 Wills, which grew to become the leading importer of tobacco, and manufacturer of tobacco products in late 19th-century Britain.William retired in 1851 from full-time management of the firm and his responsibilities were taken over by his son William Wills, 1st Baron Winterstoke.He made an unsuccessful foray into local politics in 1838 when he ran as the Liberal Party candidate for councillor of the Redcliffe ward in Bristol.