John William Watson (1861 - 1914)

Born 19 Aug 1861 in Richmond, Nelson, New Zealand

Ancestors

Husband of Emmeline Thirza Mary Rogers — married 14 Jun 1888 in Registrar's office, Palmerston North, New Zealand

Descendants

Died 23 Nov 1914 at age 53 in Dannevirke, New Zealand

Problems/Questions Profile manager: Peter Carroll [send private message]

Biography

This biography was auto-generated by a GEDCOM import.^[1] It's a rough draft and needs to be edited.

Birth

Birth:

Date: 19 AUG 1861

Place: Richmond, Nelson, New Zealand

Death

Date: 23 NOV 1914

Place: Dannevirke, New Zealand

Note: Per newspaper article - sudden death.

Census

Date: 1890

Place: Palmerston North, New Zealand

Note: 1890 NZ Electoral Roll - WATSON, John William; Listing Residential; District Palmerston North; Occupation Bushman.

Date: 1896

Place: Wanganui, New Zealand

Note: NZ Electoral Roll 1896 - listing: Watson, John William, Residence: Ball Street, Occupation: Baker, Residential listing. Watson, Lena, Residence: Ball Street, Wife, Residential listing.

Date: 1900

Place: Palmerston North, New Zealand

Note: NZ Electoral Roll 1900 - Palmerston North.Name: Emmaline Thirza Mary Watson and John William Watson; Residence: Residential, Palmerston North; Occupation: domestic duties.

Date: DEC 1911

Place: Takapau, Hawkes Bay, New Zealand

Note: 1911 NZ Electoral Roll - Waipawa district. WATSON, John William; Takapau, Cook.

Burial

Date: 23 NOV 1914

Place: Mangatera cemetery, Dannevirke, New Zealand

Note: Block F, Plot 33

Occupation

Occupation: Bushman as noted on his marriage certificate

Date: 1888

Place: Bunnythorpe, Manawatu, New Zealand

Occupation: Labourer, when his eldest daugher Alice is born

Date: 1889

Place: Ashurst Road, Feilding, New Zealand

Occupation: William Stanley Watson birth certificate 1890 - father occupation is Bushman

Date: JUN 1890

Place: Palmerston North, New Zealand

Occupation: Daughter Ethel Watson birth certificate 1891 - father occupation is Baker.

Date: 1891

Place: Foxton, New Zealand

Occupation: Ranger - per Manawatu Herald, 21/04/1892Tender of J. W. Watson for Foxton Borough Ranger position for 12 months is accepted.

Date: APR 1892

Place: Foxton, New Zealand

Occupation: Licenced Nightman - Manawatu Herald 03111892Harbour Street, Foxton

Date: NOV 1892

Place: Foxton, New Zealand

Occupation: Son John Alfred Watson birth certificate 1895 - father occupation is Baker.

Date: 1895

Place: Wanganui, New Zealand

Occupation: Son William Sydney Watson birth certificate 1897 - father occupation is Baker.

Date: AUG 1897

Place: Palmerston North

Occupation: Son Arthur Clarence Watson birth certificate 1898 - father occupation is Labourer.

Date: DEC 1898

Place: Palmerston North

Occupation: Daughter Alice Maud Watson marriage certificate - father occupation is Carrier,

Date: SEP 1911

Place: Wellington, New Zealand

Note

Note:

(14/01/2012 by Kim Wallace)

My grandmother, Natalie Mannex (nee Watson), did not know her grandparents.  We were told her Dad Alf's (John Alfred Watson)parents had died when he was young.  Therefore there is no first hand family information I have been able to confirm about my great-great-grandparents John William Watson who was known aas "Jack" or Emmeline Thirza Mary Watson (nee Rogers), known as "Lena".   The sources of this biography include daughter Maud's bible, newspaper articles plus birth, death and marriage certificates.   Based on this information, both Jack and Lena led colourful lives through periods of significant challenges.  Thanks to, and in acknowledgement of Lesley Keil's wonderfully extensive family tree available on Ancestry.com, we now have an indepth portrayal of the Watson family ancestry and we have a photo of Jack Watson from Lesley's collection.

Parents/Siblings: Jack's father David Watson was born in Bow Common, Middlesex, England and immigrated at the age of five with his parents John and Emma Ann Watson on the vessel 'The Clifton' arriving into Wellington 23rd February 1842.   We don't have a lot of information about Jack's mother Emma Sarah Finch other than she was aged 17 in 1855 when she married David Watson.   Jack's mother Emma had married earlier on 1st January 1855 Charles Hoare, who died during 1855 and was the father of her first child, daughter Emma Louisa Frances Hoare.   Jack's parents David Watson and Emma Hoare (nee Finch) married in the house of John Watson (David's father), at Mount Victoria, Wellington.

John William Watson's birth certificate is not found on the BDM website however wassourced from Nelson's Ancestor's attic archive and confirms his birth on August 19th 1861 to parents David Watson (a Baker) and Emma Sarah Watson (nee Finch) who wereliving in Richmond, Nelson.   John William Watson is their third child.   

We know from the birth record of his sister Sarah Jane Waston on May 30th 1863 thefamily are still living in Richmond Nelson and David's profession as a Baker is reconfirmed.    A historical book about Richmond also confirms David Watson was working as a Baker and operating out of a residence opposite the Plough Inn, Richmond.    On June 29 1863 the business is advertised for sale as "the dwelling house and bakerytogether with a horse & cart that operated between Richmond and Nelson."   In 1866, when Jack is aged five, his brother Sidney Joseph Young Watson is born in Wellington so we know the family have moved back to live in Wellington.   David and Emma Watson have two more sons, born in Wellington, George Henry Watson in 1869 and Alfred Watson in 1871.    David also father's a child in 1869, Charles William Watson, to his step-daughter Emma Louisa Frances Hoare who is aged 14.   On December 2nd 1873, when Jack is 12 years of age, his mother Emma Sarah Watson dies in Lyttleton, Christchurch. 

At some stage in the next two years David moves his family to Greytown and when Jack is 14 years old, his father marries a second time in 1875 to Julia Elizabeth Bailey.   His half-brother, Herbert Watson is born in 1876 and a half-sister is born in 22nd February 1877, both in Greytown.   In May 1877 David's wife Julia Watson dies in Greytown.      Jack is 16 years of age when in 1877 his fathermarries a third time to Jane Isabella Watson, in Greytown.   David's third wife Jane dies of breast cancer in 1884 in Carterton.    In 1885 David is now 48 years old and he marries his fourth wife, Mary Ann Reynolds in Picton.   David and Mary Ann Watson have ten children together between the years 1886 and 1905.  It is not known at what age Jack leaves home.

A Wanganui Chronical article on 23rd November 1887 notes a J.W. Watson of Kairoi (in Pirongia forest), a station hand, in relation to the Waitotara election was alleged to have been bribed.  The newspaper acticle states £1 was alleged to have been paid to J. W. Watson on 13th August 1887 for expenses to be incurred in attending to vote.   The charge in regardsto J. W. Watson related to his expenses being paid for was withdrawn.  It is not known whether this is our Jack Watson however the followin year when marrying Lena, it is noted he is a Bushman.

Marriage: At the age of 27 John William Watson "Jack" marries Emmeline Thirza Rogers "Lena" on June 14th 1888 in the Palmerston North Registrar's office.   Jack's profession is a Bushman, he is a Bachelor, Lena a Spinster, his birthplace is Nelson, her birthplace is Palmerston North and at this time they both note their usual place of residence is in Bunnythorpe, Manawatu.   The marriage certificate confirms John's father is David Watson aBaker and his mother is Emma Watson (Emma's maiden name is not known).   It is not known whether Jack is literate but Lena is illiterate, marking the marriage certificate with a cross.    At the time of their marriage Lena is noted to be a Minor and Jack's age is Full.   Their marriage is witnessed by Lena's mother Lily Foster, of Bunnythorpe and a second witness's name that is unfamiliar F. Harnes, Groundkeeper of Palmerston North.

Children:  Jack and Lena registered the births of seven children, of which three survived infancy -

1. Alice Maud Mary WOOTTON (nee WATSON) "Maud" b. 04/06/1889 Feidling.  d. 21/12/1953 Wellington, 64yrs.

2. William Stanley WATSON b. 30/06/1890 Palmerston North.  d. Sep 1890, died 3mths.

3. Ethel Vida May WATSON b. 05/11/1891 Foxton.  d. 30/06/1892 Foxton, died 7mths.

4. Emmaline Lily WATSON b. 11/1892 Foxton.  d. 31/1/1893 Foxton, died 2mths.

5. John Alfred WATSON "Alf" b. 20/02/1895 Wanganui.  d. 21/10/1954 Dunedin, 59yrs.

6. William Sydney WATSON b. 06/08/1897 Palmerston North.  d. 03/1898, died 7mths.

7. Arthur Clarence WATSON b. 31/12/1898 Palmerston North.  d. 1973 Napier, 75yrs.

On 4th June 1889 Jack and Lena's first child, Alice Maud Mary Watson is born, at their noted place of residence on Ashurst Road, near Feilding.    Jack is a Labourer aged 26 yrs and Lena is 18yrs when she register's Alice's birth at the Palmerston North Registrar's office on August 18th 1889.

Per an article dated October 5th 1889 in the Feilding Star - the meeting of the Manchester Road Board  notes correspondence received from J. W. Watson asking the Board to makesome provision from the Charitable Aid fund for two boys named Foster, who were in his charge and were totally unprovided for by their parents.  Lena's mother's married name isFoster so it may be that these boys are Lena's relatives.   The Board approves the funding of £5 to Mr Watson for the support of the two Foster boys since May 7th 1889.

Their second child, William Stanley Watson, is born a year later on 30th June 1890 at Terrace End, Palmerston North.  Jack is working as a Bushman.  Tragically, William dies (cause unknown) at 3months of age in September 1890.  Jack register's William's birth after his death, on 27th September 1890 in the Palmerston North Registrar's office.

Their third child, Ethel Vida May Watson, is born 5th November 1891 in Foxton.   Jack is working as a Baker in Foxton in late 1891.   Lena register's Ethel's birth in Palmerston North.  The Manawatu Herald of 21st April 1892 confirms the tender by J. W. Watson for Foxton Borough Ranger position for 12 months is accepted.  The position as Ranger for the Borough paid £13 12s 6d per annum.   J.W.Watson is paid for sinking two wells in Main Street 7s 8d per foot laid (per article 8th March 1892, Manawatu Herald).   Sadly two months later, Jack and Lena lose another child when Ethel, aged 8months, (Manawatu Herald 30/06/1892, pg2) dies of diphtheria in Foxton.   The young family struggled with not only the loss of their children but also finding an income as Jack, despite having the role of Ranger, registers as a Licenced Nightman who collects at night the "soil" from residences (Manawatu Herald 03/11/1892) of Harbour Street, Foxton.

John William Watson features in a number of newspaper articles, for both good and unfortunately bad reasons. The Manawatu Herald on 25th April 1893 has an advert for horses For Sale; 1 Silky Filly, 1 Trap Mare and 1 Ladies Hack by J.W.Watson, Ranger.   This advert continues to appear throughout the year and it seems Jack is not having any luck selling his horses.  The same month on Saturday April 15th 1893 the Manawatu Herald features the Resident Magistrate's Court Foxton hearings and the civil case between J.W. Watson v P. Hennessey in claim of £8 19s.  Part of the newspaper article states "J.W. Watson deposed he did some mowing in December last ; considered himself an average mower; raked hay into cocks; rained and blew several times; spread and heaped up cocks three or four times; nothing was said about pay; shilling an hour is regular charge; built the stack; cut the thatch; did not charge anything for doing the thatching; did several jobs around the house whilst hay was being made; sunk a well, defendant helped; have rendered account; defendant offerred him 58s; defendant said he did not understand where the time was put in; admitted a contra account of 21s 10d.   The  The Registered Magistrate said both parties appeared to have conducted business in a very loose sort of way..."  Judgement was given in favour of J.W.Watson for half the claim.

My great-grandfather, John Alfred Watson (known as Alf), is Jack and Lena's fourth born child on 20th February 1895 in Campbell Street, Whanganui.    Jack is again working as a Baker according to Alf's birth certificate and their normal residence is in Whanganui.   My grandmother, Alf's daughter Natalie, recalled Alf saying his father was a Baker.

In late 1896 some drastic events occur in Jack's life.   I don't have any first hand evidence that the John William Watson who appears on charges in the Feilding Star newspaper are my ancestor however given that he is a Baker in Waituna and his wife lives in Wanganui it appears highly likely the events of late 1896 I include in this biography next is my great-great-grandfather.    The Feilding Star reports that on Monday September 7th 1896 a John W. Watson (note the first newspaper article states W. J. Watson but all subsequent articles refer to John W. Watson) is arrested at Palmerston North at 7.30am by Acting Detective Bishop on a charge of abducting a girl aged fifteen years of age from Waituna on the Saturday 5th September afternoon, and is remanded in Feilding until 10am the following morning.   The Feilding Star on 8th September 1896 reports that John William Watson, a married man, was charged in the Police Court with abductionand remanded until Tuesday 15th September 1896.  Information had been provided to the Police by the girl's father, Mr R. Robinson on 6th September and a warrant for the arrest of the accused was issued.   Tuesday September 15th 1896 John W. Watson is charged with the abduction of Mary Ann Louisa Robinson.  John W. Watson had been working for Ranson and Son in Waituna as a baker for about three months.    On being examined at length Mary admitted to having conversations with accussed and to going with him to Stormy Point on two occassions when he went to deliver goods.  On Sat 5th September she left Waituna (where she stayed at a cottage occupied by her father) to make her way to her parent's home in Makino and that evening left thehouse taking her clothes with her, without her parent's knowledge - taking the train from Makino to Palmerston North.   In Feilding she was met by accused (John W Watson) who accompanied her to Palmerston North and the Coffee Palace boarding house there where he introduced Mary as his sister.  Mary's account was that she left home at the suggestion of the accused and was given £2 2s 6d by him.    She stayed two nights in Palmerston North and intended to take the morning train to Wanganui.  Mary admitted having told Police their intention was to go to Wellington then Carterton, where she had an Aunt.   In cross examination John W. Watson denied ever having improper relations with the girl and he had given her the money to get to her Aunt's place in Carterton.    He asserted Mary had left home of her own free-will.   He had offerred her a home with his wife, Mrs Watson, who lived in Wanganui.    It does not appear John and Emmeline are on good terms at this time as a  Constable Healey gives evidence of being present at a conversation between the accussed and his wife - the latter saying her husband was a liar and she could get him into trouble if she liked.   The wife states she is destitute and asked if she could get the money the accused had in his possession - the request was acceeded and £5 18s and 6d was paid to the wife of John W. Watson.   The Bench decided there was sufficient evidence to send Watson up for trial in the Wanganui Supreme Court.  The Grand Jury sitting in Wanganui Supreme Court on 21 September 1896 sentence John William Watson to 12 months hard labour.    Despite reviewing the police gazette records I have not yet confirmed this is my ancestor John William Watson but it appears very likely as he is a baker and his wife is living in Wanganui - the same details as our family.   The police gazettes of 1896 and 1897 confirm John William Watson served ten months in Wanganui gaol from 25 September 1896 and was discharged in the two week period ended 24th July 1897.

John William Watson's description from the police gazette reads: 5ft 6inches tall, complexion sallow, eyes brown, hair black, nose sharp, no police record photo, distinguishing features - birth mark on right arm and indistinct W on left wrist.

Lena's fifth child, William Sydney Watson, is born on 6th August 1897 in Featherston Street Palmerston North.  Dreadfully in March 1898, they lose this child also, aged 7mths.   The birth of William Sydney Watson does pose some question as John William Watson is named as the father.   If the John William Watson sentenced to prison for a 12 month period from September 1896 is our Jack Watson - it is highly unlikely they conceived a child together in November 1896.

On 31st December 1898 Jack and Lena's sixth and last child, Arthur Clarence Watson, is born in Grey Street, Palmerston North.   Arthur's birth is registered in Palmerston North by Jack, who is a Labourer and is now aged 38years.   Two years later in the 1900 NZ Electoral Roll John William Watson and Emmeline Thirza Mary Watson are listed living together in Palmerston North.   This is the last record of the couple living together.

Daughter Maud Watson, on 10th May 1907 aged 18 in Wellington, has a son Henry Alfred Watson.  The child is born illegitimately and the father is not recorded on the birth certificate.

Lena reverts to her maiden name Rodgers (spelt with a 'd") some time over the next eight years and it is unknown whether they legally divorce.   In March 1908 Lena Rogers marries Charles Johnson in Gisborne.

When eldest daughter Alice Maud Mary Watson marries Thomas Edgar Clarke on 26th September 1911 in the Wellington Registrar's office, the wedding is witnessed by her father John William Watson of Wellington.

The 1911 NZ Electoral Roll for the Waipawa district lists John William Watson, residing in Takapau which is 34kms north of Dannevirke, working as a cook.   Jack's younger brothers Alfred Watson and Sidney Watson are also listed on the same Waipawa roll.   Brother Alfred, with his wife Mary Ann Watson, is a boarding housekeeper on Ruataniwha Street, Waipukarau.  Brother Sidney is working as a cook at Maraekakaho Station.

Death: The Wairarapa Daily Times records John Watson's sudden death on 21st November 1914.  He was 53 years old.  The probate record WN17126, 8 Jan 1915 (National Archives) information John WATSON, also known as Jack Watson, died 21 November 1914 late of Weber in the provincial district of Hawkes Bay, Station Cook, deceased, intestate.  Total value of estate: Seventeen pounds and eighteen shillings.

In 1916 John's son Alf (my great-grandfather John Alfred Watson) enlists in the army and his military records notes his father John William Watson is deceased at this time so we know Jack died before then. Alf also notes his mother's name is unknown. Alf's military records name his next of kin is his sister Mrs A. Clarke of Wanganui.

Lena married three times after Jack, had two more children and died on 4th July 1944 at 73 years of age in Napier.

Note:

The photo of Jack came from Lesley Kiel's collection, with the following notes: 

Watson Brothers photographed in about 1901 at Palmerston North. From left: Sidney Joseph Young Watson (sitting), Jack Watson (standing), George Henry Watson sitting), and Alfred Watson (standing), four children of Emma Hoare nee Finch and David Watson. Sitting on the right is half brother Herbert Bailey Watson whose mother was Julia Sampson nee Bailey. (this photograph is acknowledged to the late Laura Trott, granddaughter of Herbert Bailey Watson and copied from the original at Laura's home by Lesley Keil at Aramoho, Wanganui in the 1990's).

Note:

Sudden death notice - Wairarapa Daily Times, Volume LXVII, Issue 14141, 21 November 1914, Pg 5

John Watson, a station cook, who came to town on Thursday, dropped dead in High Street this morning, while talking to a friend.   The Wanganui Chronicle article two days later added an inquest will be held.

 

Sources

1. ↑ Watson-8573 was created by Peter Carroll through the import of carroll Tree(a) - 01082012 - 23122012.GED on Nov 7, 2014. This comment and citation can be deleted after the biography has been edited and primary sources are included.

• Source: S40 Record ID Number: MH:S40 User ID: 1F7EDB4E-6838-4109-A791-23186B21E204 Author: Kim Wallace Title: Wallace Web Site Text: MyHeritage.com family tree Family site: Wallace Web Site Family tree: Wallace Family Tree Media: 127328751-1 Type: Smart Matching Page: John William WATSON Event: Smart Matching Role: 1000013 Data: Date: 1 AUG 2012 Text: Added by confirming a Smart Match Quality or Certainty of Data: 3