South Yorkshire Times and Mexborough & Swinton Times – Friday 30 November 1883

Sad Drowning Case at Kilnhurst

Much excitement was caused in Kilnhurst yesterday consequent on the finding in the canal of the dead body of a farm labourer named William Ainley.

The deceased, who was about 22 years of age, had been in the employment of Mr. Green, Kilnhurst Hall farm, for about a week.

On Wednesday night, after supper, he went out, and not returning, his master concluded that he had gone to his parents, who reside at Sandhill.

On Thursday morning, after making inquiries concerning him, a waistcoat, cap, and jacket were found on the canal bank, opposite the ferry boat, and being identified, dragging operations were at once commenced.

After about two hours’ work the body was found, and removed to the Nag’s Head, awaiting the coroner’s inquest.

It is surmised that some reins have been found in a tree near the farm, suggesting that the unfortunate young man had made an attempt to hang himself.