Warminster & Westbury Journal, Friday 7th June 1929:
DEATH OF MR. WILLIAM WALKER
A well-known Wiltshire resident passed away at Upton Lovel on Sunday in the person of Mr. William Walker, a former cloth magnate, who made West of England cloth famous the world over.
Aged 69 years, Mr. William Walker patiently endured a long illness, and his death was not unexpected.
His passing snaps a link with the past, for he literally grew white in the public service of his native town, Trowbridge, and it was only a few years ago that he passed into the peace of quiet retirement at Upton Lovel, where once were flourishing woollen mills which he owned. He was the son of the late Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Walker, and was born at what is locally known as the Brick Platts, off Union-street. His grandfather was one of the converts John Wesley secured on his memorable visit to Trowbridge. His grandmother was a niece of that great Wesleyan evangelist George Whitfield.
Mr. Walker’s record of public service would fill a volume, so extensive was it in its activities. He had filled the chair of almost every public authority of note, including the old Local Board and the Urban Council, which succeeded it. For over 26 years he was a Guardian, and for 24 years represented the town on the County Council. With others he was responsible for many town improvements, of which present-day residents are enjoying the benefit, notably, the opening up of Court-street, and the commencement of the People’s Park.
He was the doyen of the Trowbridge Magisterial Bench, and continued to take the chair long after his retirement.
In business he succeeded the Gouldsmiths in carrying on the business of Messrs. Samuel Salter and Co., Home Mills, which then, as now, were noted for the production of the world-famed West of England cloth.
THE LATE MR. W. WALKER
FUNERAL AT TROWBRIDGE
In the presence of manyn old associates in public life, the funeral took place at the Trowbridge Cemetery on the 6th inst., of 0Mr. William Walker, who died at Upton Lovel, on the 30th ult.
The family mourners were: Mr. Joseph Walker, Amersham (son), Mr. W. Walker (grandson), Mr. J. Mackie (son-in-law), Mr Lovel Mackie (grandson). Dr. Kenneth Mackie (grandson) was absent owing to his being unable to leave his practice. From deceased’s residence: Mr. W.P. Mines, Mr. J. Petty, Mr. F. Boulter, and Mrs. Wheeler.
The large attendance included representatives of the Trowbridge Bench, of which deceased was Chairman for many years; the Urban District Council, the Trowbridge and Melksham Guardians, the Wilts Constabulary, and many of the organisations with which he had been associated; also a number of his former employees.
The remains were taken by road from Upton Lovel, the cortege being met at the Trowbridge Cemetery entrance by a large assembly. The officiating ministers were the Rev. H. Hall (pastor of the Conigre Unitarian Church), and the Rev. Harry Sanders (an old colleague in public service). The service was of a plain nature, passages of scripture being read and prayers said by the Conigre Pastor. A short address bearing on the useful public life of deceased was delivered by the Rev. Harry Sanders.
The interment was in the family vault, in which lie four predecessors, and was lined with dresses of lilac.