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Hastings and St Leonards Observer, 31 May 1913
Death of Mr. J. C. Burrell
A Valuable Public Man

Mr. J. C. Burrell, J.P, died at his residence, Blacklands, Baldslow-road.
The deceased gentleman was 82 years of age, and had lived a busy life. He was jeweller by profession, and was for many in business in Sheffield.  He came Hastings twenty-seven years ago.  At that time his health had broken down, but the Southern atmosphere soon had effect, and Mr. Burrell recovered.  Very soon he began to take an active interest in local public affairs, and his worth was recognised as shown by his election as a member of the old Hastings School Board.  On this body he did excellent work for number of years, and was ever ready to show practical interest in the work of the schools.  Occasionally he delivered valuable addresses on natural history and other subjects to the boys. After being in Hastings for some four years, the late Mr. Burrell appeared as a candidate for Council honours in St. Mary's Ward. ……. Mr. Burrell gained a notable victory.

In the Town Council his powers of oratory stood him in good stead; a strong advocate for both the extension of the borough and the purchase the electric light undertaking.  After the extension of the borough, Mr. Burrell stood for Lower St. Mary's; he declined to canvass, and the tide of public favour having turned against him, he was defeated. The late Mr. Burrell's strongest subject was undoubtedly finance, and he fought strenuously for reforms in this direction. …..  After his retirement from Municipal and Educational administration, his power was still felt in letters and articles which he contributed to the " Observer" and other local papers.

Although in debate he would sometimes say strong things, Mr. Burrcll was a man with the kindest disposition, and to know him personally was to admire him.a great lover of flowers and an amateur gardener of experience, he was never happier than when showing his results in floriculture to his friends.

In the field of politics Mr. Burrell was for many years a tower of strength the local Liberal party, although at times his independent spirit may have proved little awkward.  It was stated that when he took over for a short period the hon. treasurer hip of the Liberal party, he pulled round the finances, and was able for the first time for many years to show the local party balance on the right side.

The funeral took place on Thursday the Borough Cemetery. The Rev. A. Barrow. Rector of All Saints, officiated.  The chief mourners included: Mr. Hughes senior. Mr. G. T. Hughes. Mr. C. W. Banks, and Mr. T. Wood (Deputy Town Clerk). Others present included: Mr. F. Strickland. J.P.. Mr. H. B. Carter (secretary Hastings and St. Leonards Ratepayers' Association). Mr. and Mrs. A. H. Sinden (of Battle) Mr. John Browne (representing Hastings and St. Leonards Borough Association and the Dispensary). and others.  Among a number of floral tributes placed upon the massive oaken coffin was one from the Homoeopathic Dispensary, in which the late Mr. Burrell was much interested.  

LOCAL WILL. Mr. John Charles Burrell, J.P., of Blacklands, Hastings, who died on the 26th May, left property valued to the widow. Mrs. Mary Louisa Burrell, the sole executrix, at .£2,896

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