South Yorkshire Times, March 3, 1945
Mr. J. Drabble
Well-Known Conisbrough Businessman
There may be old residents of Mexborough who will remember a young man who sold rabbits at the Mexborough market more than fifty five years ago. So began the business career of Mr. Joseph Drabble, who died at Blyth House, Conisbrough, on Sunday, February 22, and whose death, reported in our last issue, will leave a gap in many circles.
He was founder of the well-known manufacturing sweet firm, later known as J. Drabble and Sons, Ltd up to recent months. Mr. Drabble was 75, and had led an active and varied life. His business connections brought him a great number of friends in the confectionery and allied trades, where he will be remembered with respect, and not without affection.
He served some years on the Conisbrough Urban Council and was a committee member of the Conisbrough Recreation Hall, and R.A.O.B. Conisbrough Lodge. A lifelong supporter of the Conisbrough Baptist Chapel, for many years he never missed the services there.
A large gathering paid tribute to his memory at the funeral service held on Thursday last.
Among the mourners were: Mr. and Mrs. A. Drabble. Squad leader and Mrs. J. F. Drabble, Miss Flora Drabble (sister) Miss Lucy Drabble, Mr and Mrs John Thorp, Mr John Thorp, Mrs John thorp jun,. Mr and Mrs Charles Wilson, Mr Reg. Wilson. Mrs. Haigh, Mr and Mrs John Maxfield, Mrs Walter Maxfield Mr Atkinson (representing S. Waterhouse, Ltd and Penistone Vinegar Co Ltd) Mr R. H. Sharp, Mr Whitehead (representing Conisbrough recreation Hall and the National Provincial Bank Limited.) Mr George Ward, Mr D Swiffen, the staff of J. Drabble and Sons Ltd., members of the Baptist Chapel and the R. A. O. B.