A 1905 ‘Men of Mark’ print; George Moody (1859-1939).

An original print from a 1905 fish trade publication.  One of a series of ‘Men of Mark’ in the Grimsby fishing industry.  The artist is “AEL”. The caption reads, “One of the partners in the well-known firm of Moodys and Kelly, of Grimsby, which firm dates back to the inception of the fishing industry at that port (Grimsby). The founder of the firm was chairman of the first steam trawling company in Grimsby.  The firm has a branch establishment at Fleetwood, where an extensive business is carried on.” George Edward James Moody was born in Cleethorpes on 28th November 1859, the son of Walker and Catherine Moody. Walker was a fish merchant and smack owner who was born in Gayton-le-Wold.  George married Olga Christofine Sass Krause from Copengagen, Denmark in Clee in 1879.  The couple lived at 14 Albert Road, Cleethorpes and had four childen; Katherine “Kitty” Mareea (1880-1917), George Walker Godfried (1881-1933), Gladys Olga (1885-1964) and Will(iam) Bancroft (1887-1958).  By 1901, the family were living at “Knoll House”, Alexandra Road, Cleethorpes. This house is located across Knoll Street from “The Knoll” where George’s sister, Ann Elizabeth, lived with her husband, Henry Kelly.  Henry Kelly was in business with George Moody and his brother Fred Moody.  George Moody was the senior partner in Messrs. Moodys and Kelly, fish merchants and trawler owners, a major force in the developing fishing industry.  He is also credited for realising the potential of Fleetwood and investing in the western port.  George Moody was also a director of the Great Grimsby Coal, Salt and Tanning Co. Ltd. He also had significant involvement in a number of other companies. Olga Christofine Sass Moody, died in June 1921 and was buried in Cleethorpes Cemetery. George Moody was knighted in 1926 for his services to the fishing industry. Sir George Moody J.P. was the father of Cleethorpes Council.  His involvement in local government began in 1882.  He was instrumental in preventing Grimsby Town Council from incorporating a significant proportion of Cleethorpes. Sir George was chosen as the Charter Mayor when Cleethorpes became a municipal borough in 1936. His daughter, Gladys Olga Nelson acted as his Mayoress.  Sir George was also the first honorary Freeman of the Borough of Cleethorpes. Sir George Moody was said the be a man of striking personality and was popular with all classes.  He was always courteous and never eager to lead although his capabilities inevitability made him a central figure in most companies.  One son and one daughter survived Sir George Moody J. P. when he died on 23rd September 1939.  His funeral was held in St. Peter’s church and he was buried with Olga in Cleethorpes Cemetery. Research by Grimsby & Cleethorpes Museum.