George Sturt

George Sturt (18 June 1863–4 February 1927), who also wrote under the pseudonym George Bourne, was an English writer on rural crafts and affairs. He was born and grew up in Farnham, Surrey, the son of Ellen née Smith (1829–1890) and Francis Sturt (1822–1884). He attended Farnham Grammar School and for a short period aged 15 years he was a pupil-teacher there, at one time having the ambition to be a sub-inspector of local schools. When his father died in 1884 he took over the administration of the family wheelwright business founded in 1706. During this time he also contributed as an assistant to the various craftsmen working in the business. However, the work became either too onerous or he found his preference would be to spend more time writing so he took on a partner Eventually that partner died and his own ill health became a problem in 1916, so another partner was found who bought him out in 1920.