Joseph Somes

[3] Somes' early life saw him apprenticed to his father as a lighterman and then, at the age of 15, sent to sea, working in the coal and coastal trades.

[3] Upon his father's death in 1818, the firm was extremely prosperous and he became a partner with his elder brother, Samuel, continuing to run the business in a financially successful way, even during difficult post-war years.

[3] As a consequence of his career, Somes developed an interest in the British colonies, investing in the Western Australia Company and the North American Colonisation Society of Ireland.

[3] Somes was well known at the London Stock Exchange, an originator of the Lloyds Register of Shipping in 1834, and active within the General Shipowners' Society.

[2][3] Somes died on 25 June 1845 at his home on Mile End Road, London, and was then buried in the family vault of St Dunstan's in Stepney on 2 July.