James Stodart - Surgical Instrument Maker & Cutler
Hello all members of the Straight Razor Forum,
I have read the articles on James Stodart with much interest; I have been researching my ancestory for many years and have hit the buffer stops at 401 Strand, London.
David Stodart, who operated from 401 Strand is my Great,Great Grandfather, My Great Grandfather was Samuel although I believe this to be a different Samuel to the one who formed the Partnership with David. Incidentaly, Samuel Stodart my Great Grandfather married Mary Ann Perkins, a member of the Barclay Perkins Brewing family, their son Hearne, worked at the Anchor Brewery in Park Street, London. The marriage certifacte for Samuel and Mary Ann is dated 28th August 1847, David is listed as the father, and a Surgical Instrument Maker (he is shown as alive then although I am not sure), Mary Ann's father is Joseph Perkins, a Licensed Victualter. I don't think this Samuel is the one mentioned as being a partner at 401 Strand until 1832; his christening record at St Martins in the Fields is the 25th June 1816, making him only 16 in 1832. One of my Aunt's (Florence) always told me that Samuel was a Scribe at Somerset House, London. So was there another Samuel, a brother to David, or an Uncle! I also have a death certificate for David, listed as a Surgical Instrument Maker, died the 24th February 1840, aged 61 years. The plot thickens. This Samuel, my Great,G,Grandfather died on the 21st October 1904, aged 88 years.
David married Jacobina (Anderson I think), they had the following children - James 8th August 1808, David 16th August 1810, George 2nd November 1812, Jacobina 18th July 1814, Samuel 25th June 1816, Roderick 18th August 1818, Elisa 24th April 1820, Charles 29th April 1822 and David 17th January 1825. All of these are Christening records from St Martins in the Fields, London, they are held on the Morman IGI records.
I have always assumed that James could be my Great,G,G,G,Grandfather, thanks to the forum I have requested information from the Old Calton Cemetery, Edinburgh. Ironically I was there last November, wondering around the Graves (as you do) but did not have any luck.
I have visited the Royal Society in London, and have a copy of his nominations from members.
Several years ago (1999) I visited Lancaster House in London, the shop in 401 Strand falls under the Duchy of Lancaster. They hold an item there, it is a defacing hammer.
This did not mean much to me until my visit. The hammer was made around Queen Victorias Reign, it is used to deface the Royal Seal when a Monach dies, abdicates etc. The hammer is quite small, with a high polished, almost chrome appearance. Its face looks roughly like a stake tenderising hammer face, but most importantly on the shaft of the hammer is engraved/stamped - STODART. I will try to obtain a photo of the item for the forum.
I have many old cut throat Razors, but I have not found a Stodart Razor yet, One of my Uncles William Ranklin, a Taxidermist (his mother being Emily Stodart - Hearne's sister) had many blades for his Taxidermy work, but no Stodart blades. He was born 29th September 1882. I inheirited an old Crutchleys London Map from his family home when his son died. The Map is undated, but dates from 1828 - 1831 as it shows 2 London Bridges, this possibly came from the Stodart's at the Strand!
I believe some of the old Kellys London Directorys show a William & or a George at 401 Strand, but I can't find my records at the moment.
Anyway if anyone can provide me with more information about James and David at 401 Strand, I would be most grateful.
Many thanks
Phil Stodart.
