Death of Oldest Inhabitant – The Man who escorted Sir Walter Scott

August 1880

Mexborough and Swinton Times, August 20.

Death of the Oldest Inhabitant

We are sorry to announce the death of Mr Thomas Sissons, which took place on Friday last, in the 93rd year of his age, and in the highest respect to all who knew him.

Mr Sissons was brought up from childhood at the Red Lion Inn, Conisborough, by his Aunt then Mrs Whaley, and afterwards Mrs Bickers.

When he became a young man he undertook the Post Office Department, which was then at the Red Lion Inn. He had to take in all letters and parcels that arrived by the fish wagons from York and Hull, and by the four horse mail from London, Sheffield and Doncaster; the charge was then from 8d to 1s 2d each letter and parcel accordingly, and took a week to reach their destination.

He was an abstemious man, and although brought up at the inn, could never be prevailed upon to take a drink, except occasionally a little wine and water.

About this time he had the honour of escorting Sir Walter Scott to see the ruins of the old Castle and Grounds. Sir Walter was much pleased athis many answers to all questions, and rewarded him accordingly.

Afterwards he left the Red Lion Inn, and emigrated to America when he bought a farm of 200 acres, at three dollars per acre, near the Illinois River, and there settled. He was very fond of shooting.

After accumulating a fortune he returned to England in 1855, and left his two nephews to inherit his estate.

After staying at a few places in Yorkshire, he finally left Micklebring, and settled down at Conisborough, where he finished his days in comfort, andwithin sightof his early manhood.

He was interned at Conisborough on Sunday last, and the funeral was conducted by Mr John Marley, Jr

He was carried to the grave by 12 ofhis nearest neighbours, and the poll bearers were some of his oldest friends, of more than 60 years standing viz John Morley, senior, S.T.Simpson, and Joseph Hill.

The funeral was witnessed by a large number of friends and acquaintances

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