Event Date : Wednesday, May 18, 1955
Event Type : Death
Municipality : Matlock, Bath, Derbyshire, England
A former well known resident of this district passed away recently at Matlock, Bath, Derbyshire, England, in the person of George Washington Stoddart. The late Major Stoddart was born on March 5, 1877, the youngest and last surviving child of Robert Stoddart, and Sarah McConkey Stoddart, his wife. His early education was obtained at Middletown School and later at Bradford. Early in his career he became interested in military affairs and enlisted in the 36th Peel Regiment under the command of Lt.-Col. Tyrwhitt. He trained at Stanley Barracks, Toronto, and Wolsley Barracks, London, and rose to Captain of his Regiment. He offered his services in the South African War but his services were declined because of the small number of enlisted men taken from Canada. On June 4, 1902 he married the late Pearl Wood, daughter of the late Mr. and Mrs. James Wood of Bradford. The issue of this marriage are Winston and George Stoddart. He served on the Council of the Village of Bradford and was subsequently Reeve. Under his Reeveship, Hydroelectricity was first installed in Bradford. He constructed a number of houses in the Village, principally on Barrie Street. He was a lover of trees and many of the fine maple trees on the Village streets were planted during his term of office on the Council. On the outbreak of World War I he offered his services. Early in 1915 he went Overseas with the 74th Battalion. He lost a leg during the War, but returned to Canada only in 1919. Mrs. Pearl Wood Stoddart died on March 6, 1926. In 1943 he married Bernice Hardstaffe of Matlock, Bath, England, who survives him, as well as a daughter, Georgina, by his second marriage. In 1938 he went to England, making his home there until his death on May 18 last. He visited this country several times since the end of World War I and was keenly interested in Bradford and vicinity.
