| Administrative History | In 1815 William C. Chance and his brother George established an independent export company, based in Great Charles Street, Birmingham. George Chance managed the American side of the business from an office in New York, whilst William conducted affairs in Birmingham. The partnership was renewed in Jan 1822 for a further 14 years, at which point George Chance retired. William Chance's son, also named William [1815-1862] was then made a partner, and the firm traded under the new name William Chance and Son. After the death of William Chance Sr in 1856, William Jr proved unable to cope with the demands of the business, and John Southern Timmins, a relative, was brought in to manage affairs. After another period of difficulties, James Timmins Chance [1814-1902], partner in the family glass firm of Chance Brothers and Co, supervised the business. The company was finally sold to B. S. H. Thompson, Export Merchants, who had leased the business from 1859. |