More Info →William Wescombe Corpe

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Description: William Wescombe Corpe was born in Somersetshire and received his education in that country. He later went to Windsor and carried on a business with his brother before emigrating to New Zealand. In New Zealand, he married his first wife Susan, who lived 1832-1906. His second wife was Florence Ann, who lived 1869-1937. Corpe was a clerk, station manager, sawmiller, storekeeper, and in particular, a dairy manufacturer. He established a butter and cheese factory in Makino in 1883, and travelled back to England in 1887 with samples of his butter. After his return in 1888, he began exporting his products to England and Sydney. He established several more factories throughout the Manawatu, including one at his own Kimbolton Road property in 1902.