Mexborough & Swinton Times – Saturday 20 July 1912
Mining Heroes’ Funerals
Samuel Webster (41)
19, Ivanhoe Road, Conisboro’
Amongst those killed by the colliery explosion was Samuel Webster, of 19 Ivanhoe Road, Conisbrough. He was a member of the Primitive Methodist Chapel, and was a lay preacher in the Mexborough Circuit. He was planned to preach on the 28th inst. at Conisbrough and at Mexborough Chapel next September. He was highly respected and much sympathy is felt for his widow and family.
The internment took place on Friday at Rotherham, and the circuit was represented by Bro. J. Smith, of Mexborough ( who rendered good ambulance work at the colliery ), Bro. H. Florence and Bro. H. Murphy ( of Goldthorpe ), three lay preachers.
The service was conducted by the Rev. H. Oliver, superintendent of the circuit, who spoke appropriately in regard to the excellent character of the deceased, and his good work as a member and official of that denomination.
Amongst the deaths by the explosion was also that of Mr. Rose, of Conisboro’, whose widow is one of the lay preachers on the Primitive Methodist plan, and who is expected to occupy the pulpits at Denaby. Barnburgh and Marr this quarter.
The deceased was a member at the Conisboro’ Chapel, and was well respected. Mr. Albert Shakesby, the evangelist, while conducting his mission at Mexboro’, referred to the fact that the pulpit was draped in black, and spoke of the loss the circuit had sustained by the death of these brethren. In regard to Bro. Ross, he (the speaker) knew that his wife, immediately hearing of the explosion, went upstairs to her husband, who had retired to rest, and stated what she had heard, advising him to dross and go to the pit without delay, and see what help he could render. He suggested that his wife might also be of service at the colliery, and she replied: “Yes, dear, I will follow on.” He (the speaker), while helping in the ambulance work at the pit top, well remembered how willingly the dear woman lent a helping hand to the suffering; and little did she think that her husband had, in the meantime, been carried out of the mine dead. He was sure they all prayed for the blessing of God upon these and all other mourners.
Funeral: Kimberworth Cemetery. Friday. Priest: Rev. S. Oliver (P.M. Mexboro’)
Mourners: Mrs. Webster (widow), Mr. and Mrs. Robert Webster, Mr. J. Webster, Mr. Webster, Gladys and Herbert. Mr. and Mrs. Smart, Mrs. Smith (Wigston), Mrs. Boothaway, Mrs. Hilton. Mr. J. Webster, Mr. and Mrs. Wm. Webster, Mr. and Mrs. Isaac Webster, Mr. and Mr. Smith, Mr. and Mrs. Griffin. Mr. and Mrs. Hall, Mr. T. Webster, jun., Mr. and Mrs. Barlow, Mr. and Mrs. Pilling.
Bearers: Messrs. Robins, Jones, Wileman, and Farmer.
Wreaths: “From mother and children,” “brothers,” “mother, sisters, and aunt,” “neighbours and friend’s,” and Mr. W. H. Chambers.
Samuel Webster
From David Webster – Grandson of Samuel
Hi James.
I didn’t know my grandfather. My father was 4 years old when Samuel Webster was killed. My father had an elder brother (10) and an elder sister (8).
The family split up when my grandmother had to leave the home. The two elder children went to relatives in Ripon whilst my father and his mother (my grandmother) went to Nottingham. I did know my grandmother who seemed a sweet and gentle person – amazing, bearing in mind her loss.
I did visit Conisborough about twenty or so years ago (I live in London) and visited my grandparent’s home. It was No 12, not 19 as per your info. The lady there (she was getting on a bit) remembered her mother taking the house over from a woman who lost her husband and had to leave.
I then visited the colliery to see if there was a memorial, but apparently not then. I was lucky to have spoken to a man (a Mr Haynes, I think) who told me that the local school had mounted a small exhibition relating to the disaster. He had a photo of an embroidery that was made at the time which listed all 88 names of the victims, together with a prayer and a representation of the mine head workings. I still have the slide somewhere. I’ll have a look at all the info you sent over and would love to hear about the developments towards the centenary.
Regards, David Webster.