William F. Peare

Advertisement for Humber Cycles.

Humber cycles for sale at Peare’s Cycle Depot in Henrietta Street, Waterford.

© David McCarthy - gave permission to use.

Advertisement for Humber Cycles.
© David McCarthy - gave permission to use.

Advertisement for Humber Cycles.

Humber cycles for sale at Peare’s Cycle Depot in Henrietta Street, Waterford.

© David McCarthy - gave permission to use.

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W. F. Peare was born in Carrick-on-Suir in 1868, the son of a jeweller and watch maker. In 1895 he set up a cycle business with Billy Merdith, a top racing cyclist. In 1898 he imported a De Dion engineered motor tricycle and a year later he built a four wheeled "car" from the components of this machine.

W.F. Peare became increasingly interested in the new cars and shortly afterwards became involved in the new motor trade. In 1899 he became the official repairer in the Waterford District for the De Dion motor car, pioneer cars of the time.

In 1900 he assembled vehicles such as the first motor tricycle ever put together in Ireland, using a genuine 2 ¾ De Dion motor with a water-cooled head. This machine was build for a Capt. H. R. Langrishe, Knocktopher Abbey, Co.Kilkenny.