Mexborough and Swinton Times March 29, 1889
Elopement from Conisborough
The village gossips at Conisborough are greatly exercised contained the disappearance of a married woman named Mills, whose husband is a carter and lives in Doncaster Road
it is supposed that the woman, who has a family of five – one son being in America – tired of the quiet and peaceful monotony of Conisborough, has gone away for a change of scene, in company with a gentleman well-known through the district, who also found it expedient to leave his wife and family at Mexborough for a more affectionate, if unlawful time.
For some time past the man who combines with the trade of hairdresser and barber many other accomplishments, such as magic lantern entertainment, dulcimer playing etc., has been seen in company with Mrs Mills at various places of affectionately accompanying her in her evening walks.
On Sunday evening week he came to Conisborough from Swinton, where he has had a lock-up shop, and persuaded a carter there of the name of Hague, who knew him, to convey his goods from Mexborough to Barnsley on the following morning. Hague consented, although he thought it rather singular that is customer should have come all the way from Mexborough to Conisborough to hire a conveyance, and a surprise was greatly heightened on arriving at Barnsley with his load, having been told to deposit the furniture at a second-hand dealer’s shop. He then began to think there was something wrong, and applied for his money, but was coolly told that he will be paid, certainly on the following Tuesday and Wednesday.
Mr Hague was content to accept this promise, but thought he would make enquiries on his return from the man’s wife, which he did, and found that his worst fears were realised, for she said that she didn’t not expect to see her husband again, and that he (the carter) would be lucky to get his money.
Mr Hague is now looking for him, but as but faint hopes of ever getting what is due to him.
Mrs Mills left home early on Monday morning, after her husband had gone to work, getting a boy to take two boxes down to the station. It is not thought that the pair, if they went off together are at Barnsley, and it is said by some that Mrs Mills accompanied or unaccompanied, is now on her way to America to see her son.