THE LATE MR. W. SPEKE. —The funeral of the late Mr. William Speke, of Jordans, took place at Dowlish Wake. The service was conducted by Prebendary Gowring. Among those present were Mr. William Speke, the only surviving son of deceased; Mr. C. T. Murdoch, M.P., Sir John E. Dorington, M.P., Mr. J. R. Pine-Coffin, sons-in-law; the Rev. J. Frith, rector of Alwington; the Rev. F. H. Mules, rector of Dowlish Wake, and many representatives of the leading families in the neighbourhood. The deceased had died at Portledge, near Bideford, the residence of his son-in-law (Mr. J. R. Pine-Coffin), at the good old age of 89. — A correspondent at Ilminster says that by the death of Mr. William Speke the county of Somerset has lost its oldest magistrate, and a gentleman who, until within a few years of his death, took the liveliest interest in county affairs. Mr. Speke had a very commanding appearance and was the very type of the “Old English Gentleman.” The Spekes have been connected with the county for centuries, and when Lord Chatham and William Pitt lived at Burton Pinsent friendly relations existed between the two families, and we believe there are in the possession of the Spekes some valuable letters from the celebrated Minister. The late Mr. Speke was justly proud of the honourable distinction gained by his son, the late Captain Speke, the renowned African explorer.
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