Henry (Fred) Cleaver
Individual, P031
Biography
Henry Herbert (Fred) Cleaver - 1876 - 1939 was part of a well-known Launceston family and joint proprietor of "The Cleavers" hardware business.was born in Launceston on 18th December 1876 the second son of John Henry Wilson Cleaver and Sarah, formerly Vaux, who arrived in Van Diemen’s Land in the company of his father, George James Cleaver, on 25th July, 1854. Henry, who strongly preferred to be called Fred, was one of four sons who were educated at the Launceston Church Grammar School.
Fred and his brother George” worked for their uncle, Mr J. S. Scarr, in his hardware store at the corner of Charles and Brisbane Streets, Launceston. The brothers eventually took over the store and established “The Cleavers” in 1904. On 11th April 1911 Fred married Mary Justin, daughter of John Justin of Launceston. Fred, Mary and their one son all attended St. John’s Church where Fred was a sidesman and member of the very first Vestry in 1938-39. He also conducted a boys’ society there. He took special interest in the Launceston Church Grammar School and was a member of the Board of Management. Fred was a Rotarian and served as president of the Launceston Rotary Club.
Fred died at the age of 63 on 19th August 1939 and in his memory the family gave a stained-glass window to St. John’s Church. It features ‘Hope’. The inscription includes his preferred name, and reads:
TO THE GLORY OF GOD
AND IN MEMORY OF (FRED) FREDERICK HERBERT CLEAVER