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- When in England in 1956 Henry Clifton WILLSEA visited Worthing, Sussex, the library advertisements of the WILLSEA Bros. were in a trade book advertising Wine Shops in Worthing, Leamington, Warwick, before 1874, because that was when his father Montaque WILLSEA was born. They must have closed up and came to Australia before 1874, as his father was 3 years old when he came to Australia. WILLSEA Bros. must have left England 1877 for New Zealand then later returned to Melbourne.
The WILLSEA Bros. went to New Zealand for a time then returned to Melbourne about 1879. Henry WILLSEA and Francis Eggleston WILLSEA stayed in Melbourne at 48 Coppin Street, Richmond. One brother drove a bullock team overland to a mining town called Broadarrow where he contracted a disease that put him in the Broadarrow hospital where he died and was buried there.
The other brother was Captain of a cargo ship which came to Fremantle. Henry's father and he went down to see him but was too late. The ship was leaving the wharf as they got there. They did not see or hear of him again.
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Henry Clifton WILLSEA was a pram manufacturer. From year 1930 to 1960 when he retired from business. Started in the depression times by working under verandah at home, 161 Guildford Road, Bayswater. Decided to try a retail shop, 31 Stirling Street, Perth, which he did for 12 months but hardly paid its way so decided to try another shop, 66 Beaufort Street, Perth; opposite Museum in Trades Hall Building, from there he never looked back. His business flourished so he bought property 229 Stirling Street, Perth and built a factory on it. Through the years he employed about 20 tradesmen and 4 apprentices.
He started the 'Clinic Pram Shop' and factory next to a clinic, with his 1st shop. He also had a shop in Leederville, 220 Oxford Street, sold as a Fish shop. He retired from business at the age of 59 in December 1960. Leased the factory for 15 years, then sold out completely because of high rates and business letting getting very bad.
He and his wife Jessie completed their fiftieth golden years [1929 to 1979] of perfect marriage together with their wonderful family, and hoped for many more years.
His main hobby was bowling and gardening.
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