Mexborough and Swinton Times September 13, 1919

Old Man’s Tragic End

Wombwell Drowning Mystery.

The mysterious death of James Thomas Wood (76), a bricklayer, of 2, Concrete, Wombwell whose body was recovered from the canal about 200 yards from his house on Monday, formed the subject of an inquiry conducted by Mr. J. Kenyon-Parker, on Tuesday.

Mrs. Madison, daughter, said that deceased had been residing with her. He had been working as late as last Tuesday. She last saw him alive on Thursday morning, when in consequence of a distaste for any food he went out for a walk before breakfast. He did not return home, and the same evening she reported his absence to the  police.

When she was informed on Monday that his body had been recovered from the water, she immediately came to the conclusion that his death had been accidental.

The Coroner: Is it true that deceased is a heavy drinker ?—Yes.

Has he ever said that he was tired of life-?–He has said that he was weary and tired of it all.

Don’t you think he might have taken his own life?—No.

William Anderson, of 4, Concrete. said that between 8.4,5 and 9 p.m. on Thursday night, he passed  deceased on the New Wombwell canal bridge. Deceased was walking in  the middle of the road in the direction of his home.

Deceased answered witness “good night.”

In answer to the coroner, witness did not think that, deceased was drunk; he was walking quite stead. When witness reached home he was informed that Wood was missing and Mrs.Hudson, after being told that he had been seen on the canal bridge, went to look for him.

The coroner: Is it possible that he could have been on his way home if he was drowned at the exact spot at which the body was found ?-I do not think so, The high road was his best way home.

Frank Westfield, a lock keeper, said that he had heard that deceased was missing. About 2.30 p.m. on Monday he recovered the body from the water at a spot between the second and third of the Wombwell locks. Except for a cap the body was fully dressed.

Police-constable Cauldwell said that he thought deceased had gone down the pathway leading to the canal, and perhaps owing to the darkness of the night, had stepped right into the water. He had known deceased for about 10 years, and knew him to be a very heavy drinker.

An open verdict was returned.