Mexborough and Swinton Times March 29, 1919

Sixty-five years in the Wombwell worthy, and possibly the oldest man in the township, passed away on Friday in the person of Mr.George Pashley.

He had resided with his son, Councillor Jonas Pashley at 242, Hough Lane, Wombwell, and a few weeks ago he had a seizure from the effects of which he died. Mr. Pashlev way born at Knaresboro’ but he was brought to Barnsley as a boy.

He resided at Worsboro` for a time, and came to Wombwell 60 years ago. At the age of ten he commenced work underground at a small colliery in the neighbourhood of New street. Barnslev, and it his interesting to note as indicating the early period in the history of coal mining, that the coal from this colliery was brought by rail down New street into the town. He fie worked in the pit altogether 65 years, and was employed for half a century at the Wombwell Main Colliery – actually queueing call at the coalface until he reached the age of 70.

It was only with great difficulty that he was persuaded to leave his work in the mine, and when he eventually did so he declared it was because he refused to work under the new legislation.

Physically, he was a wonderful man. In spite of his great age, he retained all his faculties to the last and could both read and write with the greatest facility.

He took an active interest in the news of the day and studied and discussed in the minutest detail the present coal trade crisis. He attributed his long life to quiet and regular habits. Needless to say, he was thought a great deal of at Wombwell Main.

He was an honorary member of the reform club, Wombwell, and of the Wombwell Main Athletic Club. He was an ardent old Liberal, and a keen follower of cricket.

The interment took place at the Wombwell Cemetery on Tuesday, when the Reverend Ives – Lacy Officiating.

The principal mourners were members of the family, Mr T Neil, representing the Reform Club. There was a wreath from the Reform Club members