William Blizard Williamson (1811-1878)
William Blizard Williamson (1811-1878) founder of W. B. Williamson and Sons
1840 Birth of son George Henry Williamson
1845 Birth of son William Blizard Williamson, Junior
1861 Living at Sidbury Street, Worcester: William Williamson (age 50 born Cork, Ireland), Tinplate Manufacturer employing 3 men and 4 boys. With his wife Elizabeth Williamson (age 46 born Cork, Ireland) and their two sons George Williamson (age 21 born London), Tin Plate Worker, and William Williamson (age 16 born Cork, Ireland), Tin Plate Worker. Also his nephew Thomas Williamson (age 16 born New Jersey, America), Tin Plate Worker. Also a boarder Joseph Morgan (age 46 born South Wales), Tin Plate Worker.[1]
1871 Living at 3 Field Terrace, Worcester: William B. Williamson (age 59 born Ireland), Tin Ware Master employing 30. With his wife Elizabeth Williamson (age 54 born Ireland) and their son George H. Williamson (age 26 born London?), Clerk. One servant.[2]
1878 Obituary
He was born in the City of Cork, in the year 1811.....
Mr. Williamson served his apprenticeship to the tinplate working at Cork, and there joined an Orange Lodge, and soon assumed prominent position in the order.....
He came to England in the year 1836, and travelled throughout the kingdom, seeking and obtaining insight into every department of his business. As a handicraftsman, at time when very little machinery was used in the trade, he had few equals, if any, as has often been heard from the lips of skilled artizans who worked with him and knew him well at that period of his life.....
In 1842 he went to London, and his aptitude for looking after his fellow-workmen's affairs soon placed him in the position as a leader in the Tin-plate Workers' Association…..
In 1855 Mr. Williamson came to this city [Worcester] as a journeyman obtaining employment with Messrs. Sparkes and son of High-street; from thence he removed into the service of the late Mr. Thomasson, of New-street; and afterwards served Mr. J. D. Clark, of High-street, first a journeyman, and then foreman.....
In 1858 he determined to start in business on his own account, and accordingly took premises in Lowesmoor.....
In 1859 he removed to Sidbury…..[much more]