[In Nov. 2007, Cedric Wrathall gave Derek Wrathall copies of the following articles.]
Obituary

MR. T. WRATHALL, OF LEYBURN

Once farmed at Farnhill

The death took place in a Harrogate Nursing home, on Monday, at the age of 64, of Mr. Tom Wrathall, of Leyburn, and formerly of Farnhill Hall Farm.

Of a well-known Craven farming family, Mr. Wrathall was the second son of the late Mr. and Mrs. Robert Wrathall, who farmed at Grassington, before moving to Farnhill.

Following his father's death, Mr. Wrathall took over Farnhill Farm for about five years, leaving some 20 years ago to take up auctioneering.

For a short period he was auctioneer at Skipton Auction Mart, leaving to take up a similar appointment at Leyburn Auction Mart, a position he held for 20 years. At one time he was also auctioneer to Blackburn Auction Mart.

Mr. Wrathall leaves a widow and four children.

Cremation took place at Harrogate Crematorium yesterday (Thursday). Family mourners included Mrs. C. Wrathall (widow); Mr. and Mrs. F. Swires (son-in-law and daughter), Harrogate; Mr. and Mrs. R. Nash (son-in-law and daughter), Harrogate; Mr. and Mrs. R. Wrathall (son and daughter-in-law), Sedbergh; Mr. and Mrs. P. Wrathall (son and daughter-in-law) ; Mr. and Mrs. R. Wrathall (brother and sister-in-law), Birmingham; Mr. and Mrs. W. Wrathall (brother and sister-in-law), Skipton; Mrs. M. Cousins (sister), Margate; and Mrs. Buller (niece), Carnoustie.

HE USED THE
BIG STICK


-- At Leyburn

MEMORIES OF A
MART PERSONALITY
Many Wensleydale and Swaledale farmers will retain pleasant memories of the late Mr. Tom Wrathall and of the humour he infused into the art of selling dairy cattle at Leyburn Mart.

An excellent judge of cattle, he knew almost precisely their worth and would bang his stick down, with considerable force when he could persuade the seller to take the Price offered. The free use of his bamboo cane in the auctioneers' rostrum was such that he had to be provided with a new front board on which he would use his cane until it was little more than half its original length.

His shrewd knowledge of his fellow dalesmen stood him in good stead. A seller from Swaledale brought a cow into the ring recently and eulogised its excellence. "I know it," Tom was heard to say recently. "Thoo can't tell me owt more in its favour. Thou's had thy say; now I'll have mine." Eventually £50 was bid, apparently as a final offer. The owner whispered, "It's hardly her value. Sell her and I'll treat you, Tom." "Nay, I would rather come ower and stay tea with ye," replied Tom. "It's too hee up for thee -- thou'll strave wharn I leave (live)," was the rejoinder. "Not if thou sports a drop of whisky," added Tom, who then inquired, "Does ta really want ta sell her?" Before the Swaledale farmer could reply, Tom had read his thoughts, and as he banged his stick on the rostrum, small pieces flew around the ringside.

There were many such incidents at Leyburn Mart, where farmers took his banter in good spirits. He had many well known sayings, such as, "What a dairymaid!" "She will grow like a willow," "It's for nowt," "A home-bred heifer - straight off the hilltops," "Very fit beasts - straight off the tops," "She's a knock-out," and "Even the cow is disgusted with that price."

Tom knew hundreds of farmers and dealers, and had his pet name for many of them. His motto was: "Keep smiling."

[This article appeared in the Darlington and Stockton Times, 25 Feb. 1950]
Further information about Tom Wrathall is available: