Sheffield Evening Telegraph June 28, 1910

A Boatman Drowned

At the Commercial Hotel, Kilnhurst, today, Mr J Kenyon Parker held an inquest relative to the death of Robert Hodgson (40), boat owner, Thorne, whose body was recovered from the canal at Kilnhurst on Sunday.

On Tuesday, June 21, deceased, complained to one of his brothers about not feeling well, and he also mentioned to some boatmen at Kilnhurst the following day that if he was no better on the Thursday he should go home. The last time was seen alive on Thursday night, when he was observed by a man named John Allen.

Police Constable Hedlund gave it as his opinion that the man either slipped off his boat or was taken ill and fell in. In the pockets of the deceased were found £1 3s 11d, a purse, club book and rules and membership card and a postal certificate and registering letters.

A verdict of “Found drowned” was returned.