1891
William Illsley, 48, manager coal merchant, b Beds
Jane, 50, b Grantchester
Helen M, 18, b Cambridge
Ernest W, solicitor clerk, b Cambridge
Elizabeth Maude S, 12, b Cambridge
Frances R, 10, b Cambridge
In 1881 the Illsley family were living at 7 Paradise Street
Their eldest daughter was Maude b1878. She married Arthur Matthew at the age of 19 and went on to have an important influence on the business of Matthew and Son. Bernard Matthew recalled in his memoirs: William Illsley used to drive a dogcart – one of the kind that had rather large wheels and the seat was therefore high up. He had the misfortune to be thrown out – I presume the horse shied at something – and broke his thigh. This kept him in bed in hospital and at home for a considerable time. During this time his son Ernest was left in charge of the business, but by the time Grandpa was able to return to it there was no business left but only a stable of racehorses! The upshot was that Ernest was presented with a one way ticket to Buenos Aires. My father helped Grandpa Illsley to get his business on its feet again. Ernest’s sisters were more capable, one becoming a civil servant, another a secretary and Maude proving herself a good businesswoman.
1901 6 Auckland Terrace
William F Illsley, 58, coal merchant, b Beds
Jane, 60, b Grantchester
Frances R, 20, typist secretary, b Grantchester
1913 vacant
1962
Mrs J Lane
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