Watch Dial Maker

[loisb]

I have found my Gt Gt Grandfather John Martin, living in Hunter St 1851, Thurlow Street 1861 and Beau Street 1871 and working as a Watch Dial Maker. Does anyone know if he is likely to have been working for a company in Liverpool? As it specifies "Dial" maker on the censuses I can't imagine it would have been a solitary employment. Any ideas?

[mayanbilly]

There were many watch and clock makers in Liverpool once,so you are on the right track,also Prescot was world famous for her watch making skills at that time and a visit to Prescot clock Museum or phone call may help you..mayanbilly 7226.

[jan44]

As Billy has mentioned, there were quite a number of clock and watch makers in Liverpool, I had a look in the 1860 directory and they are too numerous to list, some of them may also come under jewellers, or chronometers.

Jan

[loisb]

Thanks for that. The Prescot reference is interesting. The family moves from Liverpool 1871 to Bolton 1881 but for some unknown reason my Grandfather was born in Prescot in 1891. I can't find any reason for this but maybe the family lived there between censuses and therefore had friends or family there. I'll have a look at the museum just out of interest - I can't imagine I'll find any refernce to John Martin but you never know.
thanks again
Lois