The Late
George Stafford.
It is indeed with regret that we have to chronicle the death of
Mr. George Stafford, one of Waterford's most highly respected and
esteemed citizens. Over a month ago Mr. Stafford was taken sick
with pneumonia. Careful treatment brought him through this
illness, but other complications followed. For two weeks he
gradually grew worse until at one a.m. on Friday last death
relieved him of his sufferings. Everything that two or three
doctors and two nurses could do was of no avail.
The late Mr. Stafford was one of those men of whom a country
may justly feel proud to recognize as a truly representative
citizen -- in modest and unassuming attention to his business
affairs, in courteous and gentlemanly deportment, in unswerving
integrity and loyalty to the country in which his lot was cast,
and to his Maker, he stood out amongst the citizens of this
section as a worthy citizen.
Few men were better known and none had more friends. He was
born in Townsend and always lived there until a few years ago,
when he moved to Waterford. For several years he has been in
partnership with T. D. Duncombe in the hog business and thus came
in contact with all the farmers of this section, who join with the
citizens of Waterford in regretting the departure of a man of such
sterling qualities and genial disposition.
The hospitalities of Mr. Stafford's home were extended to all
comers in a free hearted manner which betokened the character of
its owner, which was also evinced by the kindly and liberal manner
in which he contributed to the support of churches and to the need
of the poor. Pursing the even tenor of his course he sought no
political or municipal distinction.
With the esteemed lady who has shared his life's experiences
and his son who survive him, are the warmest sympathies of a very
large circle of friends. The respect surrounding them and the
friend that has joined the majority found expression on the
occasion of the funeral on Sunday afternoon when an unusually
large gathering of friends and neighbors paid the last token of
respect.
It was one of the largest funeral gatherings ever held in this
place. The members of Waterford Lodge, No. 235, I.O.O.F., attended
as a body and accompanied the funeral cortege to the cemetery. The
service was conducted by deceased's pastor, Rev. F. C. Elliott.
Of a family of 10 brothers and sisters of deceased but four
remain. They are Mrs. Sarah Smith of Brantford, Mrs. Margaret
Slaght and Enoch of Toronto, and Peter of Waterford.
