Mexborough & Swinton Times, March 9, 1940
Missing Woman Found
Houghton Search Ends at Bawtry
Mystery of Widow’s Injuries
Mrs. Mary G. Parker (64), of Hallcroft, Church Street, Great Houghton, was found unconscious in a field at Bawtry on Wednesday morning, and was taken to Doncaster Public Assistance institution Infirmary, where she lies in a serious condition with head injuries.
She has been unable has yet to explain how she received her injuries. Nearby where she was found is an L.N.E.R. main line and the Bawtry gas works. The woman was found between the two. For some hours after her discovery she was unconscious.
Mrs. Parker left home at Hall Croft, Church Street, Great Houghton, on Tuesday at dinner-time to fetch some tobacco for her son, Mr. Harry Parker, and after visiting her daughter in Dearne Street, Great Houghton, a few minutes later, had not been heard of until found at Bawtry. Mrs. Parker lives with her son and daughter-in-law. She has suffered from loss of memory. Her husband, Mr. Albert Edward Parker, died eight years ago, and she went to reside with her son about two years ago.
On Tuesday she had her name and address written on a paper in her pocket as was customary since she suffered from loss of memory. Her son wrapped sixpence in a paper and wrote on it the kind of tobacco he wanted. She did not apparently go to the shop, but paid a visit to her daughter, Mrs. Smallman, of Dearne Street, Great Houghton.
Shortly afterwards she left, and evidently went in the direction of Thurnscoe, for her son learned on Wednesday that she was seen by a Mrs. Careless going towards Thurnscoe, and was later seen her William Haveyard, passing Thurnscoe Schools, at about 1.45 p.m Later, somebody thought they saw her in Marr Road, going towards Doncaster. Mrs. Parker has a daughter living at Thurnscoe, Mrs. Brook, of 15, Hanover Street, but she did not call there. When Mrs, Parker did not return home her son and his wife became uneasy and informed the notice.
Mrs. Parker was last night stated to be “still very ill.”