William Devaynes facts for kids

William Devaynes (born October 12, 1730 – died November 29, 1809) was an important businessman in London during the 1700s. He was a banker, a government contractor, and a director for several big companies, including the East India Company and the African Company of Merchants. He was even the Chairman of the East India Company five times! For over 26 years, he also served as a Member of Parliament for areas like Barnstaple and Winchelsea.

Early Life and Family

William Devaynes was born into a French Protestant family, often called Huguenots, in London. He was one of six children born to John Devaynes, who made wigs, and his wife Mary.

William had an older brother named John Devaynes (1726-1801). This John was a special pharmacist, or apothecary, for King George III and Queen Charlotte from 1761 to 1795. People described him as a very cheerful person!

William Devaynes married Jane Wintle on January 15, 1782. They had a daughter named Harriott Augusta and a son named William. Sadly, his son William passed away young, just a year after his father. Later, William Devaynes married a second time to Mary Wileman in 1806.

Business in Africa

William Devaynes was a director of The African Company of Merchants. This company was involved in trade with West Africa. He even visited the Gold Coast (modern-day Ghana) and had experience as an agent in Dahomey (modern-day Benin). He described Dahomey as a very strict kingdom. It seems he spent some of his early years in Sierra Leone.

A Successful Banker

Banking was William Devaynes' main job. His bank, located at 39 Pall Mall, London, was known as Devaynes, Dawes and Noble. He became very wealthy from his banking business.

However, after he died, his banking house faced big problems and went bankrupt a year later. This led to many legal cases involving his family that lasted for 30 years!

Work with the East India Company

William Devaynes was very active in the East India Company. This powerful company managed trade, especially with India. His fellow directors chose him to be their chairman five different times, showing how much they trusted him. He was also a friend of Warren Hastings, who was a very important figure in the East India Company in India.

Helping During Wars

Between 1776 and 1782, during the time of the American wars, William Devaynes and other Members of Parliament helped supply food for the army. They held contracts to provide food for thousands of soldiers. Some of his partners in this work, like George Wombwell and Edward Wheler, were also directors of the East India Company.

Time in Parliament

For over 26 years, William Devaynes was a Member of Parliament. He represented areas like Barnstaple and Winchelsea. In Parliament, he almost always voted with the government. He didn't speak very often, but he was a steady presence.

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