Preece Family Tree

EX-POLICE SUPERINTENDET.

Death of Mr. W. Stokes, Cheslyn Hay.

The death occurred on Saturday last, after an illness of several months, at his residence, Station-street, Cheslyn Hay, of Mr. William Stokes, who was formerly a superintendent in the Wolverhampton Borough Police Force, from which he retired in 1911.

Upon his retirment, Mr. Stokes settled at Cheslyn Hay, with which village his earlier life was associated, and he took a considerable interest in the public affairs of the district. Soon after the outbreak of war, he secured a position in the Army Pay Offices, at Lichfield, and for the past two years he had been in the employ of Mr. E. Lindop, Market-street, Hednesford.

Mr. Stokes, who was 56 years of age, joined the force in 1886, when Major Hay was Chief Constable, and the following year he was appointed assistant clerk in the Chief's office. In 1890 he gained his sergeant's stripes, and was made chief clerk. He then became acting inspector, and 1892 he was given the full rank of inspector. Mr. Stokes was appointed superintendent of the force and fire brigade in 1900, and retired, as stated above, after 25 years' service. It may be recalled that he had a great deal to do as secretary, and otherwise, with the administration of Sir Charles Mander's fund for clothing destitute children. He also held the Long Service Medal granted by the National Fire Brigades Union, representing actual service and good conduct.

The funeral took place at Chasetown, on Wednesday, the officiating minister being the Rev. W. T. Milligan, of Wolverhampton.