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Frank Pitkin

Frank Pitkin

Frank Pitkin was born in Luton in 1861 and initially lived at 62 Albert Road.  In 1871 his mother and father are described as Straw Hat Manufacturers and the family had moved to 88 Chapel Street.  His father died in 1879 and by 1881 the family were at 23 Guildford Street.  Frank was a solicitor’s clerk and his mother was a still a Straw Hat Manufacturer.  Two servants lived with them.  Frank worked from 1883 to 1888 with the solicitor George Bailey of 5 Union Street, Luton.   He was clearly a gifted administrator as he served on the committees of Excelsior, Wanderers and Luton Town until 1893 when illness prevented any further participation.  His legal knowlScreen Shot 2015-03-17 at 07.52.02edge would also have been invaluable to the clubs he served.  He also acted as umpire/lineman and referee on numerous occasions.

 

The 1891 census shows him married to Bessie (nee Davis) with three children and a servant living at 3 Manchester Street.  His occupation is Solicitors Clerk and Deputy Superintendent Registrar.  Two more children followed but Frank, who passed away in late 1895, did not see his fifth child, who was born after his death and named after him.

From the Luton News of 28th November 1895;

“Sad death of Mr Frank Pitkin.- We regret to record the death of Mr Frank Pitkin, which took place under sad and very sudden circumstances at his residence in Crescent-road on Sunday morning.  It appears that Mr Pitkin, who was very friendly with Mr Amos, frequently took a drive on Sunday mornings, and last Sunday was walking from his front door to the carriage when he stumbled, as the result of some seizure.  His wife was watching at the window and at once came out and met her husband returning into the house.  He had a broken blood vessel and blood was already flowing from his mouth.  Dr. Pauli, who had attended him previously, was sent for but death took place before his arrival, the unfortunate man having been unable to utter a word after his seizure.  Mrs Tearle, the wife of the head constable, was fortunately near at hand, and she rendered every assistance to the distracted wife.  Mr Pitkin was 34 years of age and leaves a wife and four children.  The deceased was widely known and everywhere respected in the town.  As a lad he entered the employ of Mr Charles Austin, Clerk to the Luton Magistrates and Registrar of the Luton County Court and afterwards was clerk to Mr George Bailey, solicitors until 1888, when, as that gentleman was gradually relinquishing business, he entered the employ of Mr W. Austin, by his honesty and reliability, he was a very valuable servant.  For some years he attended regularly the meetings of the Guardians and frequently acted as deputy clerk, until increasing business at his office prevented his attendance.  He was well liked by the Guardians and officials of the Union [the Workhouse] and esteemed by all.  Outside his business duties, he had always been connected with various movements in the town in which he took an interest. He was, from boyhood an enthusiastic athlete, was a member of the old Luton Harriers and was an old footballer.  Upon the amalgamation of the Excelsior and Wanderers into the Town Football Club about ten years ago, he was elected secretary, but ill-health prevented him from carrying out the duties for the year.  Mr. I. Smith, the present secretary , finished the season up for him and being selected in his stead.  Since that time, up to a couple of seasons back, Mr Pitkin served loyally on the Committee of the Club, and up to the time of his death, although the state of his health forbade attendance at matches, he took a deep interest in the progress and welfare of the  Club, and was always ready to give his advice upon legal or other matters when it was sought.  He was also a member of the Luton Athletics Club committee and up till about two years ago was a devoted Volunteer, being a sergeant and always acting as orderly clerk when in camp.  He was in addition an energetic worker in connection with the Conservative Club.  The funeral took place this (Thursday) afternoon.”

 

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Frank is buried in Rothesay Road cemetery, Luton.