William James Odbert-Retired Farmer Tobacconist & Confectioner
153 Brunswick Street, Stratford, ON
1922

In 1840 William Odbert Jr., who had been a member of the Irish Constabulary force, his wife Ellen, their four children and his brother Thomas arrived in Canada from Ireland. They settled on Concession 7 in Downie Township near Harmony. They were followed by their parents, William Sr. and Elizabeth, and two siblings John and Rebecca shortly afterwards.

In 1842 William Jr., Ellen and their children moved a short way to a new farm in the adjoining township of South Easthope. Ellen gave birth in 1843 to the fifth of their twelve children, a son, William Henry. The Odbert family would farm in that location for three generations. 

William Henry took over the farm in 1881 and married Elizabeth Ann Dempsey in 1882. Their only child, William James was born in 1884 and sadly, Elizabeth Ann died five days afterwards. William Henry married again in 1900 to Annie Orr. In 1904 he had an accident which almost cost him his life. According to the November 23rd Stratford paper “Mr. William H. Odbert had a narrow escape from death beneath the wheels of a Grand Trunk train in Tavistock. He was driving across the track just as the Woodstock train was pulling in when his horses took fright and ran away throwing him out beside the rails. He lay unconscious within three feet of the track when the train passed. He was picked up a few moments later and removed to his home where his injuries were attended to.” He continued farming until he and Annie moved to 123 Brunswick Street in Stratford where he lived a quiet life until his death in 1926.

William James married Adella Florence Gould in 1905 and three years later took over the family farm from his father. He and Della had two children, a son and a daughter. In 1910, he bought a lot on Brunswick Street in Stratford and built a house on the east part of the lot at number 157 which he rented as an income property. They remained on the farm until 1919 when they moved to Stratford. Three years later William James and Della moved into the newly built house at 153 Brunswick Street on the west part of his original lot.

Although he was retired from farming, William James Odbert began a new career as a tobacco and confectionery merchant. He worked in this business located at 80 Nile Street as a wholesaler for twenty-eight years. When his son was old enough to join him, the company became, W. J. Odbert and Son Ltd. He was a well-known and respected part of the community. He was a member of Central United Church and also a Masonic Lodge member.

His wife, Della, died in 1945 and three years later he married Minerva Kruspe Hanna. William James Odbert died in 1952. At the time of William James’ death, his son was living next door at 157 Brunswick Street and his daughter and son-in-law at 123 Brunswick, the former home of her grandparents William Henry and Annie Odbert. William James, Della and his parents are buried in Avondale Cemetery.