Francis Morphet TWISLETON

19 January 1917

DEATH OF A CRAVEN POET

A fine type of the old Dalesman passed away at Menston on Saturday, in the person of Mr. Thomas Twisleton, who for the past six years had lived in partial retirement at Menston. Mr. Twisleton, who had reached his 72nd year, was a native of Winskill, near Settle. Nearly 40 years ago he removed to Burnsall, and since then he had occupied various farms in Wharfedale. Standing six feet high, and proportionately broad, he was a fine specimen of the manhood which the Dales can produce. A teetotaller an a non-smoker he was an ardent advocate of temperance principles, and in his younger days he was always ready to lend his aid in expounding those views which he cherished very dearly. He was a fluent speaker; and his services were in great demand on temperance platforms, not only in Wharfedale, but much further afield, both in Yorkshire and the Metropolis. He was also skilled as an elocutionist and in the reciting of temperance poems frequently appeared on Wharfedale platforms.

Locally he was perhaps best known as ‘The Craven Poet,’ a title which he had merited through his continuous writing and publishing of verse, in the composition of which he had a rare and singular ability. The majority of his writings dealt with temperance principles and some time ago a selection of his choicest poems were published in book form, and these found a ready sale.

As will already have been gathered, Mr. Twisleton carried on the business of a farmer, and as such he was known to most of the agricultural community throughout the West Riding. He was also in the employ of the Caledonian Assurance Co., in connection with which he worked up an extensive business amongst farmers.

He was twice married, and his second wife survives him. Out of a family of eight there remain five – four sons and a daughter. Two of his sons have already rendered yeoman service to their country. They both emigrated to New Zealand some time ago, and commenced farming there. One of them – Frank – fought through the Boer War, and was promoted to be captain. On the outbreak of the present war he again enlisted as a private with the New Zealanders, and saw service both in Egypt and the Dardanelles, where he had the misfortune to be wounded by the explosion of his own pistol which was struck by a shrapnel shell. He was invalided home to England, and after recovery went out to France, where he is still fighting with the New Zealand troops. Once again has he reached the rank of captain. The other son with the Forces was Lieut. Thomas Twisleton, who enlisted with the New Zealanders during the South African war, and who had the misfortune to contract pneumonia, from which he died. Mr. Frederick Twisleton is farming at Guiseley, Mr. Henry Twisleton is carrying on a similar occupation in New Zealand, and Mr. Robert Twisleton has taken over his father’s business, and lives at Guiseley. He, however, has been called up for military service, and leaves on Monday next. The only surviving daughter is the wife of Mr. Heron, of Menston.

The interment took place at God’s Acre, Burley, on Tuesday afternoon, being preceded by a service at the house, conducted by the Rev. G.H. Brown, Congregational Pastor. The chief mourners included Mrs. Twisleton (widow), Mrs. Heron (daughter), Miss Twisleton (sister), Mr. Frederick Twisleton (son) and Mrs. F. Twisleton, Mr. Robert Twisleton (son), Mr. J. Stockdale (son-in-law), Mrs. Wilkinson, Mr. J.W. Jones (of the Caledonian Assurance Co., Leeds), Mrs. Wishart (Bradford), Mr. S Pattinson (Burnsall), Miss. D. Clarke (Menston), and Mr. D. Boothman (Bolton Abbey). Amongst a large number of friends present were Mr. H.A. Gill (Menston), Mr. Thomas Lupton (Farnley), Mr. H. Coates (Burley), and Mr. J.A. Clapham (Burley).

30 November 1917

CRAVEN AND THE WAR – CAPTAIN TWISLETON DIES OF WOUNDS

It is with deep regret that we have to report the death, from wounds, of Captain F. M. Twisleton, eldest son of the late Mr. Thomas Twisleton, of Menston, and formerly of Settle. Leaving England for New Zealand, some twenty years ago, he had an adventurous and varied career. At the outbreak of the Boer War he volunteered for, and fought through the war, at the conclusion of which he returned to New Zealand, where he married and settled down to farming. He took a keen interest in military matters, and was Captain of the Grisborne Frontiersmen; indeed, so popular was he with the whole Legion that he was unanimously elected Commandant of New Zealand. At the outbreak of the present war he at once offered for service, and came out with the Otago Mounted Rifles. He fought through the Gallipoli campaign, where he won the Military Cross for conspicuous bravery and good work done in the field. After spending several months in hospitals in Egypt, Malta, and the South of England, he went to the Western Front, taking command of the New Zealand Pioneer Battalion with whom he remained until just before the 4th of October, when he left for Egypt to rejoin the mounted men. On arriving there he at once proceeded to the fighting line in Palestine, where he received the wounds from which he died on November 15th. He leaves a widow and two daughters.