Harry Withey Wathen
Harry Withey Wathen
Date of Birth 23 February 1876
Place of Residence Launceston Tasmania Australia
Spouses Name Lillian Addy Davies
Childrens Names Harry Milton, John Fowler, Joan & Noel Francis

Harry Withey Wathen was born at Launceston on 23 Feb 1876 to William Fowler Wathen (c.1822-1899) and his third wife Emma Withey (1841-1922). Harry was educated at the City School and the Technical School in Launceston before serving his apprenticeship in the jewellery trade with F & W Stewart and F Vaughan. On completing his indentures he went to Waratah where, in 1899, he purchased from his brother Frank the Main Street business of Watchmaker, Jeweller and Fancy Goods Depot. Harry was a member of the MUIOOF, the Gymnasium and the Library.

Harry married Lillian Addy Davies on 10 Apr 1919 and had four children. Their eldest son Harry Milton was also a jeweller and their second son, 23-year-old Lieutenant John Fowler, was killed in action on 25 Oct 1950 during the Korean War . They had one daughter Joan and the youngest son was Noel Francis. The family attended the Paterson Street Methodist Church. They lived at 108 Frankland Street, Launceston.

Harry died aged 76 on 26 Aug 1952. Lillian died aged 69 on 25 Jun 1958. They were both cremated and their ashes were interred in the Colonnade Wall at Carr Villa. Two of Harry's brothers, William and Charles, are also pictured in this Album.

Barbara Valentine Aug 2010 & Marion Sargent Oct 2010