Mexborough and Swinton Times April 7, 1906

Conisborough Youth Found Drowned
Inquest at Conisborough

On Wednesday afternoon, Mr F.E.Nicholson, district coroner, held an enquiry at the Castle Inn, Conisborough, into the circumstances surrounding the death of Harry Middleton, aged 18, whose body was found in the river Don at Conisborough on Tuesday. Mr S Whitfield was foreman of the jury.

Eleanor Middleton, a widow, residing at Don Street, Conisborough said the deceased was her son and resided with her. He had been working at Cadeby pit, as a labourer on the pit top. Deceased left home on 9 March, and left work on the Friday before, in consequence of notice received. Witness last saw deceased alive early on Friday, 9 March and she understood that he was going to work at Walker and Crawshaw. Deceased was quite well at the time. “He was as good a lad as ever a mother had,” said the witness.

Thomas Middleton, brother of deceased, who lives with his mother, and was employed by the Denaby and Cadeby Main Colliery Company, said his brother was employed at the colliery to the day, March 9 when he left home. Deceased received notice because during the week the “boss” had found him reading a paper in the cabin. Deceased told witness he had got a job at Walker and Crawshaw’s, and when he left home witness thought he was going to work.

When he (deceased) did not return home in the evening, witness made enquiries at Walker and Crawshaw, also at Bentley and Brodsworth, and also amongst deceased “pals”, but secured no information.

John Claiborne, labourer, on the Sheffield and South Yorkshire Canal, living at Ferry Cottage, Cadeby, said that on Tuesday, about 11 AM he was working on the Conisborough side when he saw a body floating down in the water. Witness loosened the mud boat he was in at the time, and went to the body, secured it, and then reported the matter to the police. Deceased was fully dressed, and also had his cap on.

PC Thompson said that from information given him he went down to the river, and got the body into a bought that he took down. Deceased had a blue enamel can – like one that a workmen would carry his breakfast in – and a handkerchief. Witness had been unable to trace deceased woman since the time that he left home. He learnt that deceased had not called at Walker and Crawshaw’s works.

A verdict of “found drowned” was returned.