niece, who had been keeping house for him at 19, William Street, since the death of his wife 11 months ago, that they should go to the football match together. He washed and changed, but on coming downstairs he complained of pains in the head and commenced vomiting. His condition grew worse, and Drs. Gilmore and Mason, of the GWR Medical Fund staff, bestowed upon him constant attention, but the end came at 10.45 p.m. The late Mr Barefoot had suffered from diabetes for two years, but he appeared to have completely recovered from this malady, and his death arose from an unexpected and a tragic relapse.

Born at Swindon in October, 1850, Mr Barefoot had attained the age of 61 years and his is a rare case of a man of advanced years predeceasing his father. Mr George Barefoot, who, at the great age of 83 years, is still hale and hearty and vigorous.

In January, 1864, deceased entered the locomotive department of the Great Western Railway at Gloucester – whither he went as a child for a few months – as an apprentice to the trade of a copper and tin-smith. He was transferred to the Swindon Works whilst still an apprentice in 1868, and continued to remain there up to his death. Being a workman of exceptional ability, he was promoted to a foremanship in 1900 in succession to Mr Laxon, and enjoyed the esteem of everyone with whom he was associated.

Mr Barefoot was a Forester and an Odd-Fellow, but, apart from his Works career, he was during his long residence in Swindon chiefly identified with the evolution of the GWR Mechanics’ Institute, which he had been instrumental in helping forward for a considerable period. He was a member of the Council for no less than 26 years, and when he had to retire upon his preferment to the status of a foreman 11 years ago it was realised that his services were so valuable that he quickly returned to take part in the deliberations of that body as a foremen’s representative.

He acted as secretary to the Juvenile Fete for about 13 years and at the time when the Institute were prominently concerned in conducting the education of the town Mr Barefoot was much to the fore.

In his young days he was more fortunate than most lads, for he received a good foundation of knowledge at Sir Thomas Rich’s Grammar School at Gloucester, and this advantage was of practical use to him throughout his career.

For many years he acted as MC of the Institute dancing class, acting in that capacity before the time of Mr A. Warburton, at whose death he again undertook the work, and it is interesting that he is the immediate predecessor of Mr F.H. Howard in conducting the class.

The late Mr Barefoot married Miss Mary Ann Berry, a native of Swindon, who, as stated above, died nearly twelve months ago. A family of four remains – one son and three daughters. All are married, and the former – Mr A.G. Barefoot resides at Birmingham, whilst the three daughters are Mrs G.F. Randell (Swindon), Mrs H. Moody (Australia), and Mrs H. Bryant (Swindon). The greatest sympathy will be extended to them in their unexpected bereavement.

Funeral

The funeral, which took place on Wednesday, was an impressive tribute to one who enjoyed high esteem. Leaving deceased’s late residence in William Street promptly at 2.20, the long procession was headed by a hand bier bearing beautiful floral offerings, and then followed the shillibier and eight carriages, while the followers on foot, who walked in double file, numbered quite 140.

The cortege wended its way to St. Mark’s Church, where deceased had been a worshipper, and which was almost filled with mourners.  The service here was taken by the Rev K.M.S. Graeme (curate), who also performed the last rites at the Cemetery, where in spite of the miserable weather, a good number, apart from the followers were present. Deceased was buried with his wife and adjacent to the grave containing his mother’s remains.

Long list of mourners…

Mr A Tyler represented the Stores Department clerical staff. K Shop of the Works, of which deceased had charge, was specially closed for the occasion, and considerably more than 100 men took a respectful part in the sad ceremony.

The coffin was of polished elm with brass fittings, and it bore the following inscription:

George Henry Barefoot

Died Jan. 7^th, 1911

Aged 61 years.

A long list of floral tributes, including:-

A token of sympathy and esteem from the men and boys of K. Shop.

A token of respect from the GWR Foremen’s Association.

The funeral arrangements were in the hands of Messrs H. Smith & Son, Gordon Road.

Extracts from North Wilts Herald, Friday, January 13, 1911.

George Henry Barefoot was buried in Radnor Street Cemetery on January 11, 1911 in grave plot E7793 which he shares with his wife Mary Ann and in the neighbouring plot to his mother Mary Elizabeth Barefoot and later his father, George Barefoot.

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