Unique IDPE-000121SurnameWillsonGiven namesJohn HenryBiographical abstractDates of employment: 1867-1872Biographical noteBiographical details:
NSW BDMs Registry: Death WILLSON JOHN H 2649/1872 [parents] JOHN & ELLEN registered at ST GEORGE also registered as WILSON JOHN
Death Notice: On the 8th April, at his residence, Norwood, Mr. J. H. Willson, City Architect, aged 48 years. [ref: Empire 9 April 1872 p1]
Funeral Notice: THE FRIENDS of the late Mr. J. H. WILLSON, City Architect, are respectfully invited to attend his Funeral ; to move from his late residence, Norwood, to the Petersham station, THIS DAY, Monday, at 3 o'clock, for the Necropolis. R. STEWART, Undertaker, Bathurst-street. [ref: SMH 8 April 1872 p8]
Birth of son: On the 1st instant, at her residence, Norwood, the wife of J. H. WILLSON, City Architect, of a son. [ref: SMH 8 April 1872 p8]
Article on the “New Market at Woolloomooloo”: [ref: Australian Town and Country Journal (Sydney) 13 April 1872 p 29]
Probate Notices: [ref: New South Wales Government Gazette 12 April 1872 [Issue No.105] p 983] and [ref: New South Wales Government 16 April 1872 [Issue No.109] p 1027]
Information on Willson and the Town Hall: [ref: Margaret Betteridge “Sydney Town Hall – the Building and the Collection”, pub Council of the City of Sydney, 2008
Details from contemporary sources:
1867 Winning design for Town Hall - Consultant for construction to 1872 [ref: Series 141]
1868 To meet the Mayor re accusations of undue influence re Town Hall design competition - September [ref: 26/93/0909]
1869 Questions his dismissal from superintendence of Town Hall building - describes previous projects- May [ref: 26/97/623]
1869 Bell describes arrangements with Willson including payment agreements - opinion by City Solicitor- June [ref: 26/97/713]
1869 States terms for superintending construction of Town Hall - July [ref: 26/98/746]
1870 Finance Committee recommends appointment as Superintendent Corporation Buildings - to assist in superintending the erection of buildings being carried out by the Corporation. April [ref: 22/12/24/203]
1870 Agreeing to appointment to Superintend erection of all Corporation Buildings and wishes for details of his appointment - May [ref: 26/103/489]
1870 Bell states some work was improperly authorised by Willson - contractor J Young - July [ref: 26/104/678]
1872 Salaries of Officers 1872 - request increase as Superintendent of Buildings [ref: 22/13/64/451]
1872 Payment recommended of gratuity to widow - May [ref: 22/14/22/139]
1872 £83-6-8 - gratuity to widow - 21 May - 2 month’s salary [ref: 7/15/511]
1873 City Architect Bond, reports scant notes and information re Town Hall - October - new plans needed [ref: 26/123/900]
Contemporary sources identify the position title but not the department where this person worked.GenderMaleSource system IDTPER-004664
