John Wheeler-Bennett (businessman) facts for kids

John Wheeler Wheeler-Bennett was an important British businessman, public servant, and someone who gave a lot of money to good causes (a philanthropist). He was known for his work in trade, helping during World War I, and serving his community. He passed away on 25 June 1926.

Early Life and Business Career

John Wheeler Wheeler-Bennett went to Mr Vickery's School in Portsmouth. This was a special private school that prepared boys who wanted to join the Royal Navy.

For 40 years, until he retired in 1922, he ran a successful import business. His offices were located at Hibernia Chambers, near London Bridge. His business traded with many countries, including Canada, the United States, Argentina, and Denmark. He was also the chairman of the London Home and Foreign Exchange in 1913. Besides that, he was a director of the Metropolitan Railway and led its committee for extra land.

Helping During World War I

During World War I, John Wheeler Wheeler-Bennett played a big role in helping the war effort. He was the chairman of the finance committee for the Kent County War Fund. This fund was part of the British Red Cross Society. It managed nearly 100 hospitals run by volunteers, called Voluntary Aid Detachment hospitals.

For his important work during the war, he received a special honor. On 1 January 1920, he was made a Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE). He also served on the City of London Military Advisory Committee and helped manage the Bromley Rural Tribunal. Additionally, he was a joint treasurer for the Royal Naval Ports Church Building Fund, which started in 1912.

Public Service and Charity

Wheeler-Bennett continued to serve his community after the war. He held the important position of High Sheriff of Kent from 1922 to 1924. This role involved representing the King or Queen in the county and helping with law and order.

He was also very generous. In 1923, he donated a large sum of money, £10,000, to the Kent County Ophthalmic Hospital in Maidstone. This hospital helped people with eye problems. He also served as a justice of the peace, which meant he helped with local legal matters and kept the peace.

Family Life

In 1882, John Wheeler Wheeler-Bennett married Christine Hill McNutt. She was from Truro, Nova Scotia, in Canada. They had two sons and one daughter named Constance Irene. One of their sons, also named John Wheeler-Bennett, later became a famous historian.

John Wheeler Wheeler-Bennett passed away on 25 June 1926. He died from heart failure at his home called Ravensbourne, located in Keston, Kent.