BUTTERFIELD Arthur Robert

Name Arthur Robert BUTTERFIELD
Country Of Origin Australia
Born 1867
Died 1942
Birth/ Baptism Born 22 February 1867, Kempton, Tasmania
Parents Robert Augustus and Mary Ann Butterfield (formerly Rider)
Apprenticeship Prescott & Co., Opticians, Victoria
Skills Watchmaker, Jeweller, Optician
Work Locations Hobart
Street Address
109 Elizabeth Street, Hobart
97 Elizabeth Street, Hobart
51 Elizabeth Street, Hobart
31 Elizabeth Street, Hobart
Marriage/Spouse 13 February 1896, Moreland, Melbourne, Victoria, to Ada Thornton Hammill
Other Pre 1896: Bendigo, Victoria.

The Mercury (Hobart) 9 April 1896:
‘DEPARTING. – Under this heading the Bendigo Advertiser of the 1st inst. says:-
The many friends of Mr Arthur Butterfield will be sorry to hear that he is shortly leaving Bendigo. Mr Butterfield has been connected with Mr F Prescott, oculist and optician, of Mitchell Street, for some years past, and intends now starting business in Hobart, Tasmania. He will be missed by the many societies he has been connected with in Bendigo, but all will join in wishing him success in his new undertaking.’

May 1896: Opened business at 109 Elizabeth Street, Hobart.

Arthur was instrumental in organising Braille watches in hunter cases, with raised dials and extra strong hands, for returning soldiers who had lost their sight in World War I.

Member and President of Australia Jeweller’s Association.

Approx. late 1890s: Employee, Ernest Thomas Newton (four years).

1934: Retired.

June 1935: Southern Tasmanian Retail Jewellers’ Association members hosted a supper to wish Arthur well for his upcoming trip to Japan.
Mr R Darcey, who proposed the health of the guest, referred to Mr Butterfield’s long connection with the trade, not only in Hobart and Tasmania but with the Federated Association of Australia. He was the founder of the Association in the south, and the first president, holding office for a long period during which he was successful in forming a connection with the Northern Association and elected the first president of the Tasmanian Association, which was later affiliated with the Federal Association.’

Arthur was elected Federal President at the first Federal Conference in Hobart. Mr A F Golding, H Owen, and T Duncan supported Richard Darcey’s toast, who presented Arthur with a gold-mounted walking stick with a fitting inscription. Arthur shared memories of trade history. His first business property had originally been ‘The Labour in Vain’ public house and was the second premises in Hobart to use electric light.

Death 1 August 1942, at his residence Acton, 417 Elizabeth Street, Hobart
References
Tasmania Post Office Directory 1901.
TAHO: RGD33/1/45 no622 Birth 1867.
Leader (Melbourne) 18 April 1896; The Mercury (Hobart) 9 April 1896, 6 June 1896, 7 May 1898, 22 June 1918, 1 October 1927, 7 August 1934, 20 October 1934, 3 June 1935, 5 August 1942; The Examiner (Launceston) 13 September 1905, 3 August 1942.