Sheffield Daily Telegraph – Wednesday 25 June 1890
Funeral of Mr. Joseph Appleyard of Conisborough.
In the death of Mr. Joseph Appleyard, Conisborough has lost one of its oldest and worthiest inhabitants. There he was born and spent the whole of his life.
A man of splendid physique, iron constitution and robust health, he hardly ever experienced day illness until, as we have previously intimated in our columns, he was stricken down insensible while walking along the street about two months ago, after having run twice on that day to catch a train. He ruptured a small blood vessel the head, and a few days afterwards suffered a relapse. From these two attacks was apparently recovering, and had begun to walk out, when Sunday night, the 8th inst., he had a third seizure, from which he never recovered entire consciousness.
Dr. Hills, of Conisborough, has been in constant attendance, and Dr. Inkster, of Sheffield, had been called in twice for consultation.
Mr. Appleyard was what is usually termed a self-made man.” He started business above 40 years ago, and by hard work, indomitable energy and perseverance, coupled with integrity of character, achieved success, and laid the foundation of one of the most important cabinet and upholstery businesses in the provinces, which his three sons have carried on for several years in Sheffield and Rotherham.
In his native village he has several times occupied the honorary position of overseer of the poor and way-warden, the latter as well as a member of the Burial Board until the day of his death.
The burial took place 11.30 on Tuesday. The remains were enclosed a shell and massive panelled and moulded oak coffin with brass mounting. On the breast plate was engraved this inscription: “Joseph Appleyard. Born April 19, 1819. Died June 20, 1890.” It was borne to the church-yard car with four horses.
Immediately in front of the hearse walked the clerks of Johnson and Appleyard’s, and a large number of the workmen employed both at Sheffield and Rotherham. After the hearse followed the chief mourners, Mr. Joseph Appleyard, Mr. Walter Appleyard, and Mr. Frank Appleyard, the three sons of the deceased; Masters Harry and Wilfrid Appleyard, grandsons ; Mr. George Appleyard, and other relatives. Then followed nearly all the leading inhabitants of the village, including Dr. Hills, Mr. Jno. Blyth, Mr. C. Milner.Mr.T. Booth, Mr.Chambers, the Rev. H. Smallwood, and other gentlemen. The Rev. Wm. Brewins (Doncaster), Mr. A.J. Jordan (Sheffield and St. Louis, U.S.A.), Mr. Henry Ewing, of the Birmingham, Dudley, and Counties Bank, Sheffield, and others.
There was large assemblage in the churchyard. Besides the wreaths and crosses sent by the members of the family and grandchildren, were two handsome wreaths sent by the employees of the firm from Sheffield and Rotherham, a beautiful and costly wreath from the employees in the front shop Sheffield, including Miss Turner, Mr. Smith, and Mr. Faulkner. Wreaths were sent from Mr. and Mrs. Kilner, Mr. and Mrs. Chambers, Mr. and Mrs. W, H Smith, and Mrs, Jackson, Rotherham.