Arthur Joseph Watts
Arthur Joseph Watts D.D.S., Royal College of Surgeons, Ireland (1881); member of the Dental Society of Western Australia; member of the Dental Board, Western Australia (1905); Examiner Dental Surgery and Pathology and Dental Mechanics, Dental Board, Western Australia (1906-8); Curator of Dental Laboratory, Dental Hospital,London.
Dr Arthur Joseph Watts
Photo Credit: Hans Christian Biltoft
Arthur Watts was born at Deanston, Perthshire, Scotland, on May 26, 1856, and was a son of Martin Watts, who was well known in the cotton industry in Scotland. He was educated at the Model Free Grammar School, Macclesfield, Cheshire, England, and pursued his professional studies under several masters, being articled to the prominent dental practitioner, the Mr. Sydney Wormald, of Stockport, England.
After gaining considerable experience he accepted the position of dental assistant to Mr. W. B. Pearsall, F.R.C.5.1., in 1881 and upon arrival at Dublin, was admitted to the L.D.S. degree. In 1890 he went to London, where he received the appointment of Curator of the Dental Laboratory and Demonstrator in Dental Mechanics, which he held until 1896, when he resigned in order to commence practice on his own account in London.
In 1902, for health reasons, he came to Western Australia and, during his seven years’ residence in the capital, carried on his profession for respective periods at Hay Street, Wellington Street, and St. George’s Terrace, Perth. In 1909 he came to Katanning, and with the assistance of his son, Mr. Martin Henry, established himself in practice here and at the neighbouring town of Wagin.
Martin Henry Watts
Photo Credit: Hans Christian Biltoft
Being of a highly scientific turn of mind he devoted his leisure to the invention of aeromarine vessels (flying boats), of which he constructed a large workable model, one quarter the size of the intended machine. The working of which was most satisfactory, and which had been brought under the notice of the Australian Federal Government.
He found recreation in the performance of instrumental music being a cellist of considerable gifts and, in his younger days, played in the famous quartet party of which Sir Edward Elgar was a member.
In 1883 he married Martha, daughter of Mr. S. H. C. Bradfield, of Bristol, England, and of Dublin. Two of his sons were Western Australian state politicians, Arthur Frederick Watts and Katanning dentist, Martin Henry.
ARTHUR FREDERICK WATTS
Arthur Frederick Watts
by David Black
This article was published in Australian Dictionary of Biography, Volume 16, (MUP), 2002
Arthur Frederick Watts (1897-1970), lawyer and politician, was born on 26 May 1897 at Islington, London, son of Arthur Joseph Watts, dentist, and his wife Martha Kathleen, née Bradfield. In 1906 the family migrated to Perth, and then settled at Katanning, in the wheat-belt. Continue reading
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FAMILY NOTICES
Western Mail
28 March, 1919.
WATTS: On March 24, 1919, at his residence, Argent Street, Katanning, Arthur Joseph, beloved husband of M. K. Watts, and father of Martin Henry, S. Frank Watts (Leichhardt, N.S.W.), and Arthur Frederick Watts. Aged 62 years. Peace, perfect peace.
West Australian
29 August, 1946
WATTS: On August 28, 1946, at Nedlands, Martin H. Watts, dearly loved son of Mrs. M. K. Watts Katanning, father of Anil and Celie, Bunbury, and brother of A. F. Watts, Katanning.