Mexborough & Swinton Times – Saturday 04 October 1941

Death of Former Councillor

Mr. G. Taylor of Mexborough

The death occurred on Sunday of a well-known Mexborough man, Mr. George Taylor, of Dunford House, Doncaster Road. Mr. Taylor, who was 88, was one of the town’s oldest residents, but remained active to the last, and the day before his death spent several hours in the Clayton gardens, near his home.

A native of West Butterwick, he started work on a farm at the age of ten years, receiving 6d. a day. At 12 he went to work at the Trent Iron Works, Scunthorpe, and two years later went to Owston Ferry as an apprentice to a joiner and wheelwright.

At 21 he moved to Ackworth, leaving a few years later to go to Wombwell, where he worked for Mr. F. Boocock, a builder, until in 1888 he bought a boot and shoe business, which he retained until his retirement in 1918. In 1890 he was elected a member of Wombwell Local Board and was also a member of the Overseers for seven years.

He was associated with the Wesleyan Church and Sunday School, where he held many official positions. In 1897 he came to Mexborough, where he opened another shop in High Street, which he carried on for several years. He became associated with the Trinity Church and maintained the connection for the rest of his life, a period of 43 years, holding at various times all the important offices in the church, including those of society steward, chapel steward and trustee. He had a record of 50 years’ membership of Wath Wesleyan Circuit, which he had represented at, many synods.

In addition to business and religious interests, Mr. Taylor took part in civic affairs, and was elected to Mexborough Urban Council in 1920 and held his seat for several years, during which time he served as Chairman of the Housing Committee and chairman of Mexborough and Doncaster Hospital Board.

He was keenly interested in cricket and for 52 consecutive years, prior to the war, attended Scarborough Cricket Festival, where he was a well-known character. He was one of a family noted for longevity. A brother, Mr. Joseph Taylor, of Wombwell, died last February at the age of 96, a sister, Miss Eliza Taylor, lived to be 79, and two other brothers lived to be 78 and 70 respectively. Mr. Taylor’s wife died in 1912 and he is survived by two married daughters.