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Note: Herbert was fostered out by his mother who had married a Mr. Smith who did not want Herbert. Herbert was 9 years old. His mother stated that he was illegitimate and that his father had died when Herbert was an infant. Herbert was called Bert. Herbert committed suicide by drowning himself in a well. A Baptist minister officiated at the burial. Recollections of her father by Dulcie Graham, formerly Stone: Dulcie said her father enjoyed writing, had won an essay competition and also played Euchre in competition. He was in the fire brigade, played bowls and was a greenkeeper. He and his wife liked to play whist. He loved to play the harmonica while the children sat round him on the floor; they thought he was brilliant! He was very straight, prim and proper and disliked swearing; the children were not even allowed to use the word "fool" or their father would interupt sternly with "that will be enough of that kind of language". When Herbert came home, the children would hide behind the kitchen door and cupboards and, although he knew they were there, he would play along with the surprise. He often had pockets full of lollies which he never handed out individually but would throw into the air so that the children had to scramble for them. He grew fruit and vegetables at home for the family and had a tree that the children used to climb that was his pride and joy. Others would comment that Mr. Stone was a very clever man. Another story Dulcie told: Even though her father disliked swearing, he did swear himself. One day her mother asked her to go and find her father and give him a message. Dulcie walked up behind him just as he hit himself with a tool and said "bloody thing". Dulcie sternly said "that'll be enough of that kind of language" mimicking her beloved father and he turned around and grinned at her.
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