Close Family Tree

Obituary in August 1955 û Many Services to Giggleswick û Mr. Frederic Close of Cravendale û By the death of Mr Frederic Close, Cravendale, Giggleswick, the village has lost yet another prominent and respected resident.

Mr Close who was 66, was the youngest son of the late Mr & Mrs Close who at one time farmed at Runley Bridge farm, Settle, and he was born in America. He came to England at the age of 2; he lived for 40 years in Settle and moved to Giggleswick 22 years ago. He was educated at Settle Church of England School, Giggleswick Grammar School and Appleby Grammar School and on leaving school entered the office of John Delaney Ltd, (now Settle Limes) in 1906 and remained with the firm until he retired in September 1948. He maintained his connection with the firm and often helped out in an emergency, even up to a week or so before his death.

During the first World War, Mr Close served with the Duke of Wellington Regiment attaining the rank of sergeant and was awarded the Meritorious Service Medal.

During the 1939-1945 war he was second in command of the Settle Home Guard and was a member of the Settle Branch of the British legion. Mr Close was also a member of the 31st Home Guard Rifle Club and at Giggleswick he took part actively, although quietly in the social life of the village. He was secretary of the Giggleswick Savings Group and the treasurer of the village YouthÆs Sport Club. In addition, he had served on the committee of the Giggleswick Horticultural Society since itÆs formation and had been entries secretary for the past 6 or 7 years. At the societyÆs show on Saturday, tribute was paid to his memory by the societyÆs chairman, Mr H Jorden and the company present stood in silence to his memory.

Also, Mr Close was a member of Settle Working MenÆs Club and a keen sportsman. He was actuary of the Giggleswick branch of the Yorkshire Penny Bank until the branch closed.

Modest, Quiet and unassuming, Mr Close was always ready to serve in any good cause.

Mr Close is survived by his wife, a son and a daughter, who is in America.

The Funeral û A large congregation assembled at a service in Giggleswick Church yesterday (Thursday)ààà.Family mourners were; Mrs Close (widow); Mr & Mrs Jarvis Close (son & daughter-in-law); Mr & Mrs H Grisedale (brother-in-law and sister); Mr J Lord (uncle); Mrs Cokell (sister-in-law); and Mr & Mrs Wrenn (sister-in-law) ; and many cousins