Joseph Turner Dew
Joseph Turner Dew (c1866-1941)
1942 Obituary [1]
Major JOSEPH TURNER DEW, O.B.E., V.D., was one of the best-known engineers in Antigua, B.W.I., where for almost the whole of his professional career he was engaged on the erection of sugar factories and the marketing of sugar machinery. Major Dew had been connected with the sugar industry in Antigua since 1887 when he arrived in the island after completing a five years' apprenticeship in the Leeds works of Messrs. John Fowler and Sons.
He established the engineering firm associated with his name, and was manager 'and a partner in this pioneer business for many years. His principal concern was at first the erection and supervision of sugar machinery; but from 1904 onwards he took charge of the construction of complete factories. Subsequently he extended the scope of his firm to include shipbuilding repairs. In addition he acted as consultant to a large number of sugar factories and to the Government pumping plant at St. Johns waterworks, and held the position of agent for a number of British engineering firms. He was keenly interested in the welfare of the island and was a member of the Executive Council of Antigua.
In 1926 he was awarded the M.B.E. for his services and a few years later the O.B.E. He also received the Volunteer Officer's Decoration after many years' service as an officer in the local defence force (mounted). His firm was reconstituted as a limited liability company in 1929, upon which he became governing director and chairman. He was also chairman of the board of directors of the Antigua Electric Light Company, Ltd., and of Antigua Cotton Factory, Ltd.
Major Dew was elected an Associate Member of the Institution in 1904 and was transferred to Membership in 1921. His death occurred in Antigua on 7th October 1941, at the age of 75.