Mexborough and Swinton Times February 17, 1939

Traders Sudden Death
Prominent Mexborough Rotarian
Tragic coincidence

Members of Mexborough and District Rotary Club at their annual dinner on Tuesday unanimously decided to send their beat wishes for a speedy recovery from illness to one of their most popular colleagues. Rotarian Joseph Frederick Long.

But, at almost the same moment as this suggestion was adopted, Mr. Long collapsed at his home, 65. High street, Mexborough and died almost immediately. Mr. Long was downstairs and was  sitting in a chair shuffling a pack of cards when be collapsed. He was 56 years old.

Mr. Long came of a family which had lived in Mexborough for at least six generations.

A native of Mexborough, Mr Long lived in the town all his life.

He started  work in the mine, but gave up that work at the age of 13, when his brother was killed.

His grandfather had been in the fruit trade in Mexborough for a considerable period and Mr. Long entered the same trade. He had a business of his own when he was 18 years old, and later had a shop in Main Street about 15 years and had occupied the present premises in High Street since shortly after the Armistice. He was nominated for the Urban Council, but was not successful.

War Service

Mr. Long served through the War in the York and Lancaster Regiment, and after being severely gassed on Ypres front, was transferred to Italy. As Quarter Master Sergeant of a camp he contracted double-pneumonia after the war and, as he was never completely to throw off the effects of gas, Mr. Long’s health had been poor for a long time. He had been in particular poor health for the last year, but on Monday he seemed so much better and  he took charge of the shop or a time.

His sudden collapse on Tuesday was therefore all the tragic than expected.

He had been married 33 years and leaves a widow and two sons.

The funeral is at Mexborough cemetery on Sunday, leaving the house at 2 p.m.