Robert Moderwell is seen in the photograph in front of his house at  89 William Street.  Moderwell's family were early settlers in Stratford. An earlier namesake,  Robert Moderwell,  his grandfather, was the first sheriff of Perth County, and served in that role from 1853 to 1872. (see Moderwell Street).

Mr. Moderwell was born in the same house he lived in, at 89 William St. The midwife who assisted at his birth was a native Indian lady who lived on William St. Sheriff Moderwell, the first sheriff of Perth County was his grandfather, and his successor, Sheriff Hossie, was his great-uncle. (see Hossie Terrace).