Mexborough and Swinton Times December 13, 1929
Mr W. B. Wells
Former Chairman of Conisboro’ U.C.
We regret to record the death of Coun. William Barker Wells which took place on Tuesday morning at Ivanhoe Road, Conisborough, at the age of 75. Towards the end of last week Colin. Wells had a seizure. This followed a seizure of some months ago from which Coun. Wells recovered from but which took the use of his right arm.
Councillor Wells was a well-known figure in the public life of Conisborough. He served on the Parish Council and when that body was superseded by the Urban Council 1921, Councillor Wells obtained a seat as an independent member for the South Ward. This was for one year and in 1922 there were three candidates for council and Councillor Wells was returned.
Again in 1925 he retained his seat and in 1928 he won a straight fight. He was due for re-election in 1931.
During the past few months Councillor Wells has not been able to devote much attention to Council work owing to failing health. He was greatly esteemed by his colleagues on the Council where he did much good work in an unobtrusive fashion. He was Chairman of the Council from April 1920 sixth of March 1927, was the last councillor not a member of the Labour Party holds that office.
He had been in the service of the Denaby and Cadeby Colliery Company for 52 years, latterly as weighman, and was one of the oldest officials of the Company when he retired a couple of years or so ago.
His wife died some years ago as did the oldest son, Frank Handley Wells last year, in Vancouver, where he was conductor of the theatre orchestra.
Five daughters and four sons, all married survive.
The funeral will take place today (Friday) at 230 at Conisbrough