South Yorkshire Times, December 15th 1933
Saxton
Mr. Walter Burton Saxton (83), 60, Main Street. Wombwell, died on December 7th, after a long illness. When be retired eleven years ago, he had been employed at Wombwell Main for 53 years. Mr. Saxton was a native of Wentworth, and began work at Carr House Colliery.
In his early days he worked at the coal face, but eventually was appointed check-weighman and for many years was an official of the Wombwell Main branch of the Yorkshire Miners’ Association. being co-delegate at that time with Ben Pickard, Fred Hall, and John Wadsworth. he held every position in the branch, including that of president. About the year 1896, Mr Saxton was appointed a deputy, and severed his official connection with the Yorkshire Miners’ Association. He was one of the founders of the Yorkshire Mine Deputies’ Association. For thirty years Mr. Saxton was secretary of the Wombwell Main Colliery Benevolent Fund.
When he retired from that position he received a number of gifts in appreciation of his long services. Mr. Saxton was probably the oldest Oddfellow in the district. He was District Grand Master of the Order in 1883. He was associated with the “Loyal Alma” – Lodge. Wombwell. Mr. Saxton was one, of the first officials of the Wombwell Reform Club and was a great friend of the late Rev. George Hadfield. The “Liberal Hundred” of which he was a member were a power in local political circles when Wombwell formed part of the Barnsley constituency represented in parliament by the late Sir. Joseph Walton. He was also a great worker for the Wombwell Old People’s Treat Fund. When the late Mr. William Washing was a leader in the movement. A keen cricketer in his younger days, he retained to the last a lively interest in the game. He leaves a widow, two daughters and one son. The interment took place at Wombwell on Monday, the Rev. R. Miller officiating.