Henry John May
1802 - 1894
Oyster Merchant
West Mersea. Essex.
Painting held by the descendants of Henry John May. It is 36 ins x 48 ins..
The family says:
We think he is wearing some special uniform for the Oyster Festivals. His obituary is in the Essex County Standard, West Suffolk Gazette and Eastern Counties Advertiser. Sat 2nd June 1894.
He was famous for May's oysters. Even when railways were not so numerous, he sent his own oyster carts to big towns between London and Doncaster. He also introduced Norwegian ice to London. Also had a fast merchant cruiser engaged in the fruit trade between the Med and London.
Obituary: HJM_101
Date: c1890