Mexborough and Swinton Times November 4, 1898
Fire at Clifton
The unfortunate fire which occurred at the farm of Mr. Tonkinson at Clifton on Wednesday night last week completely destroyed four valuable stacks. It is the general opinion that the fire was caused by an incendiary.
Mr. Tonkinson is, by the residents of this district; looked upon as quiet, respectable gentleman, but he very evidently has some enemy, who seems determined to do him very serious injury. I have beard of several instances which go to prove this, such as for instance, petty thefts and sawing plough stilts off.
I hope the offender will ere long be caught. Great credit indeed is due to our efficient fire brigade. As soon as the news reached. Conisboro’, Mr. Jones quickly had his men and engine out; and were soon rattling away to Clifton. On arriving at the fire, all the members or the brigade set-to work with a will, and solely by their efforts several stacks which were in close proximity to those on fire, were saved from destruction.
Mr Tonkinson was very pleased with the manner in which the firemen went about their work. It has been reported that all the water for the fire engine had to be carted from the Town’s Well, Conisborough. This is entirely wrong. Both Mr. Tonkinson and Mr. Milner have had made, to collect all the rain water from the farm buildings, an extraordinary large cistern, and from these two sources the brigade had plenty of water and to spare.