Mexborough and Swinton Times, December 9, 1916

Retired Postmaster Falls Downstairs

An inquest was held in the Swinton Council offices, by Mr J Kenyon Parker, on Tuesday, of Walter Turner, aged 74, retired postmaster of the Post office, Station Street, Swinton, who died on Saturday evening from injuries sustained by falling downstairs.

Miss Edith Turner, postmistress, gave evidence of identification, and said her father, who was a widower, lived with her. On Saturday evening he took a candle, and retired to bed. She heard a fall, and found her father lying at the foot of the staircase. He had evidently fallen down the staircase. She summoned assistance, and Dr Hatherley quickly arrived, but her father only lived two hours. He had not been well of late and had recently complained of dizziness.

Dr S.O. Hatherley said he received a telephone message from Miss Turner on Saturday evening shortly after 9 o’clock, and went at once to the Post office. He found deceased suffering from fractures of the right arm and base of the skull. He died the same night from the injury to the skull.

A verdict of “accidental death” was returned, and sympathy with the family was expressed.

The late.Mr Turner was a greatly esteemed resident of Swinton, and for over half a century have been a useful member of that community. He was the eldest son of Mr James Turner, of Rotherham, a stonemason, and was born in Rotherham. He was educated at the Rotherham Grammar School, and after working for his father for a short time he joined the clerical staff of the Warren Vale colliery.

It was in the service of Messrs J and J Charlesworth Limited for 39 years, first as weigh clerk, then as wages clerk, and finally as chief clerk, retired from the service in 1891. In 1887 he became sub- postmaster of Swinton, and held this office until 1910, when he retired in favour of his daughter, the present postmistress.