William Lea
William Lea (1845-1923) of William Lea Motor Co and Motor Car Depot of Liverpool
1845 born in Harthill, Cheshire
He moved to the Merseyside area in his twenties, and started his own business in 1870 making harmoniums, and selling musical instruments, particularly pianos and harmoniums
His business expanded during the 1870s and 1880s to a number of premises in the North West. In Liverpool itself, he moved his music business right into the centre. This address was a vast and imposing site: it was “The Pantheon”, a large theatre, dating back to the turn of the 19th century, which prior to his occupation was reported to have seating for 1000 people.
By 1900 he had started another business, manufacturing his own cars, as well as other businesses retailing cars.
1901 Music dealer, living with his family in West Kirby[1]
1911 William Lea 65, Piano & Music Seller, lived in Toxteth with Anna Maria Lea 53, Anita Lea 31, Dora Lea 23, William Lea 15, motor car body builder, George Lea 14, Arthur Lea 12[2]
1923 Died in Liverpool[3]