Body Found in a Pond.

Missing from Home Since the Sixth Inst.

On Thursday afternoon the driver of the Great Central Railway 3 o’clock train from Doncaster to Mexboro’ noticed the body of a man lying in Vinah Adamson’s large pond, near the old Bone Mill, Denaby.

Immediately after, Mr. Jack Gibson, who resides in one of the cottages near the Denaby Crossing, gave information to the police.

P.C.’s Lockwood and Richardson hurried to the scene of the fatality with all possible despatch.

The constables, with the assistance of Mr. Gibson, got the body out of the water, when it was found to be Mr. Arthur Cockayne Meggitt (49), of Ashmount, 48 Doncaster Road, Mexboro’.

The body was lying about two yards away from the bank, and had evidently been in the water some time.

A large crowd quickly collected, and much excitement prevailed.

A dray was obtained, and the body at once removed home.

It appears that deceased had been missing from his home since the 6th inst., on which day he left the house without saying where he was going, or when he would return.

It was afterwards ascertained that he stayed at Mr. Cadman’s, Don View, until the following Friday, May 8th.

At 11 a.m. on the 9th inst. he was seen going in the direction of Denaby and had not been heard of since.

He had often disappeared in such like manner, and therefore the family were not unusually alarmed.

At one time he had wandered as far as Pontefract.

Deceased was well-known locally, and the news of his untimely end created a painful sensation in the district.

Some years ago the deceased managed Messrs. Meggitt and Sons’ Bone Mills, at Denaby, which was a successful business.

On the firm giving up the works, he retired with a very nice competency, and took to public work.

He served on the Mexboro’ Local Board several years, and also officiated as an overseer, and took an intelligent interest in his work.

He was also for some time connected with the Wesleyan Methodists at Mexboro’.

He took an active part in all kinds of sport, and threw himself heartily into all public movements of the town.

He built some excellent property near his residence in Mexboro’, and appeared to settle down comfortably.

Unfortunately, of late years, the deceased gave way to intemperance, which eventually got the mastery of his better qualities, and he very much degenerated and lost much of the respect he had formerly attained.

He was a quick and smart business man, and was always noted for his large-heartedness.

He was always ready to subscribe to all good works, and assisted with his purse all who sought his aid.

The Coroner has been notified, and an inquest will be held in due course.

The interment of deceased will take place in the family vault at Mexboro’ Cemetery on Sunday.

Deceased leaves a widow, one son, and one daughter.

The funeral arrangements are in the hands of Mr. J. Millwood.