Transcript

of

Frederick Ash [Obituary]

Trans. Devon Assoc., 1880, Vol XII, p. 56.

by

Rev. W. Harpley, M.A.

Prepared by Michael Steer

The National Provincial Bank of England of which Mr Ash was the Dartmouth Branch Manager for “upwards of twenty years”, was a retail bank operating in England and Wales from 1833 until 1970 when it was merged into the National Westminster Bank. It continued to exist as a dormant non-trading company until 2016 when it was voluntarily struck off the register and dissolved. Considered one of the "Big Five," the National Provincial Bank expanded during the 19th and 20th centuries and took over a number of smaller banking companies. It was based on Bishopsgate, at the thoroughfare's junction with Threadneedle Street, in London. It is possible to still see evidence of this bank at Waterloo Station in London, where the logo has been removed but the outline of the words remain. The article, from a copy of a rare and much sought-after journal can be downloaded from the Internet Archive. Google has sponsored the digitisation of books from several libraries. These books, on which copyright has expired, are available for free educational and research use, both as individual books and as full collections to aid researchers.

Frederick Ash was for upwards of twenty years manager of the branch of the National Provincial Bank of England at Dartmouth, where, by his unfailing courtesy and kindness, he had made a wide circle of friends. In business habits he was strictly attentive and conscientious, always willing to do his utmost for the benefit of every one. Privately no one was more loving, kind, and affectionate. He was foremost in the promotion of all charitable objects. He held several offices of trust - he was an active member of the Regatta Committee, and treasurer to the Royal Dart Yacht Club. 

He was elected a member of this Association in 1868, and in the following year was the Local Treasurer at the meeting at Dartmouth, the duties of which office he discharged in a most efficient manner. Early in life he devoted attention to geology, and made a large collection of fossils from the older Palaeozoic rocks of Wales, including a very fine and valuable series of trilobites.

Mr. Ash had gone to London with his wife for the benefit of his health, which had not been very good for some little time, although no serious results were apprehended. Soon after his arrival at Parker's Hotel he died suddenly, on May 26th, 1880, aged 54 years.