Fred Tegg – a well known Swindonian

Did Emily stand at this spot? Did she watch the dappled sunlight dance across the headstone? But of course the tree may have been a mere sapling then, like her son who died aged 17. Perhaps she had no time to stand and stare, what is there to ponder on when a son is taken before his time. The headstone may have been a later addition, raised after both she and her husband Fred had gone. There were a lot of words written about Fred (a well-known Swindonian) when he died.

What is there to say when a 17 year old son has been taken. Nothing that is of any comfort.

Death of Mr Fred Tegg

A Well known Swindonian

We sincerely regret to announce the death of Mr Fred Tegg, which took place quite suddenly at his residence, Lyndhurst, Clifton Street, Swindon, on Sunday.

Deceased was in his usual health and attending to his duties last week, and the end came quite suddenly. He was apparently quite well on Christmas Day and on Sunday morning, but in the afternoon of the latter day he was taken suddenly ill, and passed away about half-past two

Mr Fred Tegg was a typical self-made man. Born at Bucklebury, in Berkshire, he came to Swindon some forty years ago, and started work as a carpenter in the GWR Works. By his indomitable courage, he rose to a higher post, and then, coming under the eye of the late Mr Samuel Carlton, then Manager of the GWR Works, he made further headway, being a good shorthand writer. In those days shorthand was little known, and it may be here recalled that the present Mayor of Swindon (Ald. W.H. Lawson) and Mr W. H. Stanier, an ex-Mayor, in addition to Mr. Fred Tegg, were the only shorthand writers connected with the GWR Works at that time. Mr. Tegg was taught shorthand by Miss Wreford, and in after years he did a great deal of reporting for the Swindon Advertiser.

Owing to his great abilities as a stenographer, Mr Fred Tegg made great progress and at the time of his demise he was Chief Clerk to Mr. H.C. King, Manager of the Locomotive Dept. He had completed his term of service, and was about to retire, when the sudden call came.

Mr Tegg was for 12- or 13-years Secretary to the GWR Medical Fund Society, in the work of which he was deeply interested. He was also a prominent Oddfellow being a member of the “Mackie’s Good Intent” Lodge and he was present at a meeting recently. He had held all the high offices, and was a Trustee of the Lodge at the time of his death. He was most popular among all classes, and his death will be deeply mourned by a very large circle.

The Inquest

On Monday last the Deputy Coroner for North Wilts, Mr J.W. Pridham, held an inquest on the body of deceased at the Clifton Hotel. Mr J. Stafford being chosen foreman of the jury.

Evidence was given by Mr. E. Tegg (son of deceased) and Dr. Haddon, and the jury returned a verdict of death from cardiac failure.

Dr Haddon stated that life was extinct when he was called to deceased. Death was probably due to cardiac failure, caused by indigestion.

Impressive Funeral

Amidst many tokens which spoke eloquently of the respect and high esteem in which the late Mr. Tegg was held by all associated with him, the mortal remains of the deceased gentleman were laid to rest in the Swindon Cemetery, at three o’clock on Thursday afternoon. The funeral was an impressive one. Four carriages conveyed the family mourners, and no fewer than 90 gentlemen walked behind. Preceded by a hand bier bearing the many beautiful floral tributes, the cortege proceeded from Mr. Tegg’s late residence “Lyndhurst,” Clifton Street, to the Cemetery Chapel, where the Rev. J.T. Evans (Primitive Methodist minister), assisted by the Rev. H.W. Smith, conducted the first portion of the solemn rites. Later, the Rev. J.T. Evans also officiated at the graveside.

The remains were enclosed in a polished elm coffin with brass furnishings, and the breast-plate born the inscription: Frederick Tegg, died December 26, 1909. Aged 61 years.

Extracts from the Swindon Advertiser, Friday, December 31, 1909

Harry Frederick Hamilton Jerome Tegg was buried in grave plot B1695 on July 10, 1890. Fred Tegg was buried in the neighbouring plot B1694 where Emily joined him when she died in April 1932.