William James Bersey

The son of William and Elizabeth and born in St Germans he was known as Will. After leaving school he joined his father in a boot and shoe repair shop in Newport, St Germans. He married Gladys Dann 31 March 1928. In 1931 he was appointed the head gamekeeper for the Earl of St Germans at Port Eliot.

At his funeral the Earl Of St. Germans paid tribute to his long serving keeper; "a true and faithful servant. Will Bersey was a good and great man. Some men are able to give freely but Will had very little money to give, but what he did give was his heart. Whether farmers or friends, animals or birds who were in trouble, sick or injured, Will Bersey was ready to help them. St Germans was his world where he was liked and loved. I have known Will Bersey for over 20 years and he was practically part of my family and I of his. He was truly a great man".

Remembered as a man of character, he took an active part in village affairs. He was a bell ringer in his youth and for many years a member of the Parochial Church Council, St Germans Reading Room and the Conservative Association. He played billiards and was a keen follower of the otter hounds.