HUGHES Thomas

By July 1853, Thomas operated a watchmaking and jewellery business in Elizabeth Street, Launceston, at the premises formerly occupied by Henry Mitchell (watchmaker and jeweller).

Burglars broke into the property in July 1853 and watches and jewellery valued at about £70 were stolen.

November 1855: Thomas reported a missing gold hunting watch to the police; the following week, Mr Slater brought it to him to have a glass fitted. Slater claimed he obtained the watch from Mr Sturzaker, and Sturzaker said he had bought it from Mr Ahong, a watchmaker in Wellington Street. Ahong couldn’t elaborate on the seller’s details and was discharged from custody with a warning.

June 1856: George Jones charged Thomas, his employer, with assault over an altercation between the two men when trying to break up a dog fight.

1858: Relocated the business from Elizabeth Street to Charles Street.

1860: Submitted a £20 tender per annum for the Launceston Town Clock maintenance for 12 months but was unsuccessful.

By 1861: Operating in Brisbane Street, opposite the Launceston Hotel.

July 1863: Advertised the sale of jewellery, watches, clocks, and assorted trinkets.

August 1864: Before vacating the Brisbane Street premises, the following items were advertised to be sold by auction; all stock-in-trade, English and American clocks (eight day and thirty hours), gold and silver English and Geneva watches, jewellery, watchguards, pencil cases, toothpicks, cutlery, spectacles, eye glasses, combware, brushware, and shop fixtures and show glasses.

Cornwall Chronicle 13 August 1864:
‘Notice of Removal.
T Hughes, watchmaker and jeweller, has removed from Brisbane Street to Charles Street, next door to Mr Bennell’s.’

1870s: Operated a grocery and general store, Wellington Street, Launceston