Obituary of Benjamin Sidney Wilmot 1842

THE TUNBRIDGE WELLS ADVERTISER

Friday Jan 27, 1905

OBITUARIES

DEATH OF MR. B. SIDNEY WILMOT

It is with great regret that we have to record the death of Mr. Benjamin Sidney Wilmot. It occurred on Wednesday, at his residence, St. Alban's, Eridge-road, as the result of diabetes, from which he had suffered for several years. Generally speaking however, Mr. Wilmot appeared to be in good health and possessing a strong constitution, it was not thought likely the end could be so near, more especially as occasionally he expressed himself as having made a great improvement.
It was noticeable, however, that during the last year or two he had shown signs of breaking-up, but being naturally very active, and engrossed in political work he did not spare himself, and stuck to his guns to the last. It was not, indeed, until a day or two before Christmas that he finally gave in, and from that time, with the exception of coming downstairs for a short time on Christmas day, he was confined to his bed until the end came. His medical attendant was Dr. B. Rix, who was most assiduous in his attentions,

but the most dangerous symptoms supervening, nothing, of course, could be done except in the way of alleviation.
Mr. Wilmot, who was 62 years of age last August, was a notable person in Tunbridge Wells and district, and was indeed well known in a wider sphere. His position, as conservative agent for the Tonbridge Division, was sufficient to make him a familiar figure, but apart from this, the interest in the cause he had so much at heart often led him to travel long distances to be present at conferences, or to assist in contested elections. Apart, too, from politics, to which he devoted so much of his life, he was personally a very genial and popular citizen, cheery and conversational, a good hearted man of social instincts, and who possessed a very even temperament. Of attractive personality, with a pleasant and musical voice, he was liked and esteemed wherever he went, and he leaves behind him a name which will always be affectionately remembered by all those who were acquainted with him. He was a remarkable graceful and fluent speaker , and he was always "at home" if he was called upon to make an address. He possessed a very retentive memory, a pleasant fund of boundless humour, and excellent self confidence.

A POLITICIAN

An exceptional gift for ready speaking stood Mr. Wilmot in good stead in the official position he occupied in connection with the Conservative party, of which he was always a hearty and consistent supporter. He was the excellent and energetic secretary of the Central Conservative Association for many years and when the party in the Tonbridge Division was reorganized he became the agent. In the ordinary and varied work associated with such offices, he was unwearied, and, taking such keen interest and pleasure in the duties, nothing ever appeared to him to be a trouble. Organising work, attending Registration Courts, speaking and helping in any direction required, all came alike to him, and it is a simple fact, if a high tribute to his character, to mention that he never seemed to make an enemy, albeit it was work of a kind that may soon get a man disliked even if he does not make actual enemies. In this respect Mr. Wilmot resembled in a large measure the late Mr. T. Fox Simpson, for many years the agent of the party, himself an active party man, but whose geniality and bon-homie remains fresh in the memory of all those who knew him.
In December, 1900, Mr. Wilmot was the recipient of a handsome testimonial in recognition of his long and valued services in the conservative cause. The ceremony took place in the Pump Room,

and Mr. C. Fitch Kemp presided, while the presentation was made by Captain A. G. Boscawen, who had been elected in October of the same year by the large majority of 2,085. The present was a cheque for 420 guineas, and an illuminated address.
The text of the latter ran thus:
"Presented to Benjamin Sidney Wilmot by the Unionists of the Tonbridge Division of Kent in recognition of his services as secretary for 15 years to the Central Conservative Association, and for upwards of 30 years a warm supporter of the cause."
On that occasion Mr. Fitch Kemp, the Chairman of the party, paid high tribute to Mr. Wilmot's abilities. "Mr. Wilmot," he said, "had been for years most faithful, most constant, and most intelligent, and was, indeed, the best political agent he had ever seen. Always courageous; always calm; always ready to take a a legitimate and proper view of any subject which wanted consideration. He had been their right hand. Mr. Wilmot had always had a very good temper, showed much good reason, and with that inimitable persuasive power which he possessed, he did not know of any constituency that had been better served than by their friend." Captain Boscawen was equally laudatory in paying tribute to Mr. Wilmot's good services, and it is needless to say the recipient made a graceful and grateful response.

A PROTECTIONIST Whilst alluding to Mr. Wilmot's political career, it should be mentioned that he was a persistent and consistent Protectionist. Long before Mr. Chamberlain's Tariff reform movement became as popular as it is, even indeed, when Mr. Chaplin, Mr. Lowther, and one or two officers were the only open advocates in the House of Commons, Mr. Wilmot never hesitated to advocate the principle. It was curious that being such a Radical in some respects - and he sometimes expressed opinions and advocated measures which were often ultra Radical - he should be found advocating views which, up to recently at all events were looked upon as representing old -fashioned Toryism. However, there it was. He was not, in our opinion, a good debater on the subject - he was too prone to evade the main question, and to indulge in generalities or points of detail. However he had a very attractive style, and being, to use a familiar phrase, "an old Parliamentary hand," he could quickly extricate himself out of any difficulty in which he might find himself, his pleasant personality and control of temper often standing him in good stead. A short time back he was appointed Organising Secretary of the Tariff Reform League for Kent and Sussex, and no man could have been found better fitted for the post. He not only organized, but spoke at a large number of meetings, and was generally indefatigable in prosecuting a campaign which was so near to his own heart. It will be indeed be very difficult, nay, an impossible, matter to find a successor who can, in some respects, fill the post with anything like such success.

A FREEMASON

In the craft of Freemasonry, Bro. Wilmot took the greatest possible interest, which was maintained to the last. The philanthropical objects of the craft, as well, so to speak, as it's ornate side, strongly appealed to a temperament fond of dignity and display, and no one consequently could be fonder of an Order which at one and the same time preaches good will towards all men, is founded on a democratic basis, and gives it's disciples the opportunity to fill the most prominent and coveted positions. We do not know how long he had been a member of the brotherhood, but it must have been over thirty years, for at least twenty-six years ago he was then a Past Master of the Holmesdale Lodge. The first W. M. of the Lodge, by the way, was Mr. F. W. Elers. The second Mr F. W. Stone, the third Mr. G. Langridge. and Mr. Wilmot became the fourth. He was also a Past Provincial Grand Registrar of Kent (1879), and thus gained the coveted "Purple," which was conferred upon him by Lord Amherst, Provincial Grand Master of Kent. He was one of the founders of the Pantiles Lodge (2,200), and was appointed the first Immediate Past Master of the Lodge when it was consecrated, the Town Clerk, Mr. W. C. Cripps being the Worshipful Master. Bro. Wilmot afterwards acted as director of Ceremonies at the installations for several years, as well as at the Holmesdale Lodge. He was also connected with other Masonic institutions, attended Grand Lodge and Provincial Grand Charity meetings, and hence he became the proud possessor of a large number of medals and jewels.

A FARMER Mr. Wilmot, as indicated, threw himself heart and soul into a variety of public institutions and subjects. Perhaps, however, there was no Association in the town in which Mr. Wilmot took a greater interest in than the Farmers' Club, of which he was one of the oldest members. It was established in the year 1870, and Mr. Wilmot became President in the year 1882. Before accepting office it had been frequently said that no one but an agriculturist should occupy the presidential chair, and it was for this reason that Mr. Wilmot declined to accept the office when it was offered to him a few years previously. He was not at a former period practically connected with agriculture, but he subsequently became a tenant farmer, and the members of the club accordingly lost no time in showing their appreciation by electing him as their President in the year mentioned. The annual dinner held that year under his chairmanship was a memorable one, although in referring to the report of the function it is melancholy to note what a large number of those present have since gone over to the great majority. The toast of the club was proposed by Sir Edmund Filmer, M.P., and the Marquess of Abergavenny followed on with the health of the Chairman.

THE FIRE BRIGADE

He also was a huge supporter of establishing a fire brigade; became it's captain; and had the pleasure of bringing the first steamer into Kent. Captain Wilmot was indeed, always to the fore in making for fire brigade efficiency, and his example acted as a great incentive to numbers of others, who, but for his enthusiasm, might never have become associated with such a good work. In connection with fire brigade matters, it may be noted in passing that Major Lutwidge, who had been largely instrumental in founding the brigade, preceded Mr. Wilmot as captain, Mr. Wilmot, it should be added, was also the chief promoter of the present Salvage Corps, and, in connection with fire brigade matters, he was a recognized authority outside the radius of Kent and Sussex.
THE TRADESMEN'S ASSOCIATION Mr. Wilmot was an old and respected member of the Tradesmen's association, and occupied the presidential chair many years ago, being also elected a member of the Committee on different occasions. He gave several interesting addresses during that time, and was also a frequent contributor to the various discussions, his remarks being always practical, intelligent, and interesting. One of the addresses presented to him in

connection with the Association, dated February 1879, sets forth that "the best thanks of the members are tendered to him for his untiring energy and devotion to the Association during his three years' successive office as president." It was during his term of office, by the way, that the Pump Room was erected, another movement in which he interested himself.
AN INCORPORATOR In the project of incorporating the town no man threw himself more heartily into the work than Mr. Wilmot. His democratic sympathies were deeply stirred, and, regardless of consequences (and boycotting a man for his opinions was then more common than now), he threw himself into the fray with characteristic zeal. It seems like diving into his ancient history to disinter even the leading facts connected with the great struggle between incorporators and anti incorporators; suffice it therefore to say that, both at committee and public meetings, at the Tradesmen's Association, which was always to the fore in advocating the improvement, Mr. Wilmot was unceasing in his activity to bring about the change. He gave evidence be fore the first inquiry, in 1884, and when "my lords of the Privy Council" declined to grant the petition, Mr. Wilmot was elected the President of the Incorporation League, formed to carry on the agitation. Later on the much coveted Charter was granted without opposition, and Mr. Wilmot was one of those who had the pleasure of fetching the precious document from London, and riding around the town in the principal carriage which contained it, and which formed part of that memorable procession. The history of the Charter is an interesting one, and to Mr.

Wilmot belongs of being one of theprincipal pioneers of the agitation which was the direct means of securing that representative form of government which the town at present enjoys.
MISCELLANEOUS The deceased gentleman, apart from the facts given above, filled in his time many positions, and took an active part in various institutions and matters of local interest. Before he came to reside in Tunbridge Wells, he lived, as stated, at Goudhurst, and was largely instrumental in founding the National Schools. On leaving the village he was presented with a clock and an address, expressing great appreciation of the many services he had rendered during his residence in the parish. For some years he was a member of the West Kent Yeomanry. He was the first president of the now defunct Working Men's Conservative Association, took a keen interest in in the Constitutional Club in Calverly-road, was the President of the old Ornithological Society, was an active member of the Committee of the Surgical Aid Society; at one time a secretary of the Royal Agricultural Benevolent Society. Mr. Wilmot was a very popular individual in Tunbridge wells, as already indicated, he was also especially in political affairs well and popularly known outside the confines of Tunbridge Wells; and it is not too much to say that, for taking him for all in all, we shall not in many respects ever look upon his like again.
Mr. Wilmot, who was married to a daughter of the late Rev. Philip Parker Gilbert, for 29 years vicar of St Giles, Cripplegate, leaves a widow and three sons and three daughters.

THE FUNERAL The funeral of the deceased gentleman will take place tomorrow (Saturday) afternoon, and will assume a public character. Every public body with which Mr. Wilmot was identified will be represented, and appropriately enough, the coffin will rest on the manual of the Volunteer Fire Brigade, in which he took so much interest. Representatives of the Borough and other Fire Brigades in the county will also be present, and fireman will act as bearers. The ceremony will consequently be of a very impressive character. The first portion of the service will be held at the Church of King Charles the Martyr at two o'clock, the Rev. A. W. Oliver, the Vicar, conducting the service. Internment will take place at the cemetery at three o'clock.

The Courier Friday 3 February 1905

THE LATE MR. B. SIDNEY WILMOT

The remains of the late Mr. B. Sidney Wilmot were interred at the New Cemetery on Saturday afternoon amid great manifestations of public regret and sympathy. In accordance wuth a wish he had so often expressed during his life-time, he was given a fireman's funeral, which was of itself a sufficient cause for an enormous gathering to assemble. Quite apart from this feature of the funeral, the extaordinary popularity enjoyed by Mr. Sidney Wilmot during his life-time, the countless number of his friends, and the varied activities in which he had interested himself, drew together a vast assemblage when his remains were convoyed to his last resting place. The body, which was enclosed in a polished oak coffin with massive brass fittings, was bourne to the cemetery on the manual engine of the Tunbridge Wells Volunteer Fire Brigade, on which, in life, he had ridden to many a fierce fire.
The brass plate was inscribed thus:
BENJAMIN SIDNEY WILMOT
Died January 25th 1905
Aged 62 years

Folllowing the coffin was the horse van of the Borough Fire Brigade, which was filled with a magnificent collection of wreaths and other floral tributes, sent from all over the town and district. The remains left "St. Albans", preceeded by the Fire Brigades', Band, under Conductor Wickens and to the solumn strains of the "Dead March" a hundred fireman marched slowly in front of the body to King Charles' Church, where the first part of the service was held. Inside and ouside the sacred edifice, large numbers of people gathered. The coffin was carried into the church on the shoulders of six firemen, being met at the door by the choir and clergy. Canon A. J. Scott, the Rev. A. W. Oliver and the Rev. H. Sinclair Brooke (who is Captain of the Penbury Fire Brigade) officiated. The beautiful lesson was impressively read by Canon Scott, and the whole congregation joined reverently in singing the hymn "O the Resurrection Morn". Mr. Kimmins was at the organ, and played appropriate music, while the choir gave a beautiful rendering of the anthem "All they that Weep", Mr. Arthur Hepworth taking the solo.
At the conclusion of the service the cortege reformed, and slowly proceeded to the New Cemetery via Warwick Park. The remains were committed to the earth in the presence of a very large company, the large contingent of Freemasons dropping their sprigs of acacia into the grave.

Benjamin's Funeral Cortage