PETERSFIELD, Saturday, September 14
SUDDEN DEATH OF AN OLD "BOOTS."—On Wednesday morning Samuel Lawrance, who had well nigh passed through the allotted period allowed to man, was found dead at his lodgings in the Spain. It appears that the deceased had gone to his bed as usual on the previous night, from whence it was found he had passed, in his last sleep of life, to his long sleep in death, like his quiet pilgramage her, undisturbed, or disturbing any. one. In the sudden demise of poor "Old Sam" (for by such cognomen he was best known), we feel it is but an act of justice to notice, although holding no higher position than the humble "boots" at the Dolphin, that he there obtained, through a long series of years, by his "slow but sure" persevering constancy to his duties, and dependance in his unsophisticated "yes, sir," that confidence as to entitle him to the respect of all who knew him during his long sojourn of 84 years.
Chichester Express and West Sussex Journal — 10-Sep-1867
On Wednesday morning last, Samuel Lawrance, who had well nigh passed through the allotted period allowed man, was found dead at his lodgings, in the Spain. It appears that the deceased had gone to his bed as usual on the previous night, from whenco it was found he had passed, in his last sleep of life, to his long sleep in death—like his quiet pilgrimage here—undisturbed, or disturbing any one. In the sudden demise of poor "Old Sam” (for such cognomen he was best known), we feel it is but an act of justice to notice—although holding no higher position than the humble "boots" at the Dolphin—that he there obtained through a long series of years, by his "slow-but-sure” persevering constancy to his dulies, and dependence in his unsophisticated ”Yes, sir!" that confidence as to entitle him to the respect of all who knew him, during his long sojourn of 34 years at the hotel, till the infirmities consequent upon age rendered his further services unavailable. About two years ago honest "Old Sam” left for his native town, Alton where, in the vicisitude of time, he became a stranger in his own land, and all those dear to him had passed away, with the exception of a sister older than himself, when about a fortnight back he returned throw himself upon the benefit of his club, and to rest in his last home in the cemetery.