Mexborough and Swinton Times December 31, 1937

Obituary

Former Mine Official

Mr. W. Johnson, Of Wombwell

Mr. William Johnson, of 23, Windmill Road, Wombwell, for 25 years under-manager in the Parkgate and Silkstone seams at Wombwell Main Colliery, died on December 24th at the age of 65. He had been in failing health for some time and had been incapacitated for two and a half years. He leaves a widow and one married daughter. Mr. Johnson was born at Hunslet, near Leeds, and started work in the mines of that district.

He came to Wombwell to work at Mitchell Main and 34 years ago moved to Wombwell Main Colliery as a deputy, in the Barnsley bed seam. He devoted a good deal of study to mining and as regards both theory and practice held a high reputation as a mining engineer. The employees at Wombwell Main held him in the highest respect, knowing that behind his quiet retiring nature there was concealed a genuine understanding of their problems and difficulties. Outside his work Mr. Johnson had few interests, but he had a literary turn of mind and at one time found much enjoyment in his associations with the old Wombwell Debating and Literary Society. He was also fond of gardening.

The interment at Wombwell Cemetery on -Tuesday was preceded by a service at the home conducted by the Rev. E. L. Lewis, pastor of Wombwell Congregational Church. There were many mine officials and old friends present.