Stephen Chart on Charter Day 19th September, 1934. Clip from Merton Memories photo 49791
Copyright London Borough of Merton

Born 1879, Died 9th April 1964.

Lt. Colonel Stephen Chart D.S.O., was the first clerk to the Mitcham UDC and first Town Clerk in 1934 when Mitcham became a borough. His father was Robert Masters Chart.

He was awarded the Distinguished Service Order in 1918

From the London Gazette
Publication date: 23 July 1918
Supplement: 30813
Page: 8743

Maj (T./Lt.-Col.) Stephen Chart, Lond. R.

For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty.

His battalion was sent up to reinforce the brigade. His dispositions were excellent, and he handled the situation with great skill and courage. He maintained his position until ordered to conform to the new situation. Never sparing himself, he set a splendid example of coolness and confidence, and greatly inspired all ranks under him.

Born first quarter of 1879, Croydon District, Volume 1 Page 258. (From FindMyPast).

Baptised 23rd February 1879, son of Robert Masters Chart and Julia Florence Octavia Chart. Profession of father shown as surveyor. Baptism performed by Rev DF Wilson.

Census entries from FindMyPast
1881 : Aged 2 living with family at The Limes
1891 : Aged 12, scholar, at The Limes, High Street
1901 : Aged 22, Commercial Clerk, living with family, London Road
1911 : Aged 32, married, Surveyor and Estate Agent, living at Greenview

Electoral Registers

1929 : Living at Greenview with Louise Chart

Merton Memories Photos

1934
Charter Day with RM Chart

Died April 1964 aged 83

1964 obituary

MR. CHART

ONE of the most prominent in men in Mitcham, the first Town Clerk of the borough, Lt.-col. Stephen Chart, died in Epsom District Hospital last week. Mr. Chart was 85. Lt.-col. Chart had followed in his family’s footsteps in the borough. He was the fifth generation of Charts to take a leading role in Mitcham’s local government. His father, Mr Robert Masters Chart, was the Charter Mayor.

He was Clerk of the Mitcham Urban District from 1915 to 1934 and the first town clerk when Mitcham became a borough in 1934. He retired in 1945.

A widower, he leaves two sons and two daughters.

Lt.col. Chart was admitted to Epsom hospital just before Christmas. He died on Thursday last week.

MAYOR AT SERVICE

The funeral service was at Mitcham Parish Church on Wednesday. The Mayor, Coun. William H. Sanderson, and the Town Clerk, Mr R.H. White, attended the service. Other members of Mitcham Council and local organisations were also among those who attended.

Mr White said this week: “Lt.col. Chart was a most prominent man in Mitcham. His family had taken an active interest in Mitcham’s local government for 170 years.”

Among his many interests he was a former president of Mitcham Cricket Club and a member of the Red Cross.

A member of Mitcham Cricket Club once wrote of Col. Chart: “His learning is wide and his accomplishments manifold.”

Although his last home was Banstead he was a native of Mitcham and a member of a family rooted in the town for over 200 years.

Source: Mitcham News & Mercury, Friday 17th April, 1964, page 1.