Henry Lee & Son was formed when in 1853 when, a son in law of the watchmaker, was taken into the business of Henry Lee (1802-1870) in Ashburner Street.
This was the same year that his own son watchmaker Henry Lee (1828-1889) married Mary Greenhalgh and then moved to Burslem Staffordshire by 1861.
By 1871 the business was employing two men, son-in-law John Waring as a case maker, and confusingly Henry’s grandson Henry Lee (1852), as a watchmaker, finisher.
Ashburner Street, Great Bolton
the business moved to 134 Bradshawgate where business continued long after Henry’s death.
Henry Lee (1802-1870) died at Bradshawgate on 28th March 1870, and his wife, Ellen Lee died on 22nd May 1879 at 134 Bradshawgate.
Henry Lee (1852) the Grandson aged 29 moved to 134 Bradshawgate by 1881 with his wife Hannah Roberts, and children James H Lee, Jane E Lee, Harold Hague Lee (1879-1950).
The interesting story of the travels and exploits a Henry Lee Watch:
Harold Hindle from Bolton (photo) was at one time a merchant seaman. On a trip to the USA, he left his ship to spend some time in America. During that time to make ends meet, he got a job working on the construction of the Brooklyn Bridge. (The Bridge opened in 1883)
Whilst working on the bridge, he dropped his pocket watch, which fell into the water. As luck had it, a diver working on the foundations, saw the watch falling and recovered it. Unfortunately it was damaged and the watch never ran again.
(Story courtesy of Adrian Drummond-Hill)
A trade directory for 1895 lists Henry Lee (1852) in the Watch & Clock Makers, Jewellers and Silversmiths section trading at 134 Bradshawgate, Bolton.
A Mahogany Drop Dial Wall Timepiece, Henry Lee, Bolton, circa 1860, circular top with side opening door, trunk with bottom door, 12-inch dial with Roman numerals, single fusee movement with anchor escapement,
