Rostron Kershaw was born in Lowell in 1917, the son of Wilfred and Nekkie (Whittaker). Wilfred was a pipe organ builder, a profession that Rostron would take up as well. Roston served in World War II in the Pacific Theater and was discharged with the rank of Captain. Kershaw married Mildred C. Knutson and they became well-known residents of Chelmsford and members of All Saints Episcopal Church. Kershaw died unexpectedly at home at the age of 52. He was survived by his wife, a daughter Charlotte Ann Kershaw who attended Simmons College, a son Rostron J. Kershaw who attended Emerson College, as sister Marjorie Edmonds of Salem, New Hampshire, and a brother, Wilfred W. Kershaw of Kennebunkport, Maine.