William Adam HORSMAN

27 July 1917

ADDINGHAM SOLDIERS LETTERS

Mr. Flint has received the following letters in acknowledgment of parcels sent out:–

Pte. W. Horsman writes:– Thanks to the Addingham people for their generous gift. The parcel arrived when I had just left tho trenches, and I was thankful to have some thing good to eat on my first rest day. At present we are having glorious weather; it is better for us as to sleep in the fields under bits of shelter; of course, when in the trenches we have to take it as it comes. At night the fife band plays, which helps to pass the evenings on, and not far away another company is laying on a brass band so we get music out here.

19 October 1917

HORSMAN – Killed in action, Sept. 26th, Pte. W. Horsman, of the Royal Scots Regiment, son of Mr. And Mrs. Arthur Horsman, of Southfield Terrace, Addingham, aged 19.

19 October 1917

ADDINGHAM

DEATH OF PRIVATE W. HORSMAN

We regret to report the death of Private Willie Horsman in action in France. Pte. Horsman, who was attached to the Royal Scots Regiment, was 19 years of age, and the son of Mr. and Mrs. Arthur Horsman, Southfield Terrace. Deceased joined up about 12 months ago, and went out to France in June. The following letter has been received by his parents from Sec. Lieut. P. Mitcheson:– “It is with the greatest grief in my heart that I have to tell you the sad news that your dear son was killed in action on Wednesday, Sept. 26th. He was killed by a shell, but suffered no pain. He was one of the best men I had in the platoon, always perfectly reliable, and not only will his comrades, but I also, shall miss him very much. The platoon and I send our very deepest and most sincere expressions of sympathy, and hope that you may be strengthened to bear this sad loss.” A similar letter has also been received from his friend, Pte. Walker, of Guiseley, testifying to the dead soldier’s popularity amongst the men of his platoon. He is the 37th Addingham man to make the supreme sacrifice since the war broke out.

A memorial service was held at the Mount Hermon Chapel on Sunday evening. Pte. Horsman having been associated with the church and Sunday school since childhood. The preacher, Mr. Ellis Hartley, who referred briefly to the deceased soldier, deeply sympathizing with the parents and relatives in their sad loss, and prayed that they might be comforted by the grace that was from above, and sustained by that great and precious promise of God’s word. He was sure that his association with that school and church and his home must have gone with him and influenced him to have been good, to do good, and to do his best for King and country and home and loved ones. The hymns ‘Peace, perfect peace,’ and ‘Now the labourer’s task is o’er’ were sung. The large congregation testified to the high esteem in which Pte. Horsman was held by his friends.

26 October 1917

ADDINGHAM SOLDIERS’ LETTERS

The following letters have been received in acknowledgement of parcels sent out:–

Pte. Craven Smith, of the West Yorks., writes from hospital in Manchester:– Thanks for letter and P.O. I am feeling very much better, but the doctor says I shall be a good time before I am fit for active service again. I am suffering from trench fever. Sorry to hear that Willie Horsman and Tom Ashton have been killed. May God rest their souls. I hope their parents will accept my sympathy in their sad bereavement. It is two years come November since I left Old England for active service, and neither doctor’s pills of Fritz’s shells have got me yet. It has been a black week for us according to the papers, but they say it is always darkest before the dawn, so cheer up! Thank the people at home for the way they have helped us in this long trying struggle against German kultur. When we come to look at the casualties in our own village it shows you that the Colonials don’t do all the fighting. I hope you will write again soon, it brightens a fellow up to have a letter from his friends. Wishing you every success in your good work.

30 August 1918

Addingham Golden Weddings

Mr. and Mrs. John Horsman, of 55, Main Street, Addingham, celebrated their golden wedding on Sunday. They ware marred on August 20th, 1868, at the Parish Church, Addingham, by Rev. J. Lucas. Both are natives of Addingham belonging to well-known families. Mr. Horsman, who is 70 years of age, is the eldest son of the late Mr. and Mrs. William Horsman, grocers, of Main Street. Mrs. Horsman is the daughter of the late Mr. and Mrs. Adam Yeadon, who were also in the grocery business for a number of years, and is 74 years of age. Mr. Horsman has been in business as hairdresser, etc., for nearly 40 years. They have had four children, three of whom are living. One of their sons, Sergt Harry Horsman, joined the army in 1914, and has won the Distinguished Conduct Medal. Their only daughter emigrated with her husband and family to British Columbia nine years ago. They have had 14 grandchildren, of whom 12 are living. They have one grandson serving in France and another, Pte. W. Horsman, has laid down his life in France. They have been the recipients of many congratulations and presents.

Mr. and Mrs. Henry Rishworth, of 19, Wesleyan Terrace, Addingham., have also recently celebrated their golden wedding. They were married at Bradford Parish Church. Mr. Rishworth hails from Steeton, and Mrs. Rishworth from Utley, and they are 77 and 74 years of age respectively. Mr. Rishworth has been a farmer in the district for over 30 years, occupying farms on the Addingham and Silsden Moorside. Both enjoy good health. They have received a large number of good wishes from relatives and friends in the district.