John William Willans
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John William Willans (c.1843-1895) was a British mechanical and electrical engineer, most known for his role as Chief Engineer of the Liverpool Overhead Railway.
Early career
Around 1865, Willans moved to Middlesbrough to join the engineering firm of Cochrane, Grove, & Company. He later moved to Hopkins, Gilkes, & Company.[2] In 1872, he received a patent iron ore smelting, along with Stanhope Baynes Smith.[3]
He then moved to Manchester where he set up as a general engineer and contractor.[2]
In April 1871, in Birmingham he married Constance Amelia Smith the daughter of Stanhope Baynes Smith.[4] In 1879, he re-married to Mary Louisa Nicholson.[5]
Electric railways
Willans specialized in electrical engineering, especially for railways.[6] He was the primary contractor for the construction of the Liverpool Overhead Railway, and made a handsome profit from his work.[7] He was later appointed that railway's Chief Engineer.[8]
Willans supplied ironwork for the City and Southwark Subway in the late 1880s.[7] He was the primary contractor for the Great Northern and City Railway from Finsbury Park to Moorgate.[7] He received a patent for an electric motor used for that line.[2]
He was also a Director of the Guiseley, Yeadon & Rawdon Railway.[9]
