Firm of Whiteway and Ball

Whiteway and Ball operated as coal merchants and ship owners in Torquay, Devon. The original partners were William Whiteway born 1799 and his brother-in-law William Ball who had married Elizabeth Whiteway. William and Elizabeth Whiteway's father was Mark Whiteway, master mariner, who was born in Shaldon, Devon in 1765 and was still alive in 1851 at age 85.

In 1851 the firm was operating at 2 Montpelier Place, Tormoham but William Ball had died.

The 1856 Kelly Directory shows the firm also acted as insurance agents for Royal Exchange and did business at 1 North Quay, Torquay as well as at Montpelier Place .

The 1881 census shows William Ball, son of William Ball and Elizabeth Whiteway, as a merchant ship owner. He was living at Walmer House, Tormaham with his wife, 6 children and 3 servants. Another son Mark Whiteway Ball, 13, was away at Queens School, Basingstoke, Hampshire.

In the 1891 census William Ball was still living at Walmer House. His son Mark W Ball, now 23, was also there and was listed as a merchant ship owner. Eldest son also named William Ball, age 31, was married with 2 children and 3 servants living at Maycliffe, St Lukes Road, Tormoham and his occupation was Steamship Owner.

A 1911 Torquay trade directory shows Whiteway and Ball as coal merchants on Vaughan Road and ship owners at 1 North Quay.

Today Walmer House is owned by the KeyChange Charity