Reminiscences of Rotherham
A Retrospect of over 60 years
Thomas Wigfield, the other superintendent, was the head of a large grocery business, and owned premises since demolished for street improvements. The Empire Buildings now occupy this site. He also carried on business as a tallow chandler, his premises extending from High street to the High House Inn in the Crofts.
Richard Corker, who in the sixties was a workman at the Effngham Works, walking to and from Whiston every day, and arriving at work at 6 am., was also one of our teachers. This reminds me that the Bartholomews and several other Whistonians did the same journey daily.
OUR TEACHERS
Another of our teachers was William May, a well-known man - a short, energetic, fussy character with a great heart and always a pleasant smile for you. He conducted a millinery business in High street in premises on the site now occupied by Davys’ (chemist) shop. Probably 50 per cent, of the mourning apparel came from May’s Drapery and Millinery Stores. Soon after the formation of School Boards, Mr. May patented a desk which gained popularity in the schools, and the demand for these became so great, he erected works in Sheffield to cope with the work, and gave up his Rothierham business.ROYAL WEDDING
The Wesleyan scholars took their full share in the national rejoicings of March 10th, 1863, when the late King Edward, then Prince of Wales, married Princess Alexandra. The town, was then, as now, most loyal. I remember no occasion of those days that gave such satisfaction. The farmers in the neighbourhood loaned their wagons and horses; a huge procession was formed and white metal medals were presented to us. I wonder how many of them exist to-day. A very fine display of fireworks was given in the Cattle market during the evening.JOSEPH COX
Previous to my leaving the Wesleyan School, the headmaster, Mr. Brooks, died. This would be about 1865. He was succeeded by Joseph Cox, father of the present J. Crowther Cox. I remember we were astonished at so young a man (and unmarried) following our late teacher, who was a man well advanced in years. Our new headmaster, who came from Thorpe, soon gained our respect and confidence, and although I was only a very short period under his care (about eighteen months), I left with considerable regret. As I afterwards went to school out of town, I had also to cut myconnection with the Sunday school. One of the presents, I value highly is a Bible given me by the superintendent, Henry Wigfield for good conduct.TWO BROTHERS
In addition to his activities at the Sunday school. Henry Wigfield took a prominent part in public affairs. When the town was incorporated in 1871, he placed his services at the disposal of the East Ward and was returned by a good majority. Two years later he was elected Mayor, thus becoming the second representative to hold this high office. He was held in very high esteem by all who knew him, being one of, if not the most trusted men in the town.His brother Thomas, known to the younger generation as - dare I say it? - Treacle Tommy took little part in public affairs. He devoted himself to the furtherance of the Wesleyan cause. An eloquent and effective lay preacher, he was in constant demand and known all over the country side. A good story is told of Thomas Wigfield. He was overtaken one Sunday morning by William Whitfield (please don’t confuse the two names). one of our leading local solicitors and clerk to the Local Board of Health and after wards the first Town Clerk of Rotherham. Although he weighed 18 or 20 stones, he was fond of riding on horseback. He had recentIy taken part in prosecuting Thomas Wigfield for being in possession of faulty scales. Over - » next