Description:This is an abridged biography from The Handsworth Magazine, the full version is available as a download.
By the demise of Mr Henry Price, the venerable parish clerk and rates collector, Handsworth has lost one of its most familiar figures. Mr Price had reached the almost patriarchal age of 72 years when he gathered to his fathers on Wednesday the 19th ult. The funeral took place on Saturday, April 22nd 1899 at Handsworth Parish Church amid many manifestations of public sympathy and the following were among the many public bodies represented:- Handsworth School Board, Rev. T S Cave (chairman of the Board); Handsworth District Council, Councillors Arthur Price, Fred Lempriere, H Loveridge. Eli Cockin, J Edwards; Perry Barr Urban District Council, Councillors J Boothby and W Johnson; West Bromwich Board of Guardians, Messrs J Drew, E F Griffin, Oliver Floyd. Other officials present were Dr James Richmond (medical officer of health for Handsworth and Perry Bar) Mr Ernest Ward (deputy clerk), Mr G J Ketteringham (assistant surveyor), Mr A Hodges (sanitary inspector) Mr J W Roberts (librarian), Mr W H Boraston (overseers), Captain Perry (Handsworth Fire Brigade).
Mr Price was born on November 20th, 1826, and was the son of Mr William Price.
Mr Price has always been a lover of music and on June 26th, 1867, he obtained his certificate of proficiency in the theory of music, from the Society for the Encouragement of Arts, Manufacturers and Commerce. On the retirement of Mr G. W Elliott as organist, the post was offered to and accepted by Mr Price, who thus became at once village schoolmaster, parish clerk and organist, a combination rarely met with. He held the office of organist until March, 1866 and on his resignation he was presented by the choir with a silver cup bearing the following inscription:- Presented to Henry Price by the choir of the Parish Church, Handsworth, in grateful remembrance of his kindness towards them and his exertions on their behalf, March 25th, 1866. In 1886, Dr Randall, the Rector, presented him with a companion silver cup thus inscribed:- A token of esteem, Henry Price, from William Randall, D.D., Rector of Handsworth, January 1st, 1886. Although he resigned his office of organist, Mr Price continued in the choir; and he was also in the band of the First Staffordshire Volunteers.
About 1861, Mr Price succeeded Dr Downes as Registrar of Births and Deaths and on the creation of the Local Board he was appointed collector of rates. He was also chosen to collect the poor rates of the parish and to act in the capacity of assistant overseer.