LEESON Edward Lionel Claude Birch

Name	Edward Lionel Claude Birch LEESON
Country Of Origin	Australia
Born	1885
Died	1954
Birth/ Baptism	Born 1885, Sydney, New South Wales
Parents	F W Edward and Hannah Appleton Leeson (formerly Taylor)
Apprenticeship	unknown
Skills	Watchmaker, Jeweller
Work Locations	Hobart
Street Address	82 Murray Street, Hobart
Marriage/Spouse	1908, Burnie, to Eliza Clara Beaumont
Arrival
Other	Warden of Carnarvon (Port Arthur): Instrumental in preserving the old convict church. 1913: Purchased P C Abbott’s watchmaking and jewellery business, 82 Murray Street, Hobart, and continued to trade as P C Abbott. The Abbott family had occupied the business premises at 82 Murray Street for nearly 65 years. Edward Leeson renovated and updated the shop and reduced prices to make space for new stock. He advertised Waltham and Rotherham watches, clocks, jewellery, silverware, and other items. Customers purchasing engagement and wedding rings were given a clock as a wedding present. Two slogans used in advertising were: ‘Don’t hesitate if your ticker won’t tick. Bring it to us, and we will make it alright.’ ‘When you want something really special, get the habit of going to Abbott.’ January 1914: Advertised a unique range of Tasmanian souvenirs. September 1916: Percy Abbott sued Mrs Leeson for non-payment of promissory notes, part of the business purchase agreement. The Leesons claimed business difficulties since the outbreak of World War I. Both parties and the court agreed that 17 months would be a reasonable time to complete payments. October 1916: Auction at 82 Murray Street to sell all stock. November 1916: Shop and dwelling at 82 Murray Street auctioned by trustees under the will of the late Louise Arthur Nathan. 1919: Resided at Erina St, Launceston. Approx. 1934: Departed Tasmania.
Death	27 July 1954, at his residence, 571 High Street, Kew, Melbourne, Victoria
References
TAHO: RGD33/1/2 p5 No.407 Birth Launceston 1919 [Edward Alwyn Thomas Leeson]. Web: Ancestry: Australia Birth 1885, Victoria Australia Death 1954. Sydney Morning Herald 29 October 1883; The Mercury (Hobart) 19 August 1913, 13 September 1913, 17 January 1914, 2 September 1916, 27 October 1916, 8 November 1916; Huon Times (Franklin) 6 September 1913; Daily Post 6 November 1913, 28 November 1913; The Examiner (Launceston) 28 July 1954; Advocate 28 July 1954.