James Walter Henry Dew
James Walter Henry Dew (1874-1950) of the Speedwell Motor and Engineering Co
1874 Born in Cosham the son of James Henry Dew and his wife Mary Elizabeth White. Brother to Alfred John Dew
1891 Living at Carey Street, Reading: James A. Dew (age 39 born Portsmouth), Plumber - Employer. With his wife Elizabeth Dew (age 38 born Hants.) and their two sons James W. Dew (age 16 born Reading), Plumber, and Alfred J. Dew (age 14 born Reading).[1]
1906 of the New Speedwell Motor Co
1952 Obituary [2]
"JAMES WALTER HENRY DEW, whose death occurred on 29th December 1950 at the age of seventy-six, was elected an Associate Member of the Institution in 1907.
He received his education at the University Extension College of Reading and served his apprenticeship in his father's engineering works at Reading from 1888 to 1893.
After this he took over the business and for the next nine years was actively engaged in developing the electrical and cycle departments. He then became interested in the sale and manufacture of motor cars and established the Speedwell Motor and Engineering Co.
In 1907 he severed his connection with the motor industry and directed his attention to tin mining in Cornwall, being particularly interested in the dredging of alluvial deposits. Subsequently he made researches into the processing of plastic materials, as a result of which the Government utilized his services during the 1914-18 war for the manufacture of cellulose acetate sheeting required for bell tent windows and gas-mask components.
During the last twenty years of his life his interests widened and included the manufacture and marketing of medicinal products.
He had several inventions to his credit."
See Also
Sources of Information
- ↑ 1891 Census
- ↑ 1952 Institution of Mechanical Engineers: Obituaries