George Fergusson Wilson
George Fergusson Wilson (1822-1902), Industrial Chemist and the founder of Prices Patent Candle Co
1822 Born at Wandsworth the son of William Wilson and his wife Margaret
William had formed a brokering business trading with Russia, which was extremely profitable. One of Russia's principal exports was tallow, and so in 1830 he bought the patent granted to James Soames in 1829 for the processing of coconut oil into a solid fat substitute for tallow in candle manufacture, and oil-burning lamps.
1830 William and others formed Edward Price and Co (possibly named after his business partner's aunt who was not connected with the business). They built a factory at Battersea. By 1840 their 'composite' candles, made from tallow and coconut fats on plaited wicks were very successful.
1851 Living at Wandsworth Common: William Wilson (age 78 born Stanmore), a Retired Merchant. With his wife Margaret Wilson (age 65 born Edinburgh) and their children Mary Wilson (age 43 born Edinburgh); Ann Wilson (age 42 born Wilson Town, Lanark); Robert Wilson (age 38 born Wilson Town, Lanark), Solicitor; George Fergusson Wilson (age 29 born Wandsworth), Manager of Patent Candle Co; Maria Wilson (age 25 born Wandsworth); his nephew James Lung (age 22 born Edinburgh), Assistant Manager of Patent Candle Co; and son James W. Wilson (age 33 born Hampstead), Manager of Patent Candle Co. Six servants.[1]
Later lived at 'Gishurst Cottage', Weybridge
1861 Living at Weybridge Common: George F. Wilson (age 38 born Wandsworth), Managing Director of Candle Manufactory. Unmarried. Two servants. [2]
1871 Living at Hetherbank, Weybridge: George F. Wilson (age 49 born Wandsworth), a Retired Manufacturer. With his wife Ellen Wilson (age 46 born Wandsworth) and their children Scott B. Wilson (age 6 born Wandsworth), Herman G. Wilson (age 5 born Wandsworth), and Alice C. Wilson (age 1 born Wandsworth). Five servants.[3]
1878 Glebe Farm was bought by George Fergusson Wilson, well known as a grower of fruit and orchids, who lived nearby at Heatherbank in Weybridge.
1902 Died