William Henry Waister
William Henry Waister (1847-1914)
1914 Obituary [1]
WILLIAM HENRY WAISTER was born at Newcastle-on-Tyne on 4th November 1847.
He served his time from February 1865 to February 1868 as an engineering pupil in the Locomotive Works of the Great Western Railway at Wolverhampton. Upon completion of his apprenticeship he was transferred to the drawing office, becoming chief draughtsman in 1873. He also acted as relieving foreman and had charge of numerous important works.
In 1885 he was appointed chief draughtsman at Swindon at the works of the Great Western Railway. In January 1887 he became Superintendent of the Swindon district in the Locomotive and Carriage Department.
Twelve months later he returned to Wolverhampton as Assistant Superintendent and Works Manager under the late Mr. George Armstrong. He eventually succeeded Mr. Armstrong, and a few months later he was given the post of Chief Outdoor Assistant at Swindon.
Mr. Waister had, amongst other duties, charge of Royal trains, and since 1888 he had travelled with most of the Royal trains run over the Great Western system.
He retired under the age limit on 31st December 1912.
His death took place at Swindon on 3rd October 1914, in his sixty-seventh year.
He was elected a Member of this Institution in 1888.