A new acquisition to the collection is worthy of remark, and a big thank you to our member, Richard Hodges, for spotting it at auction and keeping us updated on its progress. It is a Mother of Pearl Director’s Pass in the name of Mr. Lewis. The reverse has Midland Railway with a wyvern device. Josiah Lewis (b. 7 October 1805 at Islington) was a Derby Silk Merchant and founding director on the formation of the MR in 1844 and served until his death at home in Little Eaton, Derby, on 11 June 1869.
From his obituary in Derby Mercury of 16 June 1869: “Nor was he less conspicuous in railway and bank management, having been one of the last survivors of the original Midland Railway Directorate in which he occupied the important post of Chairman of Finance Committee. We believe it was Mr. S. Beale (or Mr. Ellis) who used to designate him as his ‘Chancellor of the Exchequer’, from the eminent financial ability which made itself apparent in all his business relations.”
Clearly an important player in the Midland Railway’s early history and we are delighted to have this important addition to the collection.
