O’BRIEN William John

Name	William John O’BRIEN
Country Of Origin	Australia
Born	1873
Died	1941
Birth/ Baptism	Born approx. 1873, Melbourne, Victoria
Parents	Richard and Clara O’Brien (formerly Richards)
Apprenticeship	unknown
Skills	Watchmaker, Jeweller
Work Locations	Launceston
Street Address	38 Tamar Street, Launceston
Marriage/Spouse	3 February 1899, Independent Church, Launceston, to Eliza Owen
Arrival
Other	Approx. 1896: At 38 Tamar Street, former business and premises of the late watchmaker and jeweller, John Wesley Chester. March 1897: Advertised closing business and watch repairs could be collected at 131 St John Street from John Stevens. Employers: Macrow and Son, watch and jewellery wholesalers, and Findlays, Launceston. OBITUARY, Examiner 9 September 1941. ‘MR W J O’BRIEN, OF LAUNCESTON Mr William John O’Brien, who died suddenly at his residence in Margaret Street on Sunday, was a familiar figure in Launceston. For many years he was employed by Messrs Macrows, but in more recent times by Messrs Findlays. In the course of his business he cycled about the city a great deal, knew many people and was always well liked and highly respected. At one time he was much in demand as pianist for dances. He was also a breeder and exhibitor of fancy pigeons and exhibited extensively at shows. Football was another of his pastimes, about which he was very keen. He was a committeeman of the Launceston Club at one time. A member of the Free Gardeners’ Lodge, he was the lodge sick visitor for many years. Mr O’Brien, who was aged 68, leaves a widow and a daughter, Doris, who is Mrs Roy Browne. The funeral took place at Carr Villa Cemetery yesterday. Canon W Greenwood officiated. Pall bearers were Messrs. A F Suter, M F Jackson, W Dougherty, G H Atkinson, W Lawler and O P Owen, all members of the Free Gardeners.’
Death	7 September 1941, at his residence 72 Margaret Street, Launceston
References
Tasmania Post Office Directory (Wise) 1890-1897. TAHO: RGD37/1/61 no589 Marriage 1899. Web: Ancestry: Electoral Roll Tasmania 1919, 1928, 1937. Daily Telegraph 9 February 1895, 11 April 1896; The Examiner (Launceston) 25 April 1896, 6 March 1897, 20 March 1897, 4 March 1899, 9 September 1941; Tasmanian Democrat 14 August 1896; The Mercury (Hobart) 8 September 1941.