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Watson James Butler 2

Page history last edited by Lenore Frost 6 years, 7 months ago

Time Travellers in Essendon, Flemington and the Keilor Plains

 

 

Watson James Butler   Watson James Butler 3

 

TIMELINE OF JAMES BUTLER WATSON

 

1794

Birth of James Watson son of Thomas Watson and Ann nee Gibb in Montrose, Scotland c1794.

 

1830

SAWREY, FARTHER AND NEARER, two hamlets in the township of Claife, parish of Hawkshead, hundred of Lonsdale, north of the sands, 2 miles S.E. from Hawkshead.[i]

 

1831

James Watson of Sawrey Cottage mentioned in the Leeds Intelligencer, 24 March 1931, p.2.

 

1833 Easter

Letter written by James Watson regarding the poor rate for the township of Claife.

 

To John Forrest Churchwarden and to Hugh Hawkrigg and John Forrest, overseers of the Poor of the Township of Clair in the County of Lancaster, and also to William Towers the Edler William Towers the Younger, Hugh Hawkrigg, Thomas Hawkrigg, John Stalker, Christopher Garnett, Samuel…..., James Coard, Edward Curwen and James Dickson:-

I James Watson of Sawrey being an inhabitant of and in the said Township ………. In and by the rate or assessment hereinafter mentioned do hereby give you and each and everyone of you notice that I intend to appeal at the next General Quarter Sessions of the  peace to be holden at Lancaster in and for the County of Lancaster on the eighth day of April next against a rate or assessment intitled "An Assessment made by the Overseer  of the poor of the Township of Claife in the County of Lancaster for the relief of the poor of the said Township at ninepence in the pound being the fourth rate for the present year laid the 5th day of February 1833" made by Hugh Hawkrigg overseer and John Forrest Church warden allowed by John P Mackell? And Edward R.G. Braddyll? Esquires two of his Majesty's Justices of the peace in and for the said County and that my causes and grounds of appeal against and objections to the said rate or assessment are as follows:

1. That the rate is altogether illegal not being assessed by competent authority in as much as John Forrest the sole Churchwarden for the Township is also one of the two overseers of the poor and consequently there are not three officers as required by law to make a rate for the relief of the poor.

2. That the property of William Towers the elder now the younger as occupier is not rated according to its present improved value.

3. That several tenements are not inserted in the rate at all among these are 1st a building belonging to Hugh Hawkrigg of which part is in the occupation of Thomas Hawkrigg as a blacksmith's forge or shop and part is occupied by John Stalker as a dwelling house - 2nd a dwelling house also belonging to Hugh Hawkrigg occupied by Christopher Garnett, 3rd a dwelling house belonging to Samuel Dixon occupied by James Coward.

4. That seven persons are omitted from the rate who ought to have been assessed therein for the property they respectively occupy amongst others Edward Curwen and James Dickson.

5.  That by the parish books and overseers accounts for the present year exhibited at the vestry meeting held on the 26th day of this month the amount of this rate does not appear to be required for the relief of the poor of the Township.

6. That this rate is not as its title imports assessed only for the relief of the poor but that part of the amount has been or is intended to be applied in payment of the church …… and for other purposes inconsistent with the laws.

And also that the said rate or assessment is in other respects illegal unfair and unjust. Dated this twenty ninth day of March in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and thirty three.

James Watson

 


 

I hereby give your further notice that the Court will be moved to respite the hearing of my said intended appeal to the next following General Quarter Sessions.

James Watson [ii]

 

1834

Pigot's Directory, James Watson Esq., Sawrey Cottage

 

1836

The Ulverstone Poor Law Union

In letters written by J. B. Watson he states that prior to his arrival in Port Philip, he was a Guardian of a Poor Law Union in England, mentioning the names of W. Gale and the Earl of Burlington. The Earl of Burlington, was Chairman and W. Gale, Vice-Chairman, of the Ulverstone Poor Law Union in Lancashire.[iii] This Union formed on 26th August 1836 was 'overseen by an elected Board of Guardians, 36 in number, representing its 27 constituent parishes', two of which were Claife and Hawkshead.[iv]

 

1831 to 1841

By 1831[v] until 1841[vi] Watson resided at Sawrey Cottage in the small town of Sawrey, Lancashire,[vii]  where he was elected to the committee of the Caledonian, West Cumberland and Furness Railway Survey in 1838.[viii] He was also appointed a Guardian of the Ulverstone Poor Law Union where he remained until his departure for Australia. During this time he supervised the building of the new Ulverstone workhouse: 'Within a month I was nominated a member of a Committee for superintending the building of a larger Workhouse and was immediately elected Chairman of it'.[ix]

 

1838

A list of the Committee of the Caledonian, West Cumberland and Furness Railway Survey, together with the names of Gentlemen who were added to the Committee in right of their Contributions….

James Watson, Esq, Sawrey Cottage.[x]

 

1841 April

The Lakes. To be Let and entered upon in May next. Sawrey Cottage. A Neat and commodious dwelling house, suitable for the Residence of a Genteel Family, and now in the occupation of James Watson Esq., comprising Three Sitting Rooms, Two Kitchens, Two Pantries, and a Water Closet on the First Floor; Five Bed Rooms, with Store Room and Closets. A Work Shop (with Servants Room over) and Out-offices; an excellent Steam Range, with other valuable Fixtures. An extensive Orchard and Garden, stocked with choice Fruit Trees in full bearing. Sawrey Cottage is situated two miles from Hawkshead, two miles from the Ferry over Windemere, and a quarter of a miles from Esthwaite Lake.  A Carrier to Kendal Daily.

For further particulars apply to Mr Clarke, Green Banks, Hawkshead, March 19th, 1841.[xi]

 

1841 English Census

James Watson

Sawrey Cottage, Claife

54 years

Independent means

Born Scotland

About 1787

Civil Parish _ Hawkeshead

Hundred - Londsdale (North of the Sands)

Co Lancashire

Reg Dist Ulverston

Note: Although there is a discrepancy in Watson's age given in the census, there is overwhelming evidence including his signature, which identifies him as being the same James Watson of The Springs.

 

Above: 'View on Windermere; from the E side of lake, looking towards head, with Langdale Pikes rising in distance above Wray Castle Pen and grey ink with grey wash'. (In the collection of the British Museum (item no PDB10620). The artist Theophilus Lindsey Aspland came to reside in Sawrey Cottage in 1848 where he married and lived for many years. He drew numerous sketches of the lake and surrounding countryside, and provided illustrations for Harriet Martineau's Complete Guide to the English Lakes published around 1854.

 

1841 July or August

Marriage of James Watson and Caroline Dickson either in Edinburgh or Hawkshead.[xii]

 

1841

Mr and Mrs Watson, cabin passengers per Columbine from Liverpool direct to Sydney on 20 August 1841.[xiii] Arriving in port on 4 December,[xiv] they caught the steamer Seahorse to Port Phillip two weeks later.[xv] This correlates with information given in Watson's letters and other documents, indicating he and Caroline arrived in Port Phillip around late December 1841 to early January 1842.[xvi]

 

Now loading at Liverpool in the Victoria dock. To sail on the 16th instant for Sydney direct, the very fast A1 Ship Columbine. J. Walsh, Master, Burthen per register 600 tons, copper fastened and coppered.

This splendid ship has a poop cabin with handsome and airy State Rooms, her ‘tween decks is fitted up in the most comfortable manner for the accommodation of intermediate and steerage passengers and she carries an experienced surgeon. For terms of freight &c apply to Messrs Ingleby and Browne; or to George Brown and Harrison.

N.B. By this fine ship Free Passage with victualing and bedding, will be granted to a limited number of Agricultural Labourers, Shepherds, Carpenters, Smiths, Wheelwrights, Bricklayers, Masons and Female Domestic and Farm Servants.[xvii]

 

Arrivals FROM Liverpool, on Saturday last, having left the 20th August, the ship Columbine, Capt. Welsh, with 263 Emigrants, under the superintendence of Dr. Carey. Passengers Mr. and Mrs. Watson, Mr. and Mrs. Morley, and two Miss Morleys, Mr. Phelan [and brother], Mr. Williams, and Mr. James.[xviii]

 

For Port Phillip, on Saturday last, the steamer Seahorse, Captain Tallon, with sundries. Passengers-Mr. and Mrs. Bolder, Mr. and Mrs. Watson, Mr. Rhode, Mr. Turner, Mr. Robertson, Mr. Thomas, Mr. McTaggart, Mr. McCullum, Mr. Reeve, Mr. Young, and 12 steerage.[xix]

 

1842 May

To Fencers - To be let by tender, the fencing of one-half of 50 acres of land, near the Springs on the Mount Macedon Road.  Particulars may be known from Mr Watson on the premises, and tenders will be received by him until the 14th instant.

Leslie Park

May 1st, 1842.[xx]

           

1842

Birth of May Watson at Springs.

 

Above: James Watson's 50 acre farm (shaded) purchased from J.F.L.V. Foster.  Note: The small

wedge-shaped section at the top of the plan is James Weston's land.

 

1843 February

Unit: 43 - Year:  1843; File: 464- see VPRS 19, PROV Inward Correspondence Superintendent of Port Phillip 1839-1851, page 248

 

Mr Jas Watson

Applying for some sit’n under Govt.

                                                                                                            Leslie Park 14th Feby 1843

Sir,

For an entire stranger thus to address you may at first sight appear both extraordinary and somewhat impertinent, but if you will take the trouble to peruse my letter I trust you will find it fully accounted for and not displeasing.

 

I came to this Colony about 13 months ago [about Dec 41/Jan 42] under the full expectation that my own exertions in a private sphere would be ample, as they had hitherto through life proved, and make provision for myself and family in the style of comfort to which we have been accustomed and in the anticipation of my improving our finances. Letters of introduction were offered me in abundance but declined for I have observed them and cause the bearer embarrassment more frequently than benefit and have always considered the use of them, when not indispensable, derogatory from that self-dependence which every man of high spirit feels to be his most valuable possession. There is only one gentleman in this settlement from whom I could at all claim an introduction to your Honor, and I fancy has quite employment enough for his influence in his own family and connections, and I would not choose therefore to trouble him. Thus it is that I take upon me to announce myself. If however you are disposed to entertain my suit, and etiquette regimes an introduction as a matter of form or of voucher for my respectability I would not hesitate to request one from him as he has known me from infancy and he is now a Magistrate.

 

Had the Settlement been in a fair position; had it not been sacked through knavery and folly; my prospects in coming here would have been so far realized that I should have declined laying myself under an obligation even to your Sir. And did I not think I can make out a case which will quite justify you in according it, not even my great disappointment and present anxious state could induce me to ask the favour I now seek:- the first I have ever asked of man. I can frankly assure your Honor that I would not accept any office which experience did not warrant me in believing I could fill creditably to myself, usefully to the public and satisfactorily to the Government. I am a proud man Sir, and nothing could compensate to my feelings for this disgrace of a public failure – for finding myself incompetent to perform my duties in a manner which should secure for me the respect of the valuable part of the community and your own entire approbation.

 

Under the then new law relating to the poor in England about six years ago I became Guardian for a small and distant township in a Union having a radius of nearly 20 miles. I was at the time living in retirement upon an income independent indeed but insufficient to enable me to associate with the neighbouring gentry, and I was known only to some of the Magistrates personally as having bestirred myself actively and usefully in the management of the poor, roads and other such public affairs in my own Parish. The Chairman of the Unions was the Earl of Burlington[xxi], the Vice Chairman the senior and most active Magistrate in the District.

 

The Board of Guardians comprised all the Magistrates, several gentlemen of large landed estates and other men both of business and of wealth. The number of Guardians was about 40, and the establishment was altogether one of the most effective and best conducted of the time in Britain.

 

I was not known unless perhaps by name, to more than half a dozen gentlemen in the room when I entered it as a Guardian and not upon terms of intimacy with one. Within a month I was nominated a member of a Committee for superintending the building of a larger Workhouse and was immediately elected Chairman of it. A few weeks afterwards during the accidental absence of both the Earl and  W. Gale I was called upon to preside at the Board itself; a position I  ....afterwards and occupied upon such occasion so long as I could be prevailed upon to take it, although frequently Magistrates and other guardians perfectly competent were present. Long after I had resigned my seat at the Board and only a few months previous to my departure from England I was persuaded to place my name on the list of Candidates for the office of Clerk to it, and had the satisfaction to see every Magistrate and gentleman in the room second his vote for me, although the office is usually held by a solicitor and involves a considerable amount and variety of law and ......business, which of course I undertook to conduct and was decreed capable of conducting by those who must be allowed to be competent judges. I lost the election indeed partly because I disdained to canvas and did not solicit a single vote and partly because the Guardians of a lower rank chose to give the situation to a need Attorney of their own grade who seemed likely to be more subservient to them than myself. This statement can be verified by the testimony of a highly respectable professional gentleman now in Melbourne who held an official situation in the Union during the whole time; and the facts it contains will surely absolve me from the charge of overweening vanity in assuming my fitness for such an appointment as I am now desirous of obtaining.

 

I might add that I was in the habit of corresponding directly with the Commissioners at Somerset House, one of whom has since become Speaker of the House of Commons; that my name stood so high with them that a statement of mine unsupported by any other testimony was sufficient to oblige one of their assistant Commissioners to apologize and amend his deportment; and that when I retired I was .........with a letter from the Commissioners expressing their regret at losing my services. But I am not sure the gentleman alluded to will recollect all these particulars or that he was cognisant of the last. For a similar reason I omit to say anything of my career in former years.

 

These circumstance having so lately occurred and resulting from my personal qualifications alone (for I went into that part of the Kingdom without introductions, according to my custom, and possessed not a foot of property there) and I presumptuous in believing that I could under good service to the state and to the public as a Police Magistrate of whom I hear one is speedily to be appointed in the vicinity or as Warden of the District Council which must ere long be formed? And if not is it impertinent to offer myself to your notice? The former office I believe myself more than ordinarily fitted for, but it is one for which I doubt not there will be many applicants amongst whom there may be some more eligible even if your choice be not already made. For the other appointment probably the Candidates who are suitable will not be so numerous for surely the post is not an enviable one. The example of the existing corporate body in Melbourne shews how requisite it is to have a president accustomed to the duties of the chair and to making arrangements for the dispatch and orderly conduct of business; combining energy, firmness and independence with command of temper and mild bearing. Yet it is not every gentleman possessed of the desirable qualities who would accept an office so anomalous as this, the appointment to which is vested in the Crown whilst the salary is dependent upon the good feeling or caprice of the body over whose deliberations he is to preside. There is indeed a power given in the Act which might be employed to obviate some of the inconveniences likely to arise out of these provisions, yet it may be doubtful if the Government would choose to exercise it for that purpose. Possibly it was not the intention of the Legislature to place this officer in so unpleasant a position in which his duty and interest are likely often to dash, but it appears to me not other construction can be put upon the provisions of the Act if I have seen a correct copy. These considerations and this – that the .............materials of which this Settlement is composed may not afford much scope for your selection induce a hope that I may obtain this office. I am willing and desirous to undertake it or any employment which I could discharge with credit to myself and with satisfaction to those entitled to be satisfied, but the two mentioned are all I am conscientiously say I should feel at home in filling. I have purchased a small farm here [on Leslie Park at Springs], but the proceeds at present realize very slender comforts for my family while the future is clouded with intense anxiety.

 

I am unused to the language of solicitation; this is my first essay and might not be though by some persons sufficiently humble. But anyone who could descent to servility and obtain it, would in my opinion be very unfit to hold either of the offices I aspire to. Your own feelings will tell you sir, that .......... for a favour conferred is quite compatible with the ideas and conduct of a gentleman although succophancy is not, and will suggest that a man of independent mind and determined spirit who on principle acts with the Government is a more efficient and safe supporter than one of  a mean or servile disposition.

 

I have thought it proper to write in the first instance both as being more respectful and because I abhor egotism so fervently that the above statement although perfectly correct and sufficiently ample would have choked my utterance, indeed my repugnance to speak of self, has prevented me from making this application much earlier and the duty I owe to my family has alone forced it from me now. I should however be greatly obliged by an interview and happy to wait upon you at any time you may kindly appoint, when a short conversation on some points connected with the offices in question would make you to test my qualifications. I have the pleasure to believe that in the few months elapsed since my arrival I have acquired the friendship of an amiable and talented gentleman with whom I know you are on familiar terms, which I refer to only as an assurance that whatever be the issue of a conference you will not find cause to reject having entered into it. I am fully aware of the difficulties men in high stations experience in regard to the numerous claims which are continually pressed upon them and that although it might be desirable to have effective confidential officer owing their preferment directly to your own discrimination and kindness yet you may very safely rely upon it, prove a pertinacious suitor, nor should an interview end in your declining to give me an appointment, whatever may be the ground of your refusal, will that event alter the sentiments of respect with which I not beg to subscribe myself.

Sir

Your most obedient humble servant

James Watson

To His Honor, Charles Joseph Latrobe, Superintendent of Port Phillip

 

Note the similarities in the signature on this letter of

 February 1843 and that of the letter written in Easter 1833,

In particular the dots after both Christian and Surname.

 

1843 February 

James Watson of Leslie Park - Stating terms under which he would accept a government offer.

Leslie Park 20th February 1843

Sir

When in the course of the interview you honoured me with this morning, you mentioned the inconvenience you sustain in the want of a systematic arrangement of the past correspondence of your office. I should at once have offered to undertake that task had I not feared I might seem to be endeavouring to ……….. you with employing me.

I now be to offer you my services for that purpose without receiving any recognised situation in your office, leaving my remuneration entirely to your own opinion of my deserts to be awarded me in the shape either of a pecuniary "quidd con honorarium" of some permanent situation for which you may deem me qualified upon having thus an opportunity to form your own judgement. The latter would under the circumstances you mentioned be perhaps the more convenient to your Honor and I conceive there can be no in propriety in granting an office to a person competent to fill it efficiently, as a recompense for service in another department, a practice constantly followed in other countries. It would also be certainly the more agreeable to me and of course no appointment which should not employ my whole time would be allowed to interfere with my completing the catalogue. Indeed I am somewhat of an enthusiast and were my finances now as flourishing as they were in England, I should have desired to undertake this service without thinking of any other recompense than the satisfaction of having performed a useful act. If the correspondence be voluminous the operation may be laborious and may occupy some time, but the talent required is of a very humble grade and in happier times I should scorn to seek any recompense for such an exercise of mine.

 

At present my wife and infant [this would be May Watson the eldest child] possess a paramount claim, and all other feelings give way before my anxiety on their account, for all my energies will be required to procure them sustenance, but were I once in a situation which would place those loved ones beyond the reach of penury, your Honor would find me not mercenary, but ever ready during any pressure of business to afford you my best assistance in whatever department it might be needed, although entirely unconnected with the office I filled. A small matter also would suffice. Since our arrival here we have indulged no expensive habits and we intend adhering to the closest economy until prosperity returns to our shores and warrants our expending more than the purchase money of bare necessaries. An office producing me 200 pounds per annum and leaving me some time in the week for attending to my domestic concerns and farm would quite meet my wishes under the present state of the Colony and I should not feel myself justified in refusing even less. My constitution however will not allow me to lean continually over a desk, neither can I profess an ability to write dispatches readily. I have acquired a tolerable education even in the style called liberal and my language is grammatically correct unless from oversight, but it is stiff and neither copious nor fluent. Composition is generally a slow process in my hands in consequence of my never having much practised it.

 

I need not lengthen this letter by stating how I acquired the experience which would enable me to abstract and index your correspondence and document clearly?, That statement can be made at any time if you desire it. To show what I can now do rather than talk of what I have done would be more pleasant to me and more satisfactory to your Honor, since the talents I was blessed with may be considerably on the want without my suspecting the unhappy truth. I refrained from naming the gentlemen alluded to in my former letter, because I have not mentioned the subject to them, nor intend to do so. My wish is merely to call upon them when the proper time may arrive, to testify to the truth of my own statements, which I know they cannot refuse. ……only have I ever hinted at my application to your Honor. I explained it to him on Friday last not having the slightest idea that he either had or would mention my name to your, for I have not the slightest claim upon his kindness.

 

Least I should seem importunate in thus again addressing you, my servant will not call for a reply until Saturday morning and should there be none at your office I shall understand that my proposal is not acceptable to your Honor. Should you determine to avail yourself of it, I shall understand that my proposal is not acceptable to your Honor. Should you determine to avail yourself of it, I shall be happy to attend on Monday or any subsequent day you may appoint to receive instructions and make any little arrangements requisite and shall be ready to commence the work in a week afterwards. I beg leave again to subscribe myself.

 

Sir, Your very obedient servant, James Watson

To His Honor

Charles Joseph La Trobe

Superintendent of Port Phillip

 

1843 July

TO BE LET AT A MODERATE RENT, FOR A SHORT TERM OF YEARS.

A FARM of fifty acres of land, with, a good dwelling-house upon it, seven miles from,

Melbourne.

The land requires no clearing, and about twenty acres are now under crop for the second, time

A large garden is laid out, which has proved very productive, and the whole is fenced in and subdivided

The situation is beautiful, the road from Melbourne the best in the settlement, and there is a plentiful supply of excellent water

Apply to Mr Watson, at the Times office.[xxii]

 

1844

Birth of Heliodora Watson at Springs.

 

1845

14 April - letter to George Gipps

 

1845

Birth of Anwyll Watson at Keilor (Springs).

 

1846 

Reply to Mr James Watson of Leslie Park near Melbourne from Sec of State dated 20th October 1845 contained in his letter addressed to George Gipps on the 14th April 1845 in regards to the Land question and to the general policy to be pursued in the Govt of the District of Port Phillip. [xxiii]

 

1847

Birth of Eva Watson at Murrundindi near Yea

 

1847 May                  

Depasture licenses - Western Port….Howitt and Watson.[xxiv] 

 

1848 February

Howitt and Watson fined 40 shillings and costs for not sending in their returns of stock within the period prescribed…..[xxv]

 

Claims to leases of Crown Land. No 91. Howitt and Watson. Name of Run - Murrimdindi. Estimated area 25,000 acres, Estimated grazing capabilities - 6000             sheep. The boundary towards the N and E is the dividing range between the Limestone Creek and the Murrimdindi or New Chum Creek………Note - the lease was transferred to Messrs Miller and McFarlane…[xxvi]

 

1849

James Butler Watson, dwelling house, Richmond (list of claimants wishing to have their names inserted in the Electoral Roll for the Co of Bourke.[xxvii] 

 

1850

To the Editor of the Daily News

Sir,

My attention has been drawn to the report you have given of the Gas Company's Meeting on Thursday by a casual question, "Who was it that proposed to give the appointment of Officers to the Committee", which I could not answer, because nothing of the kind occurred.

 

Towards the close of the business I made some observations on the mode of appointing the Secretary, Solicitor, and Bankers or Treasurer adopted in the Deed under consideration, being desirous that they should always be elected by the shareholders at large; but after the explanation given by Mr Hart I saw little probability of a motion to that effect being carried in the then state of the meeting, and the subject was dropped.

 

I have not the slightest objection to say remarks of mine being omitted by your reporter, or being fathered upon another person, as your friend with the hundred eyes has treated one of my propositions at the same meeting; but to relate his own fictions for facts is not the province of a reporter. Had my name been mentioned, probably the misrepresentation in this case would have escaped notice, for I do not usually commit such a waste of time as to read reports of proceedings I have been present at; and I should then unconsciously have lain under the imputation of having uttered sentiments the very reverse of those I entertained.

 

I trust you will make public this contradiction of the paragraph, because the writer will of course name me to say one who may put to him a question like that which directed my attention to the subject.

I am sir,

Your obedient servant,

J.B. WATSON[xxviii]

 

Above: Advertisement (part) The Melbourne Daily News,

19 December 1850, p.4.

 

1850 December

James Watson reply to Watson's letters concerning The City of Melbourne Gas and Coke Company.[xxix]

 

1851 June

27 June 1851 Collingwood

J. B. Watson applies for Clerk, Legislative Council

Collingwood, 27 June 1851

 

Sir

I presume to offer myself to your notice for the Clerkship to the Legislative Council about to be established in Victoria and earnestly to solicit the favour of the appointment.

 

Having enjoyed several opportunities of being known to your Honor, personally and otherwise, officially and through friends, I am spared the pain of making any parade of my talents and habits. Your Honor can better judge of my general sufficiency than I can.

 

Very many years ago I became conversant with the forms and mode of conducting business in the British House of Commons by assisting to pass some Bills through the House, and although my recollection of them at this distance of time is not very vivid, I can scarcely doubt that they would be recalled to my mind by circumstance requiring their being put into practice.

 

I therefore hope I should if appointed, proved an efficient officer and I can promise with certainty that no exertion of mine should be wanting to attain that character.

I have the honor to be

Sir

Your very obedient servant

J. B. Watson

To His Honor

The Superintendent of Port Phillip[xxx]

 

1852 May

Chamber of Commerce - At a meeting of the committee held at the rooms of the institution on Wednesday last, Mr J B Watson was elected secretary.  The Argus, Friday, 7 May 1852, p.3.

 

1852

Living in Charles St, Collingwood.[xxxi]

 

 

1852 November

Report from the Select Committee on the Melbourne and Hobson's Bay Railway Company's Bill, together with the proceedings of the Committee and Minutes of evidence:-

………………Friday , November 19th 1852.

MEMBERS PRESENT-Mr. Westgarth, Chairman; the Auditor-General and Mr Campbell.

Mr. James Butler Watson, called in and examined.

1. By Mr. Wrixon on behalf of the Petitioners for the Bill.

Q. You are Secretary to the Melbourne and Hobson's Bay Railway Company?

A, I am; I have been acting as Treasurer and Secretary to the Provisional Committee.

2. Q. I see your name attached as witness to the signatures of a great number of the persons

who have signed the Partnership Deed of the Company?

A. Yes, I witnessed the majority of the signatures.

3. Q. You are acquainted I believe with the City of Melbourne and Hobson's Bay?

A. Tolerably well, but more with the City than the Bay, though I have some knowledge of it. I

have now resided eleven years in the Colony, and during that time have had many opportunities

for making observations.[xxxii]

 

1853

Birth of Athelstan/Athelston

 

1854

James Butler Watson, Manager Melbourne and Hobson's Bay Railway, 74 Collins St West.[xxxiii]  

 

 

Above: The original deed of constitution of the Melbourne & Hobson's Bay Railway photographed by Akers & Co.

Note the signature of J.B. Watson in the left hand column. (Image courtesy of the State Library of Victoria).

                  

1855

Darebin - letter re shares in Melbourne and Hobsons Bay Railway. The Age, 22 Dec 1855 p.5.

 

1855

Birth of Eugene Watson at Sandridge.

 

1856

James Butler Watson, Darebin, agent, household, Darebin on creek (1856 Electoral Roll)

 

1856

Darebin, letter sent to newspaper re Election of Governor. The Age, 30 Jan 1856 page 4.

 

1858

Birth of Alemene/Alcmene Watson

 

 

Above: Elizabeth Street, Melbourne, 1864, Edward Gilks, Lithographer

(Courtesy of State Library of Victoria)

 

1863 May      

REAL PROPERTY ACT - Notice is hereby given that James Butler Watson of No. 81 Elizabeth Street, in the City of Melbourne, accountant, has applied to have brought under the provision of the Real Property Act the land described at the foot hereof, and that the Lands Titles Commissioners have appointed that upon the expiration of thirty-one clear days from the date of this advertisement in the Government Gazette the Registrar General shall, unless he shall in the interval have received a caveat forbidding him to do so, proceed to bring such land under the provisions of the Act. Date the twenty-ninth day of April, 1863, William Henry Archer, Registrar General.

The Land referred to - A piece of land in the county of Bourke, parish of Jika-Jika, part of portion one hundred and thirty-eight; Commencing at the south-eastern corner of the said portion; thence west seven hundred and forty-nine feet; thence north along Princes-street, six hundred and ninety-four feet; thence east to the Darebin Creek; thence by the Darebin Creek to the point of commencement. William Henry Archer, Registrar General.[xxxiv]

 

1863 August

Shooting with intent to do grievous bodily harm. James Butler Watson, an elderly man who was state to have held her Majesty's commission in the army, pleaded Not Guilty to a charge of having on the 4th July, fired a revolver at William Pender with intent to do him grievous bodily harm…….he and the prisoner were neighbours residing near Darebin Creek……[xxxv]

 

1865

14 February 1865, James B Watson, accountant, vacant land, Fife St and Cambridge st, Collingwood, Owner Charles Hutton (East Collingwood Borough Rate Book (Ancestry)

 

1866

(no. 428) February 28 - James Butler Watson, accountant, vacant land, Collingwood, owner Charles Hutton, (East Collingwood Borough Rate Book (Ancestry)

 

1866

(no. 446) February 28 - James Butler Watson, accountant, wood house, Cambridge Street East Collingwood, owner Charles Hutton,  Borough Rate Book (Ancestry)

 

1867

(no. 429) 13 February, James Butler Watson, retired officer, vacant land, Collingwood, owner J. Brearley?, (East Collingwood Borough Rate Book (Ancestry)

 

1868

(264) 12 February, Fife Street, Collingwood, vacant land, owner James B. Watson

 

1869

(270) 10 February 1869, Fife Street, Collingwood, vacant land, owner James B. Watson

 

1872 February 17

MONDAY, 26th February

Darebin Creek

Unreserved sale of Dairy Stock and Utensils, Farming Implements, Stack of Hay, Prairie Grass Seed.

At Rosalie Farm, Darebin Creek, South Preston.

Bellin and Wilkinson have

Received instructions from J.B. Watson, Esq.,

To sell by auction, through J. Bellin, auctioneer, on the premises, Rosalie Farm, Darebin Creek, South

Preston, on Monday, 26th inst, at twelve 'clock.

22 superior milch cows

1 shorthorn bull

20 head young stock

1 brood sow

6 porkers

12 couple geese

Farm Produce

Stack of hay (about 15 tons)

30 bags prairie grass

Dairy Utensils

2 Robinson's patent cheese presses

1 patent duplex-action churn

1 American churn, milk dishes, cheese vats, tubs

&c

Farming Implements

1 dray

1 truck for carrying stones

1 plough, harrows, and roller

1 set cart harness

1 set swingle-trees

Wine press, casks, and a lot of sundries in inviting the attention of farmers and gentlemen desirous of procuring really good stock, the auctioneers have every confidence in asserting that Mr Watson has selected his dairy stock with the utmost judgement, a fact known throughout the district.

N.B. Intending purchasers from Heidelberg district will take the Pentridge road, and those resident in the Plenty district will take the road leading by Watson's and Paterson's.

The farm, about 60 acres, with brick cottage and outhouses, will be let, if eligible tenders are sent in

before 10th March.

Bellin and Wilkinson, auctioneers, valuers,

&c , corner of Collins and Elizabeth streets.[xxxvi]

 

1873

Death of Eugene Watson.

Death of Athelstan Watson.

 

1874

Marriage of May Watson.

           

1875 October 25

This Day

Darebin Creek

Sale of Splendid Freehold Estate, known as

 

ROSALIE

Situate at Darebin Creek, and Fronting Ivanhoe-lane, comprising in all about 70 acres of some of the

finest land about Melbourne, being a rich black soil. The whole subdivided into four blocks, and through which the Darebin Creek flows. Together with the residence, at present in the occupation of the Owner, with all necessary farm and dairy buildings, complete.

To gentlemen in want f a site within easy access of Town, Farms, and Capitalists

BELLIN and WILKINSON have been favoured

With instructions from J B Watson Esq, of Darebin Creek, to sell by auction, at the rooms, 8 Collins-street east, on Monday, 25th inst, at twelve o'clock. The above first-class freehold property. The buildings comprise a weatherboard house of about eight rooms, with splendid tank (10,000 gal), dairy barns, extensive stabling, cow houses, &c also, a substantial brick cottage of four rooms.

 

The land (70 acres) is well trenched and manured, and is partly ready for crop. The orchard is well stocked with a splendid variety of fruit trees, which have been well pruned and cared for. The auctioneers, in drawing attention to this sale, deem it unnecessary to enlarge upon the superior attractions of the property now offered, as they are patent to everyone who knows the district. Rosalie is approached either from the Heidelberg-road or Plenty-road, turning off by the Junction Hotel. Title, Crown certificate. Terms liberal.[xxxvii]

 

1875 October 26

Wanted house is suburbs, five rooms and kitchen. J B Watson, Rosalie, South Preston.[xxxviii]

 

1876

Marriage of Eva Watson.

 

1877   

Gellibrand St, Kew (Sands and McDougall Post Office Directories)

           

1877   

29 February, James B Watson, gentleman, owner John Padbury, house in Gellibrand St, Kew(Kew Rate Book} (Ancestry)

 

1878   

Gellibrand St, Kew (Sands and McDougall)

           

1879

14 January 1879, James B Watson, gentleman, owner John Padbury, house in Gellibrand St, Kew (Kew Rate Book) (Ancestry)

           

1879   

Death of J.B. Watson, Gellibrand St, Kew

OBITUARY

Another of the earliest colonists has passed away, in the person of Mr James Butler Watson; who died at Kew on Wednesday, at the advanced age of 86 years. Mr Watson arrived in this colony in 1841. One of the earliest occupations in which he engaged was that of editing a newspaper. He also about the same time went into squatting pursuits, in partnership with the late Dr Howitt, but owing to a commercial crisis in 1844, he lost all his substance.  Subsequently he became the first secretary of the Chamber of Commerce. In 1851, when the Hobson's Bay Railway was initiated, Mr Watson became the secretary to the movement, and continued to hold office till the opening of the line in 1854, when he was succeeded by the late Mr Finlayson. Since then the deceased gentleman has followed the profession of an accountant, till about five years ago, when he retired from active work at over 80 years of age. The remains were to be interred to-day at St. Helena, Greensborough.[xxxix]

 

1880-1890

Caroline Watson listed in Kew Rate Books living in Gellibrand St Kew

 

1883

Marriage of Anwyll Watson.

 

1895

Death of Caroline Frances Watson.

 


[i] Stephen Reynolds Clarke, The New Lancashire Gazetteer; Or Topographical Dictionary (1830).

[ii]Source: Lancashire, England, Quarter Session Records and Petitions, 1648-1908; Easter 1833; Ref QSP 2978/1-20 available at Ancestry

[iii] Annual Report of the Poor Law and Commissioners for England and Wales, Vol 4, p315, 1838.

[iv] The Workhouse in Ulverston, Lancashire; www.workhouses.org.uk/Ulverston/

[v] Leeds Intelligencer, 24 March 1831, p.2.

[vi]1841 English Census

[vii]Source: Lancashire, England, Quarter Session Records and Petitions, 1648-1908; Easter 1833; Ref QSP 2978/1-20 available at Ancestry

[viii]Caledonian, West Cumberland and Furness Railway, Report of John Hague Esq of the Practicability of embanking the estuaries of Morecambe and the Duddon for the purpose of forming a railway communication from Lancashire to Glasgow, pg 15; from Google books online.

[ix] PROV Unit: 43, Year - 1843; File: 464, Inward Correspondence Superintendent of Port Phillip 1839-1851.

[x]Source: Caledonian, West Cumberland and Furness Railway, Report of John Hague Esq of the Practicability of embanking the estuaries of Morecambe and the Duddon for the purpose of forming a railway communication from Lancashire to Glasgow, pg 15; from Google books online

[xi]The Westmorland Gazette, etc (Kendal, England), Saturday, April 24, 1841; pg1; Issue 1172. British Library Newspapers, Part III: 1741-1950.

[xii] Information from birth certificate no. 1342 of son Eugene Watson in 1855.

[xiii]The Lancaster Gazette and General Advertiser, for Lancashire, Westmorland, &c (Lancaster, England), Saturday, August 14, 1841; pg [1]; Issue 2072, British Library Newspapers, Part II: 1800-1900.

[xiv] The Sydney Herald, 6 December 1841, p.2.

[xv] The Sydney Herald, 20 December 1841, p.2. 

[xvi]Mount Alexander Mail, 11 October 1879 p.3 (obituary James Watson);  PROV. VPRS 19, Unit 43, Year 1843 - File 464;    http://www.parliament.vic.gov.au/papers/govpub/VPARL1852-53Vol2p983-1018.pdf

[xvii]The Lancaster Gazette and General Advertiser, for Lancashire, Westmorland, &c (Lancaster, England), Saturday, August 14, 1841; pg [1]; Issue 2072, British Library Newspapers, Part II: 1800-1900.

[xviii] The Sydney Herald, 6 December 1841, p.2

[xix]The Sydney Herald, 20 December 1841.

[xx]Port Phillip Patriot and Melbourne Advertiser, Monday, 2 May 1842, p.3.

[xxi] William Cavendish (1808-1891 was the second Earl of Burlington.

[xxii]Melbourne Times, Sat 1 July 1843, p.3; 14 July 1843, p.4.

[xxiii]Unit 79 - Year 1846 - File 370 - see VPRS 19, PROV Inward Correspondence Superintendent of Port Phillip 1839-1851.

[xxiv]The Melbourne Argus, 14 May 1847, p.1.

[xxv]The Melbourne Argus, 29 February 1848, p.2.

[xxvi]The Argus, 29 September 1848, p.4.

[xxvii]The Argus, 1 May 1849, p.4.

[xxviii] The Melbourne Daily News, 29 October 1850, p.1.

[xxix] The Argus, 4 December 1850, p.4.

[xxx] PROV; Unit: 151 - Year: 1851 - File: 1280, page 722.

[xxxi]The Argus, Wednesday 12 May 1852, p.6.

[xxxii] http://www.parliament.vic.gov.au/papers/govpub/VPARL1852-53Vol2p983-1018.pdf

[xxxiii]Melbourne Commercial and Squatters Directory 1854 (Butterfield).

[xxxiv] Victoria Government Gazette, No. 51, Wednesday, 20 May 1863, pg 1112.

[xxxv] The Age, 19 August 1863, p.7; various newspaper stories regarding this incident.

[xxxvi]Leader, 17 February 1872, p.3.

[xxxvii]The Argus, 25 October 1875, p.2.

[xxxviii]The Argus, 26 October 1875, p.8.

[xxxix]Mount Alexander Mail, 11 October 1879 p.3.

 

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