Mexborough and Swinton Times March 8, 1929
Obituary.
Mr T. R. Booth
A Link with Old Conisboro’.
Thomas Rogerson Booth, once a leading figure in the social life of Conisborough, died at his residence, the Bungalow, (Conisborough), last Thursday night at the age of 71. He was a link with old Conisbrough.
His grandfather commenced the timber mills and wood turning business on the riverside which he carried on for many years and which is still in the family. Mr. Booth was the oldest of seven sons and received his education at the Doncaster British School. He afterwards assisted his father in the business, which employed then about 30 men.
The speciality of the, mills was the production handles and heads for brooms. A large proportion been consigned to Lancashire cotton mills where such articles were in great demand. Wood fitting for spinning machines were also supplied. Silver birch wood from Swedenwas brought up the River in barges and the power for the lathes was the Don, which drove the water wheel still in use.The whole of the turning was done by hand as it is today.
The mechanising of the industry abroad resulted in serious competition which considerably reduced the trade at Conisborough.
It is to Mr. Booth and his father, who died 16 years ago, that Conisborough owes its fleet of pleasure boats. Realising the beauty of the river they decided to exploit it and began by purchasing a small number of boats. So successful was the venture that the fleet was increased to about thirty and Conisborough became famous for its boating. They introduced the first motor boat on this part of the river. Mr. Booth relinquished this business in 1919.
In his youth he was a keen sportsman and for several years captained the old Conisborough cricket club, of which he was a life member. He was captain of the football team which in 1880 won the Conisborough Challenge Cup. He was interested in other sports and was a swimmer of note.
Politics were always interesting to him and in connection with the local Conservative Association he held almost every office. Many years ago he was member of the School Board and the now-defunct Parish Council. He was also a member of the Ratepayers’ Association.
He was a worshipper at the Parish Church for many years and once held the office of sidesman.
He leaves a widow, two sons and a daughter.