Mexborough & Swinton – Saturday 01 March 1941

Obituary

Mr. W. H. Rix

Former Swinton Councillor

A well known Kilnhurst resident and a former chairman of Swinton Urban Council, Mr. Walter Herbert Rix (67), of 68, Charles Street died last Thursday in the Mexborough Montagu Hospital. Mr. Rix was born in the district and had lived at Kilnhurst practically all his life.

In March, 1892, when he was 18, he joined the York and Lancaster Regiment and served in South Africa in the Boer War. He brought back many souvenirs, and a medal, with bars for service in the relief of Ladysmith and the battle of Tugali Heights.

Mr. Rix found employment at Ellison and Mitchell’s Chemical Works, Kllnhurst, and later at Baker and Bessemer Ltd.

In 1910, he was appointed postmaster for Kilnhurst. Mr. Rix was therefore Kilnhurst’s first full-time postman. He had been closely identified with the Post Office Workers’ Union and was a past chairman of the Rotherham branch.

For 16 years Mr. Rix had been prominently connected with public life, losing his seat on Swinton Urban Council three years ago. He became Chairman of the Council in 1926.

The funeral took place at Kilnhurst on Sunday, the Rev. E. J. Cheverton officiating.