Born Knottingley, near Pontefraact, Yorkshire, 1877. Lived with his grandparents, James and Hannah Stainton, in Etton. He served in the South African War with the 109th Squadron, Imperial Yeomanry, Yorkshire Hussars. After Military Service, he began a long career as a Valet for Colonel Grimston, at High Hall, Etton and worked for the Beverley Justice of the Peace, Mr DF Burton and for Mr Kenneth Wilson, Chairman of the Wilson Shipping Line. He was also Valet to Charles Frohman, a celebrated Broadway Director in the United States. They died together travelling on the Lusitania which was torpedoed on 07/05/1915. His body was recovered and buried with his grandparents at St Marys Church, Etton, East Yorkshire. He was described as 5 foot, 6 inches tall, blues eyes and brown hair.
