Newspaper Article (Death) | WEEK 42

Laura Jarvis

April 12, 2013 — Nikellom

Frederick Street – 1907

Laura Jarvis, born in 1883 in Rotherham, is my second cousin, twice removed and daughter of Eliza Jane Bowler Crossland and Frank Jarvis.

In 1903, Laura married George Henry Edwards, in Rotherham.

Below are a couple of newspaper articles published shortly after Laura’s terrible death.

THE ADVERTISER, SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 23rd, 1940.

WOMAN DIES AFTER HOUSE FIRE.

JUMP FROM BEDROOM WINDOW.

Possible location of 98 Frederick Street - 2013 (yellow dot)

Present day location of 98 Frederick Street

“If Mrs. Edwards had not unfortunately gone back for a coat she would not have been burned,” said the Rotherham Borough Coroner, Mr. W. J. Bradford, J.P., at an inquest, held in Rotherham on Wednesday, on Mrs. Laura Edwards (56), of 98, Frederick Street, Rotherham, who died in Rotherham Hospital from the effects of burns sustained in a fire at her home last Saturday.

Dr. J. J. B. Sebastian, of Rotherham Hospital, said Mrs. Edwards was admitted on November 16th suffering from shock and second and third degree burns of the face, neck, chest, back and arms. She died on November 19th from secondary shock due to the burns.

Bramwell Street

Evidence of identification was given by the deceased’s daughter, Madge Batty, married, of 40, Bramwell Street, Rotherham.

The widower, George Henry Edwards, said at about midnight on November 15th, he went to bed with his wife in the front bedroom, leaving a small coal fire burning in the living room. The fire was dying out. At about 7.30 a.m. on Saturday, witness was aroused by his wife and heard loud banging on the back door. They went downstairs and found the living room full of smoke and flames. Witness said his wife was just behind him when she opened the door leading to the shop at the front of the house, but when he turned round she had gone. Witness went out of the front door and got on to the footpath in Frederick Street, when his wife, who was wearing only her night clothes, jumped from the bedroom window into the street.

Doncaster Gate Hospital, Rotherham - 19.08.07 (4)

Rotherham Hospital

WENT FOR COAT.

He thought she must have gone back upstairs to get her fur coat, which was in the back bedroom. When the house was examined after the fire the fur coat was found in the front bedroom, near the window. There was nothing else for which his wife should go upstairs, as witness had the money belonging to the shop in his pocket.

Sergt. J. W. Bartle, of Rotherham Fire Brigade, said the contents of the living room and the bedroom above it were blazing fiercely when the Fire Brigade arrived. The living room was burned out and the contents of the bedroom were severely damaged. The fire had apparently originated in a settee in the living room.

86 - Moorgate Cemetery, Rotherham (Jarvis) - 21.09.11 (57)

Laura’s grave

Mrs. Edwards had apparently been trapped in the bedroom when trying to retrieve some clothing. She threw herself from the bedroom window before the arrival of the Fire Brigade.

Answering Supt. F. Briddon, the witness expressed the view that had the back door not been broken in and had the door leading from the living room to the stairs been left closed, the fire would have been contained to the living room and would not have spread upstairs.

THE ADVERTISER, SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 23rd, 1940.

Mr. Edwards and daughters, of 98, Frederick Street, wish to thank doctors and nurses of Rotherham Hospital, also relatives and friends for kind letters of sympathy and floral tributes in their sad bereavement.

Posted in Crossland, Edwards, Jarvis, Newspaper Article (Death). Leave a Comment »

Irene M. Surtees

April 11, 2013 — Nikellom

Irene’s grave

Irene M. Surtees is my third cousin, twice removed. Below is a newspaper article(s) published shortly after her death.

THE ADVERTISER, SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 14TH, 1942

HERRINGTHORPE GIRL KILLED IN WORKS ACCIDENT.

A verdict of “Accidental death” was recorded at a Sheffield inquest on Monday on Irene Surtees (16), of 21, Beaumont Drive, Herringthorpe Estate, Rotherham, an employee of Wm. Cooke and Sons, Ltd., Tinsley, Sheffield. Evidence showed that the girl suffered a severe fracture of the top of the right arm, and fracture of the chest, and several ribs, when a steel bar flew from a wire-stranding machine she was operating.

The funeral took place in the Rotherham Moorgate Cemetery on Wednesday, the Rev. H. J. Spalding (priest-in-charge of St. Cuthbert’s Church, Herringthorpe) officiating. Among the mourners were the following representatives of Messrs. William Cooke and Sons:- Mr. C. R. Turton (secretary), Mr. C. Elmhirst (works manager) and Mrs. Neil (supervisor).

SURTEES. – On February 5th, 1942, Irene, aged 16 years, dearly loved daughter of Mr. and Mrs. E. Surtees and sister of Lily and Mary, of 21 Beaumont Drive, Herringthorpe, accidentally killed at work.

You left behind some aching hearts.

Mr. And Mrs. Surtees and family wish to thank relatives, neighbours and friends for kind expressions of sympathy and floral tributes in their sad and sudden bereavement.

Posted in Newspaper Article (Death), Surtees. 1 Comment »

Francis Thomas Pinder

April 1, 2013 — Nikellom

H.A. English, F.T.P., D.L.P. & C.J.P. - Circa 1920 - Photographed by A. & A.E. Whate (Skegness & Mablethorpe) (Copyright J. Pinder) (1)

Madie & Frank with children, Dorothy & Jim, circa 1920

Francis Thomas Pinder, born in 1884 in Rotherham, is my great granduncle and son of Francis Pinder and Hannah Berry.

In 1914, in Talbot Lane Methodist Church, Rotherham, Frank married Harriett Amelia English (known as Madie), daughter of James Everett and Alice English.

THE ADVERTISER, SATURDAY, AUGUST 15, 1914.

PINDER – ENGLISH. – August 11, at Talbot Lane Wesleyan Church, by the Rev. J. (?) Havelock Thompson, Frank, son of Mr. and Mrs. F. Pinder, of Carlisle street, to Harriet Amelia (Madie), daughter of Mr. and Mrs. J. E. English, of 22 (?), Tooker road.

Talbot Lane Church

Together, Frank and Madie issued five children, called, Clifford James (1916 to 2010), Francis Henry (1917 to 1917), Dorothy Lois (1919 to 2001), Francis Alan (1921 to 2006) and Stanley English (1925 to 1993).

Frank and Harriet lived all or nearly all of their married life at 69 Bradgate Lane in Rotherham.

My father once recalled visiting Madie after Frank had passed away, and remembered copious quantities of cake and suchlike being offered to him, which was greatly received by his sweet tooth.

Bradgate Lane

Below is a newspaper article(s) published shortly after Frank’s death.

THE ADVERTISER, SAT., MAR. 3RD, 1951

PINDER. – At 69, Bradgate Lane, on Tuesday, February 27th, Francis Thomas, dearly loved husband of Harriet Amelia Pinder.

MR. F. T. PINDER

The death occurred on Tuesday of Mr. Francis Thomas Pinder, aged 66, of 69, Bradgate Lane, Kimberworth.

Mr. Pinder was for some time employed by Messrs. Yates Haywood and Co. He then went to the Rotherham Power Station, then in its early days and was for many years a charge engineer.

Frank’s headstone

A prominent figure in Rotherham Methodist circles, Mr. Pinder was for 35 years an active member of the Kimberworth Methodist Church.

Frank was buried with his parents and brother, Francis Clement Walker Pinder, who had died in infancy in 1881.

Madie lived to the ripe old age of 98, passing away in 1981 in Bedfordshire.

Posted in Berry, English, Newspaper Article (Death), Newspaper Article (Marriage), Pinder, Rotherham Utilities. Leave a Comment »

Claude Mollekin

March 24, 2013 — Nikellom

Claude Mollekin

Claude Mollekin, born in 1908 in Rotherham, is my first cousin, twice removed and son of Herbert Mollekin.

Below are a couple of newspaper articles published the day following Claude’s funeral.

THE ADVERTISER, SAT., JUNE 1st, 1968

MOLLEKIN. – On May 28th, at the Royal Hospital, Sheffield, of The Grove, Blyth Road, Maltby, beloved husband of Kath and dearly loved father of Judith and Mary.

DEATH OF MALTBY BUILDER, MR. C. MOLLEKIN

Mr. Claude Mollekin, a Maltby builder and racecourse owner, died at the Royal Hospital, Sheffield, on Tuesday. He was 59.

Mr. Mollekin, of The Grove, Blyth Road, Maltby, had lived in the town all his life. The son of a master builder, he joined the family business after leaving Rotherham Grammar School.

When his father died, Mr. Mollekin entered partnership with his brother, but when this was dissolved he took over control of the family’s building business.

The company has expanded over the years, but Mr. Mollekin had always maintained his interest in the well-being of his employees.

He was constantly grateful for their loyalty, and many men have stayed with the company for a large part of their working lives.

WIDE INTERESTS

Mr. Mollekin had very wide interests. In recent years he had emulated his father, owning several racehorses. He had many other sporting interests. In his earlier days he had played competitive football at school, and he also had an active interest in cricket.

He leaves a widow and two daughters.

The Grove

Interment took place at Maltby Cemetery yesterday, following a service at Maltby Parish Church, conducted by the Vicar of Maltby, the Rev. C. A. Auckland.

During the service Mr. Auckland said Mr. Mollekin’s vigour had been turned into a skill.

“I knew Mr. Mollekin very well indeed, and regarded him as a very dear friend who did a lot of work for us in the church. But it was not this that brought me into contact with him, but his humanity and his vigour,” he said.

Maltby Cemetery

Family mourners were: Mrs. K. Mollekin (widow), Miss J. Mollekin, Miss M. Mollekin (daughters), Mr. H. Mollekin, Mr. and Mrs. F. Mollekin, Mr. and Mrs. S. Mollekin, Mr. S. Mollekin (brothers and sisters-in-law), Mr. and Mrs. J. Sadler (brother-in-law and sister), Miss I. Mollekin, Mr. H. Nicholson, Mr. J. Sadler, Mr. and Mrs. M. Green (nephews and nieces).

Mr. and Mrs. J. Gurney (brother-in-law and sister-in-law), Mrs. M. Bevitt-Smith, Mr. Nigel Bevitt-Smith (cousins).

Representatives present were Mr. F. Massey (Conisbro’ Urban District Council), Mr. A. Johnson (Oates Builders’ Merchants, Ltd.), Mr. K. L. Perkins (Newtons, Worksop, Ltd.), Mr. J. Shaw and Mr. J. Walker (S. and W. Contractors), Mr. F. Ogley (Oxley and Coward), Mr. E. Stacey (Maltby Forge and Iron Works), Mr. G. W. Routh (T. H. Johnson and Son), Mr. G. Outram (North Notts Gravel Co., Qualbatch Concrete, Ltd., and Ferror Concrete and Stone, North Notts, Ltd.), Mr. F. Catchpole (Maltby Metallic Brick Co.), Mr. W. H. N. Haslam (J. Haslam and Sons), Mr. E. J. L. Pleasance (Worksop Blast Co.), Mr. R. Shaw and Mr. D. Murphy (Shaw and Murphy), Mr. S. Bristowe and Mr. W. H. Tucker (H. Aizlewood Ltd.), Mr. D. Sutherland (Joseph Green, Ltd.), Mr. T. Agar (H. B. Raylor and Co., Ltd.).

Mr. Fernie Greaves and Mr. A. Thurlston-Holmes (Fernie Greaves, Holland and Co.), Mr. J. Clark (Frank Gresham and Co., Ltd.), Mr. W. Stephenson (Doncaster Blood Stock), Mr. N. Brooke (J. H. Bean and Co., Ltd.), Mr. C. Ellis and Mr. P. Mitchell (Murray and Bright, Ltd.), Mr. K. J. Butler (Midland Woodworking Co., Ltd., of Melton Mowbray), Mr. B. W. Ellis, Mr. R. Oddy, Mr. G. H. Davis, Mr. M. Hepples (Maltby Urban District Council), Mr. A. H. Willingham (Midland Bank Ltd.), Mr. T. Foulds (T. Foulds and Sons), Mr. J. Ridley (Ridley’s Woodworking Co.), Mr. H. Barlow (Rotherham Builders’ Supply Co., and J. B. Dent and Co.), Mr. D. Hammerton, Mr. A. Criddle (Criddle and Hammerton, accountants), Mr. E. L. Leng (Brick Marketing Co.), Mr. J. C. Wilberg (B. Croft and Whiteman, Ltd.), Mr. M. O. Auburn (Messrs. Grimwade and Ainsley, quanitity surveyors), Hubert R. Palmer (Jenkinson, Palmer and Associate).

Employees present were Mr. W. White, Mr. E. Kenyon, Mr. E. Tann, Mr. H. Fletcher, Mr. C. Viney, Mr. F. Mottram, Mr. R. Trueman, Mr. A. Crawshaw, Mr. G. Smith, Mr. J. Crawshaw, Mr. J. Pitchford, Mr. C. O’Neill, Mr. A. Brookes, Mr. R. Holgate, Mr. K. O’Neill, Mr. J. Mitchell, Mr. C. Vaughn, Mr. T. Ridgeway, Mr. E. Stacey, Mr. K. Fretwell, Mr. A. Beedle, Mr. G. Loundes, Mr. Granville, Mrs. E. M. Mitchell, Mrs. I. Appleby, Mrs. A. Hepples, Mrs. V. Moody, Mr. R. Longbottom, Mr. D. R. Baxter, Mr. B. Crawshaw, Mr. G. Turner, Mr. G. Casswell, Mr. D. Hall, Mr. R. Cavill, Mr. E. Feltrup, Mr. L. Andrews, Mr. G. Simms.

Claude’s grave

Others present were Mr. W. H. Palfreyman, Mr. G. Feltrup, Mr. T. Alton, Mr. J. Alton, Mr. D. Atton, Mr. F. Morrell, Mr. A. L. Salmon, Mr. G. W. Hall, Mr. G. Hunter, Mr. W. Jones, Mr. R. Astwood, Mr. T. Badger, Mr. And Mrs. R. Walker, Mrs. N. Batty, Mrs. John Balbirnie (also representing Dr. J. P. E. Balbirnie), Mr. John Pepper (also representing Mrs. Mary Pepper and family), Mr. E. Bowyer and son, Mr. Geoff Spencer, Miss G. Spencer (also representing Mrs. R. Spencer), Mr. H. Bilton, Mr. A. Cumberlidge (also representing Mrs. Cumberlidge), Mr. H. Trueman, Mr. A. Bagley, Mr. C. Ridgeway, Mr. D. W. Charman (also representing the Earl of Scarborough and Mr. E. T. Merryweather), Mr. Leslie Mann.

Posted in Maltby, Mollekin, Newspaper Article (Death). Leave a Comment »

William Charles

March 21, 2013 — Nikellom

William Charles

William Charles, born in 1880 in Masbrough, Rotherham, married my second great aunt, Winifred Pinder, in 1908.

William built their family home that he called ‘Wyvenhoe’ on Moorgate Road, Rotherham and I also heard that he built a row of houses in the Bradgate area of Rotherham.

Below is a newspaper article(s) regarding William’s death (special thanks to Ros Templeman for the photo of William).

THE ADVERTISER, FRI., MAR. 20TH, 1970

Wyvenhoe

CHARLES. – William, in his 90th year, husband of the late Winifred; peacefully at his home, 191, Moorgate Road, Rotherham, March 18th. Service, Talbot Lane Methodist Church on Monday, March 23rd, at 3 p.m., followed by interment at Kimberworth Parish Churchyard.

DEATH OF MR. W. CHARLES

Mr. William Charles, one of the founders of the Rother Boiler Co., Ltd., and the Rotherham Steel Strip Co., Ltd., died at his home at 191, Moorgate Road, Rotherham, on Wednesday. He was 89.

Rother Boiler Company, Rotherham

Born and educated at Masbro’ Mr. Charles, after leaving school, joined his father’s building firm of William Charles and Sons.

In 1917, Mr. Charles and his elder brother, Alfred founded the Rotherham Steel Strip Co., with other partners, and then the Rother Boiler Co.

At the time of his death, Mr. Charles was still a director of the two firms, and one of his sons, Mr. R. F. L. Charles, is still connected with Rotherham Steel Strip Co. Ltd.

139-saint-thomass-church-kimberworth-charles-15-11-13-28

William & Winifred’s headstone

Up to the time of his death Mr. Charles was an active member of Talbot Lane Methodist Church. He was also a keen gardener.

Mr. Charles leaves two sons, three daughters, and two grandchildren. Interment will take place at Kimberworth Parish Churchyard next Monday, following a service conducted by the Rev. Douglas Griffiths, M.B.E., at Talbot Lane Methodist Church.

Posted in Charles, Newspaper Article (Death), Pinder, Rotherham Businesses. Leave a Comment »

Blanche Emily Early

March 19, 2013 — Nikellom

Effingham Street

Blanche Emily Early, born in 1882 in Rotherham, is my first cousin, thrice removed and daughter of Priscilla Walker Berry and Jesse Early.

Below are details of an inquest held a few days after Blanche’s tragic death.

THE ROTHERHAM ADVERTISER, SATURDAY, DECEMBER 21, 1901

SAD DEATH OF A ROTHERHAM YOUNG LADY FATAL FALL FROM A BEDROOM WINDOW SUPPOSED SOMNAMBULISM

An inquest was held at the Rotherham Hospital on Monday night before Mr. B. Bagshawe, Deputy Coroner, touching the death of Blanche Emily Early, daughter of Mr. Jesse Early, of 26, Effingham street, which took place on Saturday morning, the 14th inst., as the result of injuries sustained by her falling from a bedroom window, at her father’s house, on Wednesday morning, the 11th inst. The first witness was Mr. Jesse Early, of 26, Effingham street, pork butcher and provision merchant, who said the deceased, Blanche Emily Early, was his daughter and was nineteen years old. She was not strong or healthy in her younger years, but had improved latterly. She assisted her mother in household matters. Witness saw her on Tuesday night, the 10th inst., when she went to bed in her usual health and spirits. In fact she was very cheerful indeed. Her sister and she slept together, and deceased was the first to retire. Witness next saw her about eight o’clock on the Wednesday morning, when she was carried upstairs. He was in bed when he was told she had fallen out of the window and he went out of his bedroom and saw her being carried upstairs. She was unconscious. Dr. Baldwin was sent for and Dr. Locke came at once after which Dr. Baldwin attended her up to her death, which occurred on Saturday morning at half-past one o’clock. Witness had no knowledge as to her having thrown herself out of the window.

Rotherham Hospital

The Coroner: Was she a hysterical girl? – No, sir. Had she walked in her sleep? – Not to my knowledge. Was she in trouble? – No, sir. Quite sure? – Yes, sir. You have never heard of her walking in her sleep? – No, sir. So far as you know had there been any quarrel between yourself and anybody? – No, sir According to the report made by the police she appears to have fallen from a window. How do you account for it?

Effingham Street

Mr. Early: The only way in which I can account for it is this: my eldest daughter and the deceased slept together, and my wife called them up at half-past seven. My eldest daughter got up first and began dressing herself. She left Blanche in bed. My eldest daughter pulled the Venetian blinds up, and I think that must have startled the deceased. She then got out of bed and went past my other daughter to get into the bath-room as she thought. She put on her stockings and skirt. At the top of the stairs is a bedroom where she kept her clothes, and I think instead of going into the bath-room she had taken the wrong turn. The Coroner: What height is the window from which she fell? I should think about 20 or 30 feet. I mean from the floor of the bedroom to the window. What height is the bottom of the window to the floor? Witness: It is only like a step. Why should she open the window? Witness: It is a window which slides up easily. In fact it flies up. It does not open outwardly. Is there any similarity between that window and the one leading into the bath-room? Witness: In the bath-room the window is much higher. She would have had to climb to get out of the bath-room window. Is that the only explanation you have to give? It seems an extraordinary thing that a girl should walk into a room, open the window and jump out or get out without rhyme or reason. Have you any further explanation? Witness: Not the slightest. My other daughter will tell you more perhaps. By the Foreman of the Jury: Do you think she was awake? Witness: I think not. I think she was in a dazed state. The Coroner: Had she opened that window before? – Yes. By a Juror: Do you think it possible she mistook the window for the door? Witness: That is what we think. It was not quite light and we think she missed the door. Florence Amy Early, daughter of the last witness, said on Wednesday morning week her sister and she were sleeping together.

41-moorgate-cemetery-rotherham-early-16-03-14

Early grave

Deceased went to bed first on the Tuesday night and was asleep when witness got to bed. She was in her usual state of health when she retired to rest. Witness was awakened by her mother at half-past seven next morning and she got up shortly afterwards leaving the deceased in bed and drawing up the Venetian blinds. Witness was then undressed, She had drawn up one blind and was drawing up the second, when her sister got up and went out of the room as she thought to go to the bath-room. Then she heard her go to the other bedroom. The Coroner: I suppose you thought she had gone to the bath-room to wash herself? – Yes. Was it dark? – It was just breaking light. It was very dark that morning. The Coroner: She left the room as you say in this half-dressed condition. What happened afterwards? Witness: I heard her go into the back bedroom and thought she had gone for some clean clothes. Before I could do any more my brother shouted up the stairs that she was in the yard. What I thought was the drawer opening must have been the window. My brother shouted, “Blanche has fallen into the yards.” She was taken upstairs, and after a time regained consciousness, when she said she did not remember anything; she never remembered getting out of bed. The Coroner: Was she in the habit of getting out of bed and walking about the house? – Not lately. Had she ever been? – The time we remember her coming down in her sleep was six years ago. You know that of your own knowledge? – Yes. Did you see her leave the room? – Yes. Did she seem awake or asleep? – I did not notice. I expected she was awake. You thought she was going into the bath-room to dress? – Yes. Lily Woolley, domestic servant at 22, Effingham street, said on Wednesday last she saw Blanche Emily Early come through the bedroom window. Witness saw her sitting on the window sill. She had on her night dress, skirt and stockings. She thought Miss Early was talking to her. Her mouth was moving. Did you notice if her eyes were open? – Yes, they were open. The Coroner: Can you account for this? – I cannot, sir. Why should she fall from the window. Do you know the reason? – No, sir.

Blanche’s grave inscription

The Coroner said there was only one conclusion to be come to. The deceased up to about six years ago had been in the habit of getting up in a somnolent condition, which sometimes did occur, especially with young girls at a certain age. The evidence pointed to the fact that the deceased was cheerful when she went to bed and that she had no trouble. There was nothing suspicious in the case, and there was no reason to suppose that she committed suicide. He thought the verdict of the jury must be that she died from the effects of a fall from a bedroom window whilst she was probably in a somnolent condition. The Jury, at the close of the inquiry, expressed their sympathy with Mr. Early and his family in their trouble.

Posted in Berry, Early, Newspaper Article (Death). 4 Comments »

Edith Mary Pinder

November 4, 2011 — Nikellom

Edith

Edith Mary Pinder is my paternal grandmother and was born in 1901 in Rotherham to parents, Matthew Henry Pinder and Alice Cunnington

In 1925, Edith married John Gilbert Mollekin. Together, they issued three children who were called, Beryl Marjory, John Malcolm and James Barrie.

Like her sister, Marjory, Edith was educated at Rotherham Girls High School.

Rotherham Girls High School

Edith died in 1952 following a series of strokes over a period of about three years. She is buried in Saint Alban’s Churchyard, Wickersley. Below is a newspaper article pertaining to her death.

The funeral took place at Wickersley Church on Wednesday, the Rector of Wickersley (Canon W. Sorby Briggs) officiating, of Mrs. Edith Mary Mollekin, wife of Mr. John G. Mollekin, 109, Melciss Road, Wickersley, who died last Saturday at her home after a long illness, aged 51.

melciss-road-listerdale-no-109-17-08-03-3

109 Melciss Road

A native of Rotherham, she had resided at Wickersley for the last 22 years. Her husband is a British Railways signalman stationed at Rawmarsh. During the second world war, and for several years after, Mrs. Mollekin a book-keeper and accountant, was employed in the accountancy department of the Borough Treasurer’s office at Rotherham. Before being taken ill about 18 months ago, she was employed for a few months in the office of Messrs. A. E. and E. A. Sides, auctioneers, of Rotherham.

(Grave No. 31) Saint Alban's Church, Wickersley - 29.04.07 (1)

Edith’s grave

In addition to the widower, she leaves two sons. The mourners included Mr. J. G. Mollekin (widower); Mr. J. Mollekin and Mr. B. Mollekin (sons); Mr. J. Pinder (Fernhurst, Surrey), Mr. and Mrs. D. Pinder (Mundesley-on-Sea), Warrant Officer P. Pinder, R.A.F. (stationed at Hull), and Mrs. J. Webster, of Rotherham (brothers and sisters-in-law); Mr. and Mrs. G. A. Turnbull, of Morpeth (brother-in-law and sister); Mr. and Mrs. A. Hunter, of Hoyland (cousin and wife); Mr. W. Charles, of Whiston (uncle): Miss N. Charles and Mrs. M. Bates (cousins); Mrs. R. Harrison and Mrs. A. Longden, Mr. and Mrs. G. Norbron, Mrs. S. Shaw, Mrs. Brown, Mrs. G. Brotherton and Miss E. Ross. Mr. Mollekin and family sincerely thank Dr. Peckitt, Nurse Wooley, friends and neighbours for their kindness, sympathy and floral tributes.

Posted in Mollekin, Newspaper Article (Death), Pinder. Leave a Comment »

Beryl Marjory Mollekin

November 3, 2011 — Nikellom

Beryl M. Mollekin

My aunt, Beryl Marjory Mollekin, the daughter of Edith Mary Pinder and John Gilbert Molleken was born in 1926, in her grandmother’s home on Bethel Road, Eastwood, Rotherham.

Beryl lived the first few years of her life at 33 Bentley Road, Bramley, Rotherham, before moving to a newly erected house on Melciss Road in Listerdale, Wickersley.

As a teenager, Beryl began working as a Clerk at the Masbrough Goods Railway Station in Rotherham. Before joining the Army, my father also worked here.

Bethel Road, Eastwood, Rotherham

My father remembered Beryl having a Polish boyfriend who was a pilot in the Royal Air Force. I can’t remember this gentleman’s name, but I seem to recall my father saying that he gave him sweets etc. and was good-natured and friendly towards him. My father remembered how one evening, his sister was in a hysterical state, with her parents trying to calm her down without success. My father surmised, years later, that this was when her Polish boyfriend had been killed in action.

Saint Alban’s Church, Wickersley

Nineteen days after her nineteenth Birthday, in May 1945, Beryl married Andrew Beulah Kennedy in Saint Alban’s Church, Wickersley. Andrew was a Corporal in the American Air Force, stationed in the local area.

A U.S. AIR FORCE BRIDEGROOM. – Miss Beryl Marjory Mollekin, only daughter of Mr. and Mrs. J. G. Mollekin, of 109 Melciss Road, Wickersley, was married at St. Alban’s Church, Wickersley, last Saturday, to Mr. Andrew B. Kennedy, only son of Mrs. Kennedy, of Hampton, Tennessee, U.S.A., and the late Mr. A. B. Kennedy. The bridegroom is in the U.S. Air Force. The Rev. H. Lee officiated and the hymns sung were ‘O Perfect Love’ and ‘Lead Us, Heavenly Father,’ Mr. S. Briggs the organist. Wearing a gown of white lace, with a net veil and coronet of orange blossom, the bride was given away by her father. She carried a bouquet of pink carnations, sweet peas and maiden-hair fern.

ABK & BMM - Wickersley - 19.05.45 (edited)

Andrew and Beryl

Shortly after their marriage, Beryl and Andrew left England to live in Andrew’s homeland, which was Tennessee, America. This was also an exciting time for my father, as he would receive gifts of items from America that he wouldn’t otherwise have obtained in England. My father was also looking forward to a planned holiday in Tennessee. When Beryl began her journey to America, at the railway station, she gave my father a small, toy, railway engine.

In Tennessee, Beryl became a Bible Teacher.

Telegram announcing Linda’s birth

In September 1946, Beryl gave birth to my cousin, Linda. Beryl sadly passed away four days later.

Coincidentally, Beryl’s great grand aunt, Martha Pinder, died following childbirth 75 years previous in 1871. Both Beryl and Martha had lived at an address, numbered 109. Martha died at 109 Hope Street in Rotherham, whilst Beryl’s last residence in England was 109 Melciss Road, Listerdale, Wickersley.

Telegram announcing Beryl’s death

After Beryl’s death, my grandmother frequently communicated with Linda’s relations in America as she wanted to bring her to England so that she could be raised in Wickersley. It was decided however that Linda would remain in Tennessee. My grandmother passed away just six years later without ever seeing Linda, but my grandfather was finally able to make a trip to see her in 1963.

Below are a couple of newspaper articles pertaining to Beryl’s death.

Saint Elizabeth Hospital, Elizabethton, Tennessee, America

CONDOLENCES

Our deepest sympathy with the members of a Wickersley family has been given to them in the sad and sudden loss of their daughter in child birth. Beryl Mollekin, as we knew here, was married here a year last May to Andrew Kennedy, who was in the American Air Force. He was a very nice young man, and they were very happy together. Just after Easter, Beryl went out to America to join him, and last month gave birth to a baby, living only four days after the child was born. Beryl was a member of the Church and a Sunday School teacher. In their deep sorrow, her parents have the consolation of knowing that she was a good girl, and we hope and pray that, though she died so far away from home, they will be granted faith to realise that they may look forward in patience, hope and trust to seeing her again in the eternal home.

Beryl’s Grave

ELIZABETHTON, Sept. 14. – Mrs. Beryl Mollekin Kennedy, one of Carter country’s war brides and wife of Andrew B. Kennedy, Jr., of Hampton, died at 11:50 a.m. Friday, in St. Elizabeth Hospital, after a brief illness.

A native of Yorkshire England, she was married in England May 19, 1945 and came to this country in April. Her husband, who was stationed with the Eighth Air Corps in England for three and a half years, arriving home last January. The young couple had been making their home with his parents at Hampton. She was a member of the Church of England.

A pregnant Beryl (left) with her Bible class students

Besides the husband, she is survived by an infant daughter, Linda Kay; parents, Mr. and Mrs. Jack Mollekin; and two brothers, John and Barrie Mollekin, all of England.

Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. Sunday at Hampton Baptist Church with the Rev. B. N. Canup in charge. Burial will be in the Hall Cemetery.

Saint Alban’s Churchyard, Wickersley

Pallbearers will include Harlan Oakes, Hazen Brumit, Don Hazelwood, Bobby Oakes, Ray Waycaster, Jack Stevens, Sam Young and Charles Baker.

The body will remain at the Roy Hathaway Funeral Home, which is in charge, until 1 p.m. Sunday when it will be taken to the church to lie in state until hour of services.

Although Beryl is buried in Tennessee, she is also remembered on the Mollekin family grave in Saint Alban’s Churchyard, Wickersley.

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Herbert Collinson Lowkes

November 2, 2011 — Nikellom

Herbert C. Lowkes

Herbert Lowkes is my second cousin, twice removed and he died as a result of an industrial accident. It is interesting to note that Herbert’s father (William Henry Loukes) preferred the ‘Lowkes’ variation of his surname which consequently has been passed on to all subsequent generations. Below are three newspaper articles regarding Herbert and his unpleasant demise (special thanks to Steve Lowkes for these and the photos).

DYE WORKS EXPLOSION NOVEMBER 10, 1928 – TRAGIC AFFAIR AT BROMBOROUGH – YOUNG PORT SUNLIGHT MAN KILLED – TWO OTHERS SERIOUSLY HURT – SMALL FLAME SEEN TOO LATE

Described by those who were in the vicinity as an explosion that seemed to shake the universe, an accident resulting in the death of one man and serious injuries to two others at the works of Bromborough of Messrs. Brotherton and Co., Ltd., the Mersey Chemical Company on Wednesday.

The injured men were:-

John Williams, of 35, Wood-street, Port Sunlight,
Herbert C.. Lowkes, of 32, Rock-lane-West, Rock Ferry, and
Henry Poole, of 2, Bartlett-street, Wavertree, Liverpool.

All received terrible burns about the face and body. Williams dying from his injuries early on Thursday morning, while the other two men are in the Port Sunlight Hospital in a serious condition.

The accident occurred about 11.30 a.m., in a large room where trays of powdered dye are placed in oven-like containers to dry.

Williams was engaged in one section of the room, his duties including the insertion and withdrawal of the trays, of which there are a number in each “oven.” Lowkes and Poole were, it is understood, engaged at work on a scaffold above, the latter having just returned after fetching a spanner when the tragedy occurred.

Williams had withdrawn all but three of the trays when he noticed, in the one he had just pulled out, a small flame. He shouted, but it was too late, and a terrific explosion occurred. He was flung back for several yards, while Lowkes was, presumably, hurled from the scaffolding to the ground. Poole was thrown down, but jumped up and ran outside, where he collapsed.

Owing to the confined space the dye mixture exploded with extreme violence, and the “oven,” which was made of cast iron a quarter of an inch thick, was smashed to pieces and the back blown out. Pieces of the aluminium trays were also scattered in all directions, wile the windows and skylights of the workroom, which afterwards presented a chaotic scene, were shattered. So great was the force of the explosion that one man standing some distance away had an oilean blown out of his hand.

The “oven,” or frame concerned was one of numerous similar ones in the room and measured about six feet by six feet, while the trays, which are arranged in tiers, are about 2ft. 6Ins. By 2ft. As the dye mixture concerned is, we understand, of a non-ignitable nature, an element of mystery surrounds the cause of the occurrence.

Other men in the room immediately ran to the assistance of the victims of the accident, who, it was seen, were very badly injured. The Port Sunlight Ambulance was telephoned for and the men were conveyed with all speed to the hospital.

It was stated at the hospital yesterday, that if anything, Lowkes and Poole showed a slight improvement, but their condition is still very serious.

Herbert C. Lowkes

INQUEST ADJOURNED.

The inquest on Williams was opened at the New Ferry Police Station yesterday by the West Cheshire Coroner (Mr. J. C. Bate), who sat with a jury. Superintendent Ennion represented the police, and Mr. E. Lloyd appeared on behalf of Messrs. Brotherton’s.

The Coroner said that Williams was employed at Brotherton’s works, at Bromborough, as a process worker. The explosion occurred on Wednesday, and he and the two other men were seriously burnt. Williams was the most badly burnt, and he died as the result of his injuries, while Lowkes and Poole were both in hospital in a serious condition. He only attended to take evidence of identification and adjourn the inquest until Friday next at 10 a.m. It was necessary, he added, in such cases to give notice to the Chief Factories Inspectors at the Home Office, and that had been done.

William Williams, of 35, Wood-street, Port Sunlight, a chemical labourer, employed by Messrs. Lever Bros., Ltd., identified the body as that of his son, who, he said, was twenty three years of age last birthday. Witness saw him in the hospital after the accident and his son was able to speak to him.
The Coroner: Did he make any statement as to what happened?
Witness: Yes.
The Coroner: Perhaps we had not better take this statement now. We will have your evidence at the adjourned inquiry.

ABOUT TO BE MARRIED.

The news of the tragedy and the subsequent death of Mr. Williams caused a painful sensation in the Bromborough and Port Sunlight district. Williams was a popular young man and had many friends in the village. He was formerly a member of the Port Sunlight Boys Brigade, and was a a popular member of the Old Boys’ Association. He was of a quiet and unassuming disposition, but extremely well liked by all with whom he came in contact and widespread sympathy is extended to his parents in their tragic bereavement. He was in the employ of Lever Bros. For some years before joining Brotherton’s staff two years ago. One of his favourite hobbies was bell ringing and he was a ringer at Christ Church, Port Sunlight, for a period. He was born and educated in Port Sunlight, where his father has been employed for many years.

Poignancy is added to the tragedy by the fact that he was engaged to a young lady on the staff of Lever Bros. Catering department, and preparations were already being made for the wedding, which would probably have taken place about Christmas.

Herbert C. Lowkes

CHEMICAL WORKS EXPLOSION.

PORT SUNLIGHT MAN’S DEATH IN HOSPITAL.

Herbert C. Lowkes, aged thirty-three, of 32, Rock-lane West, Rock Ferry, one of the three men injured in the explosion at Messrs. Brothertons’, the Mersey Chemical Works, Bromborough, on November 7th, died in the hospital, Port Sunlight, on Saturday afternoon. He leaves a widow and two children. He is the second victim of the tragedy, the first, John Williams, aged twenty-three, a single man, of Wood-street, Port Sunlight, dying in the hospital on the day of the explosion. The third man, Henry Poole, Bartlett-street, Wavertree, Liverpool, is improving in Port Sunlight hospital.

DYE WORKS EXPLOSION.

Accidental Death was the verdict at the Rock Ferry inquest, yesterday, on Herbert Collinson Lowkes, the second victim of the mystery explosion at Brotherton’s Dyeworks, Bromborough, on November 7.

John Williams, Port Sunlight, died the day after the accident, and Harry Poole, Wavertree, is still in hospital.

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Harold Loukes

October 31, 2011 — Nikellom

Harold Loukes

Harold Loukes is my fourth cousin, twice removed and below are his obituaries.

THE FRIEND – 12th SEPTEMBER 1980

Friends in Oxford, as elsewhere in the country, have suffered a great loss in the death of Harold Loukes, on August 7, at the age of 68. He had retired only a year ago and, though for most of that time he was aware that he had only a limited time to live, he continued his faithful service to the Society.

Harold Loukes was born and educated in Sheffield, and at JesusCollege, Oxford, where he took a First in English, followed by the Diploma in Education. Coming up to Oxford as a Methodist, he came in touch with Friends through Henry Gillet and became a member of the Society while still a student.

After Oxford, Harold went to St Stephen’s College, Delhi as a lecturer in English, and in 1937 he married Mary Linsell. He stayed in India until 1945, becoming Headmaster of the NewSchool at Calcutta and Darjeeling. Harold and Mary then returned to Britain with three sons. A daughter was born later- Harold gained experience at Oundle, LeightonPark and ThorneGrammar School before becoming lecturer (later Reader) in education at the Oxford Department of Education. There he taught for 30 years, entering fully into the ambitions and ideals of his students, and delighting many generations with his penetrating, experienced and witty lectures.

Throughout his many years in Oxford Harold was a loyal member of his meeting. He took a particular interest in Young Friends, and was for many years the ‘Senior Member’ (required by university regulations of the Oxford University Friends Society. Young Friends appreciated his combination of scholarship, spiritual depth, frankness and humility, and his keen sense of humour. The same qualities, together with his deep concern for the meeting, made him an outstanding elder. His ministry had a memorable beauty and calm, his spiritual insight was expressed in lovely and sometimes striking phrases. This was perhaps especially felt, when he spoke, as he often did, of the nature of Quaker worship, which he described as ‘ a living moment, a loving silence; the sound of the sea, the light behind the hills’. Meeting for worship, he told us in his last spoken message to Oxford Friends ‘is meant to be living, immediate, open to insight and interpretation. But there is a right ordering in the love of God, which we obey by quiet sensitivity and the holding in our tendered imagination of the needs of the other.’

Harold said that he found it a good discipline to think things out on paper. Throughout the postwar years that discipline has enriched the life of the Society of Friends and beyond with a series of books, study outlines, essays and articles. Apart from his extensive writings on the religious and other aspects of education, his books on

Quakerism, must have been instrumental in drawing many, especially younger readers, into the fellowship of the Society, and in deepening the beliefs of those born into it. He gave the 1959 Swarthmore Lecture, entitled The Castle and the Field, and the 1963 Rufus Jones Lecture in Philadelphia. He contributed countless reviews and articles to THE FRIEND, and was chairman of the Friends Home Service Committee from 1969 to 1973.

By careful planning Harold made full use of his life. Apart from his devotion to his family he had many public commitments. He was a JP for many years, and from 1975 to 1980 was chairman of Abingdon magistrates. He had been a governor of both maintained and independent schools and a member of Oxford Education Committee. He also had many friends and contacts in other churches.

Though he lived a very full life, Harold had time for friendship, and taking an interest in people. With all his experience he was a quiet, modest man. We loved him for the depth of his faith, but we loved also his jokes and the twinkle in his eye. We offer our deepest sympathy to his wife, Mary, and their family.

THE TIMES – 3RD SEPTEMBER 1980 – OBITUARIES – HAROLD LOUKES

Harold Loukes, who died on August 7, was educated at the Central Secondary School, Sheffield and at Jesus College, Oxford, where he gained a First Class in the Honours School of English Language and Literature. After graduating in 1934 he spent 10 years in India teaching in the University of Delhi and later serving as Headmaster of the New School, Darjeeling.

He returned to this country in 1945 and after four years as a schoolmaster he was appointed in 1949 to a lectureship in the Oxford University Department of Education and, in 1951, he became University Reader in Education.

During his 30 years in the Department he contrived to sustain three successful careers: his published works furnish adequate evidence of his capacity for competent empirical research and meticulous scholarship; he involved himself in civic affairs, as a school governor, a member of the Oxford City Education Committee and as a Justice of the Peace; but it is for his effectiveness as a teacher that he will be chiefly and gratefully remembered.

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