BARCLAY David
| Name | David BARCLAY |
| Country Of Origin | Scotland |
| Born | 1804 |
| Died | 1884 |
| Birth/ Baptism | Born 26 October 1804, Montrose, Scotland |
| Parents | Thomas (watchmaker) and Agnes Barclay (formerly Oliver) |
| Apprenticeship | Most likely with his father, Thomas Barclay |
| Skills | Clockmaker, Watchmaker, Chronometer Maker, Jeweller, Silversmith, Goldsmith |
| Work Locations | Hobart |
| Street Address |
29 Elizabeth Street, Hobart 96 Liverpool Street, Hobart |
| Marriage/Spouse | 5 June 1832 at St David’s Church, Hobart, to Margaret Strachan |
| Arrival | 30 October 1830, Hobart on the ship Resource (from London) |
| Other | Colonial Times 12 November 1830: ‘Watch & Chronometer Maker, Elizabeth Street, next door to Mr G Langford’s. David Barclay, from Mr Murray’s, Watch and Chronometer Maker, Cornhill, London, having arrived in this colony by the Brig Resource, with the intention of establishing himself in the above line, begs to solicit a share of the public favor. The strongest testimonials as to character and abilities can be produced from the most respectable people in the trade in London; in addition to which, D.B. begs to offer as references, the following Gentlemen:- A Moodie, Esq., Commissary, W A Bethune, Esq., and W Walkingshaw, Esq. N.B. – The clocks and watches which D.B. has on hand, he can confidently recommend as being of a very superior description. Nov. 11, 1830.’ 1834: Two of David’s brothers, clock and watchmaker James and baker and confectioner Thomas, arrived in Van Diemen’s Land in June 1834. James settled in Launceston, where he ran a watch and clockmaking business, and Thomas worked in his trade in Hobart. Sisters Georgina and Frances also emigrated and settled in Launceston, and Agnes, near Hobart. Tasmanian 23 May 1834: ‘COLONIAL MANUFACTURE. The public is not generally aware that Mr Barclay, the watchmaker and silversmith of Elizabeth Street, is also an operative jeweller, lapidary and goldsmith. We have thus the precedence over the great Sister Colony, that importation of any articles in either of the above departments, be the material ever so costly, or the design ever so difficult, is unnecessary. Mr Barclay, has manufactured complete suites of ladies ornamental jewels, which would do credit to Hamlet. His manufactory is obligingly open at all times to the public, and is well worthy inspection.’ August 1842: David was severely injured when thrown from his gig on New Town Road opposite Mr Spode’s house. According to The Tasmanian Colonist of 4 August 1853, David Barclay refused to pay the City Rate, ‘believing that one of the Aldermen is not now, and was not duly qualified when elected.’ David allegedly threatened the commission agent seeking payment with a five-barrelled pistol and said he would shoot him if he touched anything in his shop. The final verdict of the trial of 25 August 1853 was ‘ignored.’ By January 1865: Business located in Liverpool Street. 1878: William Golding purchased the Barclay business, established nearly 50 years earlier. Known employees of David Barclay: William Golding (15 years), George Potter (30 years). Significant Clock: Known convicts assigned to David Barclay: |
| Death | 22 August 1884, Hampden Road, Hobart, recorded as an 80-year-old gentleman. Cause of death recorded: Old age. |
| References | |
| J B Hawkins, Nineteenth Century Australian Silver, Volume Two, 1990. Brian Loomes, Watchmakers & Clockmakers of the World, Complete 21st Century Edition, 2006, p39 [Thomas Barclay]. TAHO: CUS30/1/1 Arrival 1830, RGD36/1/2 no1839 Marriage 1832, RGD37/1/2 no838 Marriage 1840 [Frances Barclay]; AD693/1/1 Trial 1853; RGD37/1/14 no822 Marriage 1855 [Georgina Barclay]; CSO1/1/732/15852 Arrivals 1834; RGD35/1/10 no1820 Death 1884. Web: National Records of Scotland, Old Parish Registers Births 312/50 262 Montrose 1804. Colonist and Van Diemen’s Land Commercial and Agricultural Advertiser 21 May 1833, 11 October 1833; Colonial Times 12 November 1830, 9 October 1838, 17 May 1842, 9 August 1842; The Tasmanian 23 May 1834, 14 November 1834 [Thomas Barclay]; Hobart Town Courier 27 June 1834; The Hobart Town Advertiser 13 August 1853, 31 January 1856 [Agnes Barclay]; Tasmanian Colonist 15 August 1853; The Courier (Hobart) 25 September 1855; The Mercury (Hobart) 13 January 1865, 22 January 1878, 23 August 1884, 8 November 1884 [G M Potter]. |
|
