Willey, Francis JP

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Willey, Francis JP

Watercolour portrait of Francis Willey JP

from John Sowden's notebooks:

"Mr Willey was born at Moor House, East Bierley a residence the family had held for over 200 years. His father John Willey was one of the pioneers of the Bradford trade and commenced business as a wool merchant in Cheapside in 1836. Mr Francis Willey was educated at Fieldheads School, Gomersal and at the Moranian School, Fulneck.

On leaving school Mr Willey entered his father's business in 1858 and so applied himself that before he was 16 years of age was buying and selling, and before he was 21 he was made a partner. Upon his fathers retirement in 1868 he took over the business in his own name. The firm of Francis Willey and Co is one of the important wool undertakings in the world. My Willey has established a world coming industry at South Barre, Massachusetts, under the name of the Barre Wool Combing Co and from the village with but seven English speaking residents, South Barre has become a thriving town of from 1000 to 1200 inhabitants.

Mr Willey is a member of the Bradford Chamber of Commerce and for two years was Vice Chairman. He was also Chairman of the Railway Committee. Mr Willey has been one of the leading Conservatives of Bradford for many years. He was Chairman of the Western Division Conservative Association. Also chairman of the Bradford Conservative Association for 12 years, and was on his retirement was invited to contest the Central Division of Bradford, but owing to business and other reasons he was unable to accept the honourr. Mr Willey entered the Bradford City Council, representing the North Ward for four years (1874-78)

Mr Willey is a Justice of the Peace for Bradford and also for the county of Nottingham. For a period of 16 years, Mr Willey was associated with the Second West Riding of Yorkshire Royal Garrison Artillery Volunteers and during the last two years he had the rank of major. For his services, on his retirement he was privileged to return the rent and wear the uniform of major.

In Freemasonry he is a loyal brother who at the age of 23 became affiliated with the Pentalpha Lodge and is one of the oldest Past Masters in Bradford. Mr Willey resides at Blyth Hall, Nottingham. Mr Willey is the Lord of the Manor of Blyth and Barnby Moor.

Mr Willey married in 1880 Miss Florence Chinnock of London and Dinorben Court, Hampshire and has issue one son and one daughter."

Year

1911

Creator

Sowden

Image filename

sowden-300