Obituary

1881, August 16th

Intelligence reached Sunderland yesterday of the death of Mr. John Joicey, M.P. for North Durham, at his residence, Newton Hall, Stocksfield, at half-past 12 p.m. The announcement created much regret, and at the Conservative as well as at the Liberal Club the flags were lowered to half-mast. Ten days ago the hon. member was somewhat better, but he had a relapse on Monday last and never rallied again. A short time ago, owing to his failing health, he paired for the remainder of the Session. Mr. Joicey was the fourth son of Mr. George Joicey, of Newcastle-on-Tyne, and was born at Tynemouth in 1817. He was one of the wealthiest coal owners in the north of England, and was likewise largely engaged in other branches of industry. He was a magistrate for Northumberland and a deputy-lieutenant for the county of Durham. He was High Sheriff for the latter county in 1878. He took an active interest in the Volunteer movement, holding the post of Lieutenant-Colonel in the 1st Administrative Battalion of the Durham Rifle Volunteers. He was well known as a staunch and earnest Liberal. He had sat for North Durham since the General Election of 1880, when he was returned at the head of the poll, defeating Sir George Elliot, who at one time seemed likely to be returned unopposed, by more than 1,000 votes. In 1867 Mr. Joicey married a daughter of the late Rev. John Ewen, of Hopekirk, Roxburghshire.

Source: The Times