Henry Frederick Willey
Henry Frederick Willey (1831-1894) of Willey and Ford and later Willey and Co
1831 Born in St Sidwell, Exeter, the son of James and Mary Willy
Educated at St. John's Hospital
1851 Living at 61 St Sidwells (21 and born in St Sidwells, Exeter) a Commercial Traveller in Iron. In the home of his parents James (age 59 and born in St Sidwells, Exeter) a Bootmaker and Mary and his older brothers Edwin, James and Hubert. [1]
1861 Living at 22 Bartholomew Street, Exeter (age 30 and born in Exeter), Ironmonger's Clerk. Living with wife Sarah A. and children Emma M., Annie S., and Ann Brooking (a widowed aunt to Henry, aged 65 born at Plymouth). [2]
Worked for J. Vickary, gas engineers, of Exeter and after the death of Mr Vickery the firm of Willey and Ford was started. [3]
1871 Living at 4 Longbrook Street, Exeter (age 40 and born in St Sidwell, Exeter), a Gas Engineer in partnership with another and employing 20 men, 10 boys and 2 girls. With wife Sarah A. and children Emma M, Annie W., Arthur W., Henry A., Bessie J., Sydney S., and a servant. [4]
1881 Living at 2 Bystock Terrace, Exeter (age 50 and born in St. Sidwell, Exeter), a Gas Engineer employing 80 men and 20 boys. With wife Sara Ann and children Emma Mary (age 24), Annie Sarah (age 21), Arthur William Henry Willey (age 19 and a Gas Engineer), Henry Alfred Willey (age 17 and a Draper's Assistant), Bessie Jane (age 15), Sydney James Henry Willey (age 10) and a servant. [5]
1882 Elected Sheriff
1891 Living at Thornlea, Cowley Road, Exeter (aged 60 and born at Exeter), a Gas Engineer. With wife Sarah Ann, daughter Bessie Jane and a servant. [6]
1892/93 Mayor of Exeter [7]
1894 Died.
1894 Obituary.[8]
The citizens of Exeter, and a large number beyond, will learn with the deepest regret the death of Alderman H. F. Willey, ex-Mayor of Exeter. The illness which has ended fatally may e attributed to his devotion to public duty. He caught cold in the early part of December while on visit to the waterworks at Pynes in his capacity as Chairman of the Water Committee of the City Council. Some new machinery had been erected there in which Mr. Willey was greatly interested. He pressed the ex-Sheriff, also a member of the Committee, to accompany him, but the latter declined, and reminded the Chairman that the weather was very severe. The cold settled on his chest, and developed asthma. He took to his bed at once, and he was not able to leave his house afterwards. Deceased had previously suffered from asthmatic attacks, and the last kept him very weak. A short time ago the anxiety of his family and friends led to the calling of a specialist, Dr. Smith, chief physician of Guy's Hospital. After examination and consultation with Mr. Willey's medical advisers (Drs. Woodman and Davy) some hope was held out. His weak state, however, prevented any progress to recovery, and died peacefully last evening at his house at Thornlea, St. David's, about 6.20, in the presence of his wife and three daughters. The deceased's three sons were, unfortunately , absent, the end coming somewhat unexpectedly. The eldest son, who married a daughter of Mr. W. Brown, of this city, is at Davos Piatz, in Switzerland, where he has been accustomed to spend the winter owing to ill health. The other sons, who are partners the firm of Willey and Co., were engaged out of town.
The deceased, who was 63 years of age, led a busy and useful life, both business and public affairs. He started his business life under Mr. Vickery, an ironfounder of the city. On his death Mr. Willey practically conducted the business for the widow. Eventually the sons came into the business, and as these and Mr. Willey could not work comfortably together the latter started the firm of Willey and Ford, gas engineers. The business soon grew to great dimensions, and gas engineering the name of Willey is known throughout the British Isles. The firm has long employed a considerable number of men, most of whom have worked for the firm since its commencement, which is one of many proofs of the deceased's kindness and consideration to all under him. In fact, his chief trait was largeness of heart. In his prosperity his relatives and friends shared largely, and no one who sought it ever went without the kindliest help of the deceased. He took great interest in Truro Cathedral, and presented nearly the whole of the costly gas fittings there. He was a strong and active Churchman and Conservative ; and, although he held strong views, he never unduly forced them upon others, and was most tolerant in all respects. He was a native of the city, having been born in St. Sidwell's parish. He was educated at St. John's Hospital, and he frequently showed his pride in his school by public references to it.
In public life Mr. Willey will be very greatly missed. To all subjects he brought sound common-sense and business capacity, and his opinions were always of value and his judgment relied upon. He first represented Trinity Ward on the Council, but he lost his seat about 10 years ago. He did not seek to re-enter the Council, but he was eventually elected Sheriff during his absence from the city. He took the office, and performed the duties to the satisfaction of all, and showed handsome hospitality. Soon after this he was elected Alderman and appointed Justice of the Peace, and both positions the duties were most faithfully performed. Last year he was elected Chief Magistrate, and his performance of the public and social functions of the Mayoralty will long be remembered. In this he had the valued assistance of Mrs. Willey, and both carried out the duties in a manner that won admiration. At the last Mayoral banquet it was suggested that Mr. Willey should be made a Hon. Freeman of the city, and the Council unanimously conferred the honour. The widow and family of the deceased have the sympathy of all. A valuable life has passed away, and deep and general will be the mourning. By the death of Mr. Willey there is, of course, a vacancy on the Aldermanic Bench.