daughters and four sons. His death took place on the 20th April 1860, in his 89th year. To his descendants and other relatives have been bequeathed the priceless inheritance and example of his good name and life, and a collection of rhymes of unique merit and great interest ----- a tangible and lasting legacy. Within five months of his decease they were edited and published by his son-in-law the late respected Isaac Robinson of Renwick. In themselves they are such a memorial as few persons leave behind them. They bear witness to the true poetic nature of a sincere and humble Christian.
In his lines on Scalehouses speaking of the family of Watsons, who lived long in this place, he remarks " They formerly were clerks"(or Sextons) meaning no doubt, that his father and brother if not predecessors also filled that office for Renwick Parish. It is a matter of Common repute that his brother Anthony our forefather read prayers with the Parson as he terms it, for many years. Then speaking of his own times he writes " They are no longer Clerks but Preachers, first rate" that referred to the poet’s nephew the first Joseph Watson whose name was then at the top of the list of Local Preachers on the Wesleyan Methodist Plan, and to the eldest son of the latter, the present Reverend William Watson of Ambleside who at that time and up till now has carried the gospel from village to town. On the death of Thomas Watson funeral sermons were delivered in Renwick church
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and chapel. In the former place of worship the aged vicar pointed out that during the eight and twenty years of his ministry there Thomas Watson was seldom missing from the service, and that he partook of the sacrament at the church as well as with the members of his own denomination at the Wesleyan Chapel
Not only was he an active Methodist Class leader but a Local Preacher also. In his later years he became a teetotaler, and non-smoker for the sake of example. Truly he held high the lamp of Charity and faithfully endeavoured to live up to his own verses on his native place.
" They always seem friends, disputing is gone, The church and the chapel they seem as one, They always seem friendly – forgive what is past, Surely this people will be happy at last." Now for a few more items as to our first founders. John Watson was born July 1st 1721, his wife Catherine was born June 7th 1730, Their wedding was on the 16th June 1751. This patriarch John was at the head of the Watsons from a professional point of view, - he followed the worthy calling of a stonemason. A specimen of his workmanship may be seen on the road between Glassonby and Gamblesby a well built wall near Sandwith Mill, which bears a certifying date. Very probably he in some measure allied farming to building, - a commendable liking so many of his kinsfolk seem to inherit and excel in. It is pleasing to dwell on that good old book " The Whole Duty of Man" and to wonder how, why, where and when; John Watson at the age of 25
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procured it. It was a time when not many could read or write, and what was the state of the country at that period. In Milners History of England we find "The manners of the upper classes during this reign (George II 1727 – 1760) were often unrefined and gross while lamentable laxity marked public morals. "Profanity was indulged in" drunken orgies were far more prevalent than at present."
From 1740 to 1750 and onwards, Catherine and John possibly heard much from their parents and others even in that day of no trains, no steamboats, no telegrams and practically no letters and no newspapers, of the startling and successful new religious uprising with which the honoured names of Wesley and Whitfield will for ever be associated (The aforesaid Thomas Watson in his youth heard John Wesley preach at Gamblesby). Is the thought too forced which suggests that some reverberation from that movement might explain the way in which "The Whole Duty of Men became "John Watson book" and study. The stirring incidents of the Scotch Rebellion of 45 must have frequently quickened their pulses and been the subject of subsequent discussion. Cumberland was the scene of many of the principal operations. "More than a hundred rebel officers ere executed at Carlisle, Penrith and York" Their day seems all the more remote when we reflect that it was long
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antecendent to the American War of Independence, the French Revolution, and the memorable battles of the Nile, Trafalgar and Waterloo.
Previous to 1789 it is all but certain that neither buildings, nor stone walls ---- those North Country synonyms, stood where they are now seen. At that time John Watson had for twelve years mourned the loss of his wife Catherine who was buried at Renwick September 27th 1777. Their son Anthony was then a single man of 30. The father thus bereaved and verging on the allotted three score years and ten needed comfort and company. That was the opportunity of his noble son Anthony like a true Spartan he stood between his aged father and the possible advance of indigent circumstances, as who should say "In youth you sheltered me: I will protect you now." In a spirit of praiseworthy made pendence he felt that he could, and with strong purpose he determined that he would sustain his father to his dying day. This he was enabled to accomplish. The district authorities, recognising his affectionate zeal, granted him a plot of land, on part of which he with his own and other hands reared this Century Home. It is to all the ages a monument his fervent parental love. And now in this our day the readers of these lines may picture at the doorway of that home the old man and his trusty boy as they watch the setting sun. May be like us they dwell upon the past and entertain day dreams of the unseen
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