Extracted from: Garside Scrapbooks. Book 1, 1875 - 1917 p. 36. http://newmillshistory.org.uk/pdf/sbook1_002.pdf?

DEATH OF MR. RANGELEY. Many people in the village were shocked on Friday morning to learn that Mr. John Rangeley, of Ardern Terrace, had been found dead in bed at an early hour by his son. The deceased gentleman visited New Mills on Thursday afternoon, and was working as usual during the remainder of the day. When retiring for the night, he was apparently in his usual health, but when his son, Mr. John Rangeley, went to call him he did not reply. Dr. Pritchard was called in and pronounced life extinct, Mr. Rangeley having evidently passed away in his sleep. It was not considered necessary to hold an inquiry. There were few Hayfield people who did not know Mr. Rangeley, and there were very few indeed who did not enjoy meeting with him. He was one of the most witty and pleasant men the village has known and it has often been said that nobody ever saw him in a bad temper. His happy, ruddy face always spake of good humour and kindness, and "his ready smile a parent's warmth expressed." Mr. Rangeley, who had reached the age of 76 years, had spent practically the whole of his working-life at the Wood Print works, where he had occupied the position of foreman joiner for nearly 50 years. In his work he was particularly skilful and was often called upon to draw plans for buildings in the village. He often said he liked to be at his work and there are many men who have been employed at the Printworks who have been helped through a day's work by a good joke with him. In politics he was a staunch Conservative of the old school and was a strong supporter of the Church of England. He was the oldest member of the Court Kinder Scout of the Order of Foresters, as well as a P.C.R. and a trustee of the Court. Mr. Rangeley was a great lover of music and could play the piano, harmonium, and clarinet. He played the latter instrument with the old Hayfield String Band, and could relate some interesting stories about travelling on foot to the Woodlands with several members of the band at Christmastide. It was a common thing in those days to carry the double B. fiddle with them on such long journeys. In later years, he was often present at concerts held in the schools, if good music was anticipated. In many ways Mr. Rangeley will be a missed man and there are many at the Printworks in particular who will regret to think they have had their last joke with him. Mrs. Rangeley passed away several years ago, and he leaves two daughters and five sons to mourn his loss. The funeral took place at the cemetery on Monday afternoon, much respect being shown. The Rev, W. Rickaby, F.Ph., conducted a short service at the house and also officiated at the graveside. A number of past officers and members of the Forester's Court attended the funeral, as a tribute of esteem. The mourners were:- Miss Annie Rangeley, Miss Ann Rangeley (daughters), Mr. and Mrs. James Rangeley (son and daughter-in-law), Mr. and Mrs. Geo. Rangeley (son and daughter-in-law), Mr. and Mrs. Tom Rangeley (son and daughter-in-law), Mr. Dennis Rangeley and Mr. John Rangeley (sons), Mr. G. W. Eyre, Mr. G. W. Rangeley, Mr. Jonathan Marshall, Mr. James Bennett, Mr. Leonard Porritts, Mr. John Wild, Mr. and Mrs. Charles Belford, Mrs. H. Swindells, Mr. and Mrs. Tom Robinson, Mr. and Mrs. James Robinson, Mr. and Mrs. Walter Robinson, Mr. S. Seddon, Mrs. Handford. Mr. and Mrs. Daniel Lomas, Mrs. John Brooks, Mrs. Clarke, Mr. and Mrs. Geo. White, Mr. Ralph Sidebottom, and Mr. Walter Hill. There were floral tributes from the family, James and Ciss, Tom and Florry, George and Annie, Mr. and Mrs. Dennis Rangeley. Mr. and Mrs. Jas. Robinson, Mr. and Mrs. Walter Robinson, Mr. and Mrs. George White, Mr. and Mrs. C. Belford, Leonard, Elsie, the Neighbours, and the manager and foremen at the Wood Printworks. Messrs. Mason and Hadfield were the undertakers.
The death of Mr, John Rangeley, of Hayfield, recalls some of his ancestors, one of whom, his namesake, played a part of much importance. In the year 1800 the Luddite movement was disturbing the country, and that seditious organisation had a branch at Hayfield. Mr. Entwistle Hague at that time lived at Park Hall, and was greatly scared by the Luddite movement. The dungeon on Dungeon Brow was built so that captured outlaws could be confined to safe keeping. The John Rangeley of that day lived opposite the dungeon. Like the John who has just passed away, he was a joiner, and his workshop was at the end of the buildings. Here he made looms and beams for weavers. Mr. Hague, for his own safety, resolved to leave Park Hall and go to his house in Manchester. John Rangeley, being a powerfully built fellow, and sometimes engaged on work at Park Hall, was taken into the carriage with him as his body guard. But as the carriage went through Stalybridge there was a riot. The rioters attacked the carriage and threatened to kill him. Mr. Hague had with him five hundred guineas in a purse, and these he threw out of the carriage window. In the scramble that ensued he made good his escape to Manchester. So great was the shock he received, however, that he never came out of his house again alive. John Rangeley survived the ordeal, and continued to follow his useful trade. It would be interesting to know how long the Rangeleys have been joiners in Hayfield. There was an old John Rangeley in 1800, and there have been Rangleys as joiners ever since. Mr. John, Rangeley, who died last week, seems to have had a strong resemblance to his ancestor for he, too, was a man of Falstaffian proportions and would have enjoyed such an adventure as that just related.