Thomas James Rome (1873 - 1974)

Born 1873 in Beechworth, Victoria, Australia

Ancestors

Husband of Amelia Matilda (Saltau) Rome — married 1901 in Victoria, Australia

Died 1974 at about age 101 in Warrnambool, Victoria, Australia

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Biography

Thomas was born in 1873. He was the son of Matthew Rome and Dianah Richardson. He passed away in 1974.

Thomas Rome was a pioneer of sound recording in Australia. His 'The Hen Convention', recorded before 15 January 1897 is believed to be the oldest surviving sound recording. This novelty song with piano and vocals featured various poultry species.

Thomas imported various items of sound equipment from the USA and demonstrated the Edison Spring Motor Phonograph at the Warrnambool Industrial and Art Exhibition in 1896–97.

Thomas is honoured by the National Film and Archives who present the Thomas Rome lectures^[1] where leading recording industry figures present their thoughts and ideas.

Sound clips by Thomas Rome available online:

• The Hen Convention ^[2]
• The Warrnambool Railway Accident^[3]

Sources

1. ↑ “Thomas Rome Lecture.” Text, September 11, 2012. https://www.nfsa.gov.au/latest/thomas-rome-lecture.
2. ↑ “The Hen Convention.” australianscreen. Accessed March 3, 2019. http://aso.gov.au/titles/music/the-hen-convention/clip1/.
3. ↑ “Warrnambool Railway Accident on ASO - Australia’s Audio and Visual Heritage Online.” Accessed March 3, 2019. https://aso.gov.au/titles/music/the-hen-convention/extras/.

• Victoria, Australia, Birth, Death and Marriage index no. 14578/1873. Entry for Thos James Rome
• Marriage Victoria, Australia BDM 7359/1901