#14536, John Bradshaw WANKLYN

At the time of his death by assassination John Bradshaw Wanklyn was one of the best known Englishmen in Buenos Aires. Born in Lancashire he went out to the capital city of Argentina in 1870 aged just 22. He joined his uncle, Frederick Wanklyn's office in the Calle San Martin as a junior clerk. The business grew rapidly and with help from Don Eduardo Lumb, Don Tomas Armstrong, Don Frederico Elartondo and Messrs Lezica and Lanus became a Joint Stock Bank called The Mercantile Bank of the River Plate. The failure of Lezica and Lanus and of the Argentine Bank brought about a financial crisis and the death of Frederick Wanklyn from Appendicitis meant the failure of The Mercantile Bank of the River Plate.

John started a new financial venture which grew in a few years to be one of the most important in the River Plate area. His great business talents, his high connections both in Argentina and in England,and his long apprenticeship under his uncle brought him popularity. He was appointed local director by a number of important companies and he was naturally consulted on matters of great importance. With admirable tact he steered his firm and the companies he represented through the Vicissitudes of crises. He was a man of sound judgement with polished manners and a kind and affable disposition.
He was assassinated on the steps of his office on 6th March 1897.