#15146, Francis Hay GURNEY

Francis and Margaret Charlotte had 15 children: Hugh (1848-1867), Reginald (1849-1930), Harriet Charlotte (1850-1935), Lewis Edmund (1852-1914), Rachel (1853-1928), Helen Mary (1855-1924), Constance (1856-1879), Millicent (1857-1933), Nigel (1859-1870),Beatrice (1860-1946), Cecil Francis (1862-1935). Alice Mary (1864-1867), Lovel Wodehouse (1865-1904), Edward Hay (1866-1935) and Sarah, born 1866 also.

The Norwich Mercury of 3rd December 1890 recorded that the deceased left numerous family of whom Mr Reginald Gurney of Bury St. Edmunds is the eldest surviving son.  He was a JP for Norfolk and  Deputy Lieutenant.  For many years he had been a partner in the banking firm of Gurney's, Birkbecks and Co.  When the Volunteer movement was started in 1859 he took great interest in it, and became the first Captain of No. 3 Company of the Norwich Corps.  A few years later he raised and commanded a troop of Light Horse.  Subsequently he joined the Suffolk Yeomanry ILoyal Suffolk Hussars) and not very long ago he retired with the brevet rank of Lieutenant-Colonel.  He held Conservative views, but took no active part in political life.  As Chairman of the Committee of Management he rendered good service to the Norfolk and Norwich Musical Festivals.  Mr Hay Gurney will be best remembered for his kindly disposition, social qualities, and gentlemanly bearing.  By his death the hunting field will miss a keen sportsman, and the city and county a familiar face and figure.