South Yorkshire Times – Saturday 02 May 1942

Obituary

Mr. J. C. Davison

 Well Known Playwright

The death occurred at his home on Saturday of Mr. John Charles Davison (43), of “Malvern House,” Castle Hill Avenue, Mexborough.

Mr. Davison, who was employed at Mexborough plant as an engine fitter and during the general strike, conceived the idea of attempting literary work. He turned out scores of short stories novels and poems before writing his first play, “Shadows of Strife,” which was accepted by Sir Barry Jackson and staged at Birmingham Repertory Theatre.

Mr. Davison wrote over 20 plays, some of which were produced in London and the best known of which were ” Wuthering Heights.” “The Brontës of Haworth Parsonage,” and ” Search.”

He received one of the highest honours of British drama when his Bronte play was selected for production at Malvern Festival in 1936.

He never gave up his work at the plant, and used to write his plays at night after a hard day’s work. Three weeks before his death he finished writing his comedy, “The Shelter in Green Street.” He leaves a widow and two children.

The funeral took place on Wednesday at Mexborough. Mourners were: Mrs. Davison (widow), Miss Joan Davison (daughter), Jack Davison (son), Mrs. Sly, Mr. and Mrs. L. Davison, Mrs. H. Clifton, Mr. E. Jackson, Mr. and Mrs. T. Vickers, Mrs. Jackson, Mrs. Brian, Mrs. Ruane, and the following workmates of the L.N.E.R.: Messrs. C. W. Booth, A. Cotton, D. Haigh, A Jenkins, E. Jenkins, Bramham and H. Shepherd.

There were many floral tributes from the wife and family, relatives, neighbours, friends and fellow workers of the L.N.E.R. Funeral arrangements were by Millwood and Son, 105, Main Street and 24, Market Street, Mexborough. Tel. 2138 Mexborough.