William Charles Herbert Ernest Stott was born 14 January 1879 to Frederick William Stott and Eliza Alice Stott of 39 Pleasant St, Sowerby Bridge. His father is recorded in censuses as first a mechanic and later a farmer. The third of four children, Stott was baptised on 13 April 1879, but little more has been found about his early life. He had left home by the time of the 1901 census, when he was boarding with the Rowell family in Heaton, West Yorkshire, and working as a grocer. By 1902 he had returned to Sowerby Bridge, where he continued in this profession and where, on 1 January 1902, aged 22, he married Agnes Louisa Smith, 24, at the Church of St Luke in Massingham, Bradford. The couple moved to 8 Town Hall St, Sowerby Bridge, where they were listed in the 1911 census with no children.
In the Easter term of 1916, at the age of 37, Stott matriculated to Durham University as an unattached member, studying Theology. He is not listed as having sat any exams, and it appears that he soon abandoned his studies to join the army, receiving a commission to the 51st King’s Own (Yorkshire Light Infantry). Serving with this regiment in France, Stott was killed in action on 29 September 1918. His grave is found at Lowrie Cemetery, Havrincourt, Pas de Calais, with the inscription chosen by his wife: ‘I Know That My Redeemer Liveth’.