South Yorkshire Times, August 18th 1933
Arthur Longley
Mr. Arthur Longley (85), formerly relieving officer at Wombwell. died on Saturday, leaving a widow aged 81. His death occurred on the 61st anniversary of their wedding. He had been in failing health for some time, but on the day before his death was able to get about. He was one of the oldest readers of this paper, and as recently as last Friday sent for a child from a neighbour’s house to read it to him. That had been his custom since his eyesight failed. He had a seizure on Saturday and died shortly after. He leaves four daughters and one son. One of the sons, Mr. Arthur William Longley, is farming in New Zealand.
Mr. Longley left school at the age of eight and early in life began work as a clerk on the railway. In that capacity he moved to Blakesley. Northamptonshire. where he rose to the position of stationmaster. It was while at Blakesley that he became acquainted with the Bartholomew family, colliery owners the Wombwell district, at whose suggestion be accepted a position in the offices of the Wombwell Main Colliery. Later he was appointed relieving officer at Wombwell and held the post for more than twenty years, retiring at the end of the war.
On moving into Yorkshire Mr. Langley took up residence in Quarry Hills. Darfield. While there he took a great interest Darfield Parish Church, was a member of the choir, and of a troupe of village entertainers. He built “Blakesley Cottage,” Station Lane, for his own occupation on becoming relieving officer. Mr. Longley was a member of the Wombwell Conservative Club which he visited every day as long as he was able to climb into the town. He was also a prominent member of the Wombwell Old People’s Treat Committee, and an earnest worker for the cause. He was a collector of antiques.
He died without knowing that a message from his son, in New Zealand, sending the old couple greetings on their “wedding day,” had just been received. The internment took place at Wombwell on Tuesday, the Rector of Wombwell officiating.