Transcript

of

W.G. Stuart [Obituary]

Trans. Devon. Assoc., vol.  44, (1912). p. 42.

by

Maxwell Adams (Ed.)

Prepared by Michael Steer

The obituary was presented at the Association’s July 1912 Exeter meeting. Mr Stuart had been for much of his professional life, a Solicitor of The Honourable Society of Gray's Inn, one of the four Inns of Court (professional associations for barristers and judges) in London. To practise as a barrister in England and Wales, a person must belong to one of these inns. Gray’s Inn is known for its gardens, or walks, which have existed since at least 1597. In retirement he appears to have been an avid fly fisherman with particular interest in South Devon’s River Avon. His obituary may be found in a copy of a rare and much sought-after journal that can be downloaded from the Internet Archive. Google has sponsored the digitisation of books from several libraries. These books, on which copyright has expired, are available for free educational and research use, both as individual books and as full collections to aid researchers. 

Mr. Stuart was born in 1832, and was the only son of William Stuart and Anne Clarke Tollemache his wife. He was a Solicitor of Gray's Inn, his chambers being in Gray's Inn Square, where he was known as the "Father of Gray's Inn." He joined the Association in 1896, and was a regular attendant at its Annual Meetings. He was a student of Zoology, and left copious notes on his microscopic work in connection therewith. He was also a keen fisherman, and while residing in the South Hams was a member of the Avon Fishery Board. He married Susan Charlotte Mello, daughter of William Mello and Mary Henchman Berney his wife. He died at Elm Grove, Exmouth, on 6 March, 1911.