WATHEN Thomas Henry

Name Thomas Henry WATHEN
Country Of Origin Launceston
Born 1863
Died 1907
Birth/ Baptism Born 12 April 1863, Launceston
Bapt. 6 May 1863, St John’s, Launceston
Parents Osborne and Elizabeth Wathen (formerly Bland)
Apprenticeship unknown
Skills Watchmaker, Jeweller, Optician
Work Locations Launceston
Street Address
183 Charles Street, Launceston
171 Charles Street, Launceston
130 Charles Street, Launceston
136 York Street, Launceston
Marriage/Spouse
Other Thomas’ cousins, Harry and Francis Wathen were watchmakers and jewellers.

May 1884: Commenced business, Charles Street, two doors below Smith’s Central Hotel.

April 1887: Moved to more central and larger premises opposite W Hart & Sons, 183 Charles Street, and advertised watch repairs with written guarantees for 12 months.

Tasmanian Democrat 14 May 1892:
‘T W Wathen, 183 Charles Street, Launceston.
English, American, Waltham, Waterbury, Geneva, Rotherham, Swiss, and Chronograph Watches, repaired on the premises by expert workmen. Jewellery made to order. Musical boxes a speciality.’

1899: Listed in the Tasmania Post Office Directory at 171 Charles Street, Launceston.

August 1900: Reopened business next to William Hart & Sons, 130 Charles Street.

By 1901: At 136 York Street, with the addition of optical services.

February 1907: Business stock, shop fixtures and fittings, advertised for tender.

Death 10 January 1907, at his business premises, 136 York Street, Launceston
Cause of death: Heart failure
References
TAHO: RGD32/1/4 no5827 Births & Baptisms 1863, SC195/1/77 Inquest 12061 1907.
Web: Ancestry: Australia City Directories, Tasmania Post Office Directory (Wise) 1890-1906;
The Examiner (Launceston) 12 May 1884, 15 June 1901, 20 June 1901, 23 September 1901, 27 September 1902, 12 January 1907; Daily Telegraph 23 April 1887, 27 September 1890, 18 August 1900, 16 October 1900, 11 January 1907, 12 January 1907, 19 February 1907, Tasmanian Democrat 14 May 1892, 27 August 1892.