Howard son of Bartholomew Horsell of Wootton Bassett, farmer, and Elizabeth (baptismal record)
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In 1871 Howard Horsell, aged 29, born in Wootton Bassett, farmer of 600 acres employing 12 men & 5 boys, and wife Jane, aged 30, born in Wootton Bassett, were living in Rabson, Winterbourne Bassett. With them was daughter Elizabeth (4) of Winterbourne Bassett.
In 1873 Howard Horsell was a witness at the marriage of his sister Mary Coleman Horsell to James William Page of Newington, Oxon, Gent.
In 1881 Howard Horsell, aged 38, born in Wootton Bassett, brewer . . . . . . . and wife Jane, aged 38, born in Purton were living in Dudley House, High St., Wootton Bassett. With them were children (born in Winterbourne Bassett): Arthur (9), scholar, Howard (7), scholar, Henry (6), Percy (4) of Purton, Mabel (1) of Wootton Bassett.
In 1891 Howard Horsell, aged 49, born in Wootton Bassett, brewer, and wife Jane, aged 50, born in Purton were living in High St., Wootton Bassett. With them were children (single): Bessie (21), Arthur (19), brewer, Howard (18), brewery pupil, Henry (16), brewery clerk, Mabel (10), scholar.
In 1901 Howard Horsell, Senr, aged 59, born in Wootton Bassett, brewer & spirit merchant, and wife Jane, aged 59, born in Purton were living in High St., Wootton Bassett. At home were children: Arthur (28), brewer, Howard Junior (27), brewer's cashier, Henry (25), brewer & spirit merchant's traveller, manager of . . . . . . . , Mabel (21).
In 1911 Howard Horsell, aged 69 born in Nore Marsh Wootton Bassett, married for 38 years (seven children 1 deceased) was visiting [his brother-in-law] James William Page (65) of North Newington Oxon, retired farmer, and his second wife Janie.
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Howard Horsell of Wootton Bassett, husband of Jane, died aged 88 years (MI).
Howard Horsell of Dudley House Wootton Bassett Wiltshire died 8 November 1929. Probate London 11 April 1930 to Richard Parsons, farmer, and Arthur Horsell, brewer. Effects £11942 17s. 7d. 4
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Mr. Howard Horsell, the "Grand Old Man" of Wootton Bassett, died on Friday at his residence, Dudley House, High Street, Wootton Bassett, at the age of 88 years.
The end came quite suddenly, as Mr. Horsell had been about the house during the last few days, but was a victim of heart trouble.
Up until quite recently he took his daily ride on his bicycle.
Mr. Howard Horsell was the son of Mr. Bartholomew Horsell, who was formerly alderman of the borough of Wootton Bassett and captain commandant of the 16th Wilts (Old Swindon) Rifle Volunteers.
His grandfather was Captain Horsell, who went through the Peninsular War, and returned to North Wilts, settling down as a novice farmer and cattle breeder.
Mr. Howard Horsell was born at Nore Marsh, Wootton Bassett, on 10 July, 1841, and received his education at a school at Calne. After working successfully for some years in agricultural pursuits, he became, at the age of 35, the founder and proprietor of the Beaufort Brewery, Wootton Bassett, and the School of Brewing, which he founded in 1877.
Farming was one of Mr. Horsell's greatest pleasures, and amongst other offices he held was president of the Swindon Chamber of Agriculture, and delegate to the Central Chamber of Agriculture. He has also been at different times chairman of the Wootton Bassett Town Trust, president of the Town Market Committee, a National School manager for a quarter of a century, a member of the Vale of White Horse (Cricklade) Hunt Committee, of the Parish Council, of the Technical Education Committee, and of the Rural District Council.
Mr. Horsell has spent a lifetime trying to raise the standard of social life in Wootton Bassett. When he first went to town there was only one Athletic Club, and all who wished for sport had to play on a bad pitch some distance outside the town. He formed the Beaufort Brewery Tennis Club about 1890.
He was appointed the first secretary, pro. tem., to help inaugurate the Wiltshire County Cricket Club, and has been president, captain, secretary and treasurer of lawn tennis, hockey, football and cricket clubs in the town.
Horsell's Lake, which is situated off the Malmesbury road, not far from Coped Hall, has become famous through recent tragedies.
Mrs. Horsell died a year or two ago at the age of 88 years.
Mr. Horsell leaves a family of four sons and two daughters. Three of the sons are abroad....
North Wilts Herald, 15 November 1929, p. 8
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