DEATH OF DR. J. M. CHALLINOR, J.P.

END OF A STRENUOUS LIFE

(Special to the News and Mail)

When the news of the death of Dr. Samuel McMillan Challinor, J.P., was made publicly known, through the “North- Western Daily Mail” on Saturday evening, quite a sensation and deep feeling was expressed throughout the district, where he was so well known and respected, not only by his own party, to whom they looked upon him (sic) as their leader, but also from the Unionist point of view, found in him a genuine opponent, a strenuous fighter, and a right good hearty gentleman. The writer years ago came into conflict with Mr. Challinor on many occasions, but always found him to be a right good sport. The deceased gentleman had not for months past enjoyed good health, but so as he could get about he was always on the move, and did not appear to have an idle bone in his body. But the malady from which he had been suffering from (sic) got more hold on his constitution, until he perforce to give in. The death of his good wife, whose memory will always remain green in Askam and district, God bless her, was a great shock to him, so much so that he never seemed to be the same afterwards. He had not the same vitality and energy as hitherto. He had only survived her something like seven months, and it may truly be said of the old quotation, with a little variation, “In one life, on death not far divided.” Although his death was looked forward to earlier in the week, he should have been brought to his residence, “Netherclose”, Ireleth, on Tuesday last, arrangements having been made for a nurse, but his condition was so grave the doctors deemed it advisable that he should not be moved. He gradually became worse, and passed away in a nursing home in London at the age of sixty years. It is something like 33 or 34 years since he came to Askam. He worked up for himself a very wide practice. At that time Askam was a busy centre in the iron trade. This he continued for many years when Askam could boast club walks on Whit-Monday and again on Wednesday in the same week followed by sports. Those were times! Will they ever come again? The condition of things from then to now have gone a great transition on the downward grade, with the closing of the ironworks and other fields of labour. The deceased gentleman took a deep interest in sport when football and cricket were at their zenith. In those days Askam was a tough bone to pick, as many visiting teams found to their sorrow, including Barrow, Millom, Yorkshire and South Lancashire teams. But I am afraid I am digressing somewhat: but this is only pointing out the changed conditions of things that have passed during the lifetime of the deceased gentleman. I well remember of the time when the Askam Cricket Club won the North- Western Junior League Cup, the doctor, who was president, was one of the proudest men in Askam. The team were afterwards photographed. The deceased gentleman was a member of the North Ward during the period of the late Local Board, and proved himself a most valued member: what he said he always endeavoured to carry out. He was also a member of the Ulverston Board of Guardians up to the time of his death. He was a ‘J.P.’ for North Lonsdale for 21 years, and President of the North Lonsdale Liberal association two years. He was also a member from its inception of the Old Folks’ and Widows’ Committee – the late Mrs. Challinor being a generous donor. He also took a great interest in the Askam branch of the “Y.M.C.A.” and the Askam Town Prize Brass Band. He was also an ardent temperance advocate. Indeed it was very few institutions for the upright and well-being of his fellow man that had not his sympathy and support, church and chapel alike. Of recent years he had become a golfing enthusiast, and took an active interest in the Dunnerholme Links. When at home he could be found daily at his favourite pastime. It must be close upon twenty years since he gave up his professional practice as a doctor in Askam, which was taken over by Dr. S. B. Cook, who is resident amongst us. The deceased left one son, Mr. Jack Challinor, who married Miss Hilda Mellon, a daughter of Mr. H. Mellon, J.P., of Brook Lea, Ireleth, for whom a profound and sincere sympathy is expressed in their irreparable loss. Mr. Jack Challinor, a few weeks ago, joined a Scottish regiment, and has been promoted lieutenant. Askam people are proud of the fact that they have such a fine gentleman in their midst serving his King and country.

THE FUNERAL

The funeral took pace at Ireleth Parish Church at nine o’clock, on Tuesday morning, of Dr. Samuel MacMillan Challinor, late of Nether Close, Askam.

Deceased, who was 60 years of age, died on Saturday last in a London Nursing Home, where he had been under treatment for the last seven weeks.

The body was brought from London during the night, and conveyed from Lindal station to the church. Lieut. Jack Challinor (only son) and Mrs. Challinor were chief mourners. Among other who paid their last respects to the deceased were Miss Richardson (housekeeper, Nether Close), Miss Dent, Mr. H. Mellon J.P., Mr Bliss, J.P., Miss Bliss, Private Mellon, Mrs Woodburn, Miss Towers, Captain Candy, Coun. A Leach (Askam), Miss Spencer (President, Askam Women’s Liberal Association), Miss Cook (Post Office, Askam), Coun. W. Lewney, J.P., Coun. W. H. Pearsall, Coun. Jno. Wharton, Mr. Jno. Robinson, Mr. R. Felpts (sic), Mr. S. Kirkbride (members, North Lonsdale Liberal Association), Mr. Travis (secretary of the association), Messrs. Jno. Miller and W. Hewitt (Askam Liberal Club), Mrs. Ridley, Dr. Cooke (Askam), Mr. J. Gill (Askam), Mr. W. Cox (Askam), Mt. Thos. Satterthwaite (secretary, Askam Town Band), Mr. W. H. Jervis (Askam), Mr. Robert Mason and Mr. Bert Mason (Marsh Grange).

Among those who sent floral tokens were Lieut. and Mrs. Challinor, the Askam Town Band, members of the Dunnerholme Golf Club, Ulverston Liberal Club, Mr. Arthur Russell Johnson (Windham Club, London), Miss Johnson (Torquay), Mr. and Mrs. Woodburn, Miss L. Johnson (Torquay), “Jane and Lizzie”, Mr. Mrs, and Miss Cook, “Bertha and Nita”, Mr. and Mrs. Fred Ballard, Colwall; Annie R. Jackson, Mr. and Mrs. Henry Mellon, “Mary and Alfred” (Avenue House, Leigh), Mrs. C. A. Whitehead, Miss Lilian B. Whitehead, Mr. D’Orsay Whitehead, Windham Club3, London.

Barrow News, 19 December 1914