Albert (Mim)
Tuckwell's collection
Cheetham born 15.6.1854 Manchester, England, was born into a family who operated a cotton spinning mill in Lancashire.
From an early age his working life involved sweeping the cellar of a large dye-works, and as time passed he worked in various departments and improved his position.
After a service of 6 years, he got an appointment in a big Calcutta merchant house. Here he had to deal with all sorts of Indian produce: tea was a large portion of the firm's business. He amassed considerable knowledge of tea during his nine years spent in India.
The climate began to take it's toll on his health, and doctors suggested the climate of Australia would better suit him. He left India for South Australia arriving in 1886. After a year's rest Cheetham commenced the importation of Indian teas.
His business was conducted from Hindmarsh Building, 134 Grenfell St, Adelaide. This building which in 2001 still exists, is located on the north side of Grenfell Street, east corner of Twin Street.
129 Grenfell Street would then be Cheetham's headquarters, where he appointed G. Ayton as manager, and opened branch agencies in Sydney, Melbourne, Broken Hill, and Western Australia. These arrangements lasted until ceasing business around 1930. James Cheetham died 16.3.1936 at Coromandel Valley, SA.
A small number of long threaded glass jars embossed 134 and 129 Grenfell Street, Adelaide, exist, and date 1880s to 1890s.