James Peet
James Peet (1856-1926) of George Fletcher and Co
1926 Obituary [1]
JAMES PEET was born at Derby, in January 1856, and was educated privately, his scholastic training being subsequently supplemented by attendance at technical classes.
He served his time, during the years 1870-76, as a pupil in the engineering works of Messrs. George Fletcher and Co., Derby, and on completion of his term he went out to Rio de Janeiro on the Firm's behalf to superintend the erection of a plant for the production of Portland cement. This work being satisfactorily completed he returned to Derby in 1878, and after spending a year in the Firm's drawing-office he was engaged by the New Colonial Co. as superintendent engineer on their Muscovada sugar estates in the Island of Trinidad.
When these factories closed down, he became consulting engineer to various local plantations and was also resident engineer in charge of the Usine Ste. Madeleine.
On leaving Trinidad, he rejoined Messrs. Fletcher in Derby, and in their interests made several trips to the West Indies and to Peru, where he resided for three years.
In 1922 he made a more extended business tour, travelling round the world via, New York to the Philippines and spending some time in India on the way home. He had been appointed a director of the Firm in 1917 - which was then a limited Company - and he continued to act in that capacity until his death, which occurred at his residence in Derby on 9th February 1926.
He became a Member of this Institution in 1899.