Mexborough and Swinton Times January 7, 1938
Police in the Dearne District and at Chesterfield are searching for Joseph Leggitt (63), of 175, Woodland Road, Sheepbridge, Chesterfield, who disappeared while staying with his son, Mr. Thomas Leggitt, at 3, Halsbury Avenue, Thurnscoe, last Wednesday.
Mr. Leggitt has had lapses of memory and has never been the same since his wife died six years ago on Tuesday and it is believed that the anniversary of this occurrence has had some effect upon the missing man.
With his son-in-law and daughter. Mr. and Mrs. C. Neal, Leggitt spent Christmas at Thurnscoe, but decided to stay for a longer holiday.
On Wednesday morning, December 29th he went for a walk about . 11-15 and was last seen at mid-day walking in the direction of Houghton.
Fond Of Walking
His daughter-in-law told our reporter that she was extremely worried that he had not appeared either at Thurnscoe or at Chesterfield. She thinks that he may have set off for Sheepbridge and may have been taken ill on the way. He was very fond of walking and although he had enough money to pay his fare when travelling long distances, would prefer to walk.
Until five years ago Leggitt was a puddler at Staveley Iron and Steel Works, but has now ceased to work.
Here is a description of the missing man: Height between 5ft. 5ins. and 5ft. 6ins; Sandy-ginger moustache; Dressed in navy blue overcoat, blue trousers, black boots, greyish scarf and light tweed cap. He smokes a pipe, walks with a stoop and a slight roll, and is believed to be carrying about 30s. in cash, a red handkerchief, an “Oxo” tin containing tobacco and a small purse marked “Rhyl.” His eyesight is failing, he is deaf and he has no teeth.