Funeral of Mr. Wainwright in Handsworth

Description:In this diary entry, John Benjamin Stone MP recounts the day of Mr Wainwright's burial in Handsworth.

"Wed July 2nd 1902.
Letters from home saying Mr Wainwright would be buried today.
Left Euston by 9:20
Arrived at New St at 11:35.
Called upon Hawkes and Reynolds in his new office (Reynolds and James), Temple Row.
Had biscuits and drink at the Conservative Club, and took tram to Handsworth.
Found Rebecca calm and everything orderly.
Fred Knight and Sam Smith there and all the younger people.
Service first at Wretham Road Church (Rev: Rodgers) and burial in Handsworth Old Churchyard.
Many public were present.
Sir Henry Wiggin, George Johnstone etc etc.
Drove home to tea.
Letters in the evening."

Notes: Mr Wainwright was Joseph Wainwright of 147 Hall Road. He was buried in the grave occupied by his son Kenneth who died aged 7 in 1890. Rebecca Wainwright died in 1919 and was also buried in the plot. Reynolds and James on Temple Row were a firm of Solicitors. Fred Knight and Sam Smith are presumably local friends of the Wainwrights and Stones. The Reverend Rodgers was well known in the area during his tenure at Wretham Road Church. Sir Henry Wiggin was a Baronet and JP and lived at Metchley Grange, Metchley Lane in Harborne. George Hope Johnstone was also a JP and lived at "Headingley", Hamstead Hill in Handsworth.