Mexborough and Swinton Times September 18, 1909

Four Generations at West Melton

From left to right: Mrs Speight, Mr J Hallford, Mrs Cooper and Miss Cooper

Mrs. J. Hallford, of West Melton, whose photo appears above, is one of the most interesting personalities in the Wath District. Born at Walsall, South Staffordshire, on November 6th, 1825, she will, in a few weeks time, reach her 84th birthday.

She, along with her husband, (who died 13 years ago), and family came into the Wath district about 29 years ago, and by a quiet, consistent, and exemplary life has won the respect of all with whom she has come into contact. Although of such an advanced age, she has all her faculties unimpaired, and takes a very lively interest, in the doings, not only of the district in which she lives, but in, the political life of the nation.

One of her favourite recreations is to read the newspapers, and she does it with an Intelligence and an interest that would put to shame many younger people. And one of her chief pleasures in this way is the perusal of the `Mexboro’ and Swinton Times” every Friday morning.

She has seven children living having lost two sons (Mr. Daniel and Mr. Thomas Hallford). Her youngest son is Mr. J. Hallford, of our own town, who is the district representative of the Liverpool Victoria Legal Friendly Society. She has also 54 grandchildren and 52 great-grandchildren. making a total of 113 living descendants.

May the time of her leaving us be long deferred.