James Spicer ca 1852-1934

Western Gazette Friday 07 September 1934. Late Mr James Spicer passing of Dorset Worthy. Distinguised Record of Public Service. Death has removed in Mr. James Spicer, of Bovington Farm, Bovington Camp, splendid type of old yeoman who faithfully served his day and generation. A widely known agriculturist, and one of the oldest justices of the peace for the County of Dorset, his keen interest in public affairs had extended over half a century. Mr. Spicer died on Sunday from pneumonia, which developed following an accident in which he was knocked down by a bicycle. He was aged 82. Mr. Spicer, who was the only surviving son of the late Mr. William Spicer, had been engaged in farming the whole of his life, and his splendid constitution enabled him to take an active part in his business up till the last. First he had a farm at Tincleton on the Clyffe Estate, and then on the death of his father, who was at Bovington Farm from 1868 to 1888, he succeeded him, so that there has been continuous family association with that particular farm for years. Mr. Spicer had a reputation second to none for good husbandry, and was in the front rank as a flockmaster. His registered flock of Dorset Down sheep was one of the finest of its kind in the county, and he did everything possible to encourage the breeding of this type. As a member of the Dorset Down Sheep Breeders Association he had rendered invaluable service, and in latter years had acted as judge. For many years Chairman of the old Winfrith Farmers Club, was very seldom that he missed any of the Club's meetings, had represented the Club on the Central Chamber of Agriculture. When the Farmer Clubs gave place to tho Dorset Farmers Union he became an active member of that organisation. 40 Years a Guardian. Far over 40 years took the greatest interest in his work as member of the Board Guardians, and was less enthusiastic in that of the Wareham and Purbeck Rural District Council, became member of the latter body in January 1895, and succeeded the late Mr. George Young as chairman in 1911, and for some 15 years earned out the duties associated with the office with conspicuous ability. His resignation, owing to indifferent health, in April 1926 was accepted with sincere regret, the Clerk being requested to convey him an intimation to that effect, coupled with thanks for his very valuable services. He continued a member, however, until quite recently, when not seeking re-election his seat was taken by his son-in-law, Mr. C. E. Hyde. From 1904 until a year or two ago he was the representative of the Winfrith electoral division on the Dorset County Council, and while having the interests of the whole county at heart, was zealous in his support of anything that was of benefit to the great industry of which was such a splendid example. His retirement here, also was succeeded Mr. Hyde. In 1924 Mr. Spicer qualified as Justice of the Peace at the Dorset Michaelmas Quarter Sessions, and he had since adjudicated on the Wareham Bench. A devoted Churchman, had acted as churchwarden for over 20 years. was a member of the Parochial Church Council, the Parish Council, and a governor of the Wool Church of England Schools. When Bovington Camp became active, Mr. Spicer also served on the Board of Managers at the Bovington Council School. Cricket and Hunting. In his younger days he was captain of the Tincleton Cricket Club. He was one of the oldest members of the South Dorset Conservative and Unionist Association. At one time he was keen follower of hounds, often being out with the South Dorset Pack when the Master was Mr. Harry Frampton, the then owner of the Moreton Estate, in which Bovington Farm is situated. By his geniality he was held in high esteem in Wool, and was the popular president of the Reading and Recreation Club. Mr. Spicer married Miss Lucy Mary Scutt, daughter of the late Mr. William Scutt, farmer, of Regis, and they celebrated their golden wedding in 1929. Deep sympathy has been extended to Mrs. Spicer and to the six surviving children four daughters and two sons. The eldest son is Mr. W. S. Spicer, of Dorchester. The Funeral. The little village church at Wool was filled with mourners on Wednesday, when the funeral took place. Men and women representing every phase of public and social life gathered to pay their last respects, and .... Members of the Wareham & Purbeck Rural District Council included Major Van de Weyer, Mr. .... The family mourners were: Mrs. J. Spicer (widow), Mr. W. Spicer (son), Mr. & Mrs. C. E. Hyde (son-in-law) and Mr. & Mrs. Drew (son-in-law and daughter), Mrs. White (daughter) and Mr. Bailey, Mr. J. Scutt (brother-in-law), Mrs. A liner and Miss Boyt (sister niece). Masters Humphrey, Geoffrey, and John Drew (grandsons), Mr. James Spicer, junr. (grandson). Mr. and Mrs. J. A (cousins), Mr. Kenneth Mitchell, and Miss Eva Leak. Employees as BEARERS. The service was conducted by the Rev, E. S. Tarrant (vicar). The bearers were all employees from the farm. The coffin was of polished elm, with brass furniture, and bore the inscription: "James Spicer. died 3rd September 1934. Aged 82 years. The flag on the church tower flew halfmast throughout the day.