future with hopes and prayers for good and Godliness. Could they have foreseen at that far distant time the representations of their numerous progeny celebrating in brotherly unity the Golden Wedding of Nov. 16th 1889, how joyous and encouraging the thought! Not in old England only, but far away beneath the warmer skies round Hyneton in Victoria, the interesting event was "Kept" right heartily with humble thanks and praise and Prayer to God.
Amongst cheering recollections as to a common ancestry were intermingled fondest memories of some loved ones recently departed. There were various hovering moods and feelings, - aspirations for a noble record yet to come, contrastings as to the Dispensations of Providence in sparing such as the aged golden bride and bridegroom, while several younger were afflicted or called away, consoling resignation to which could devoutly say "Thy Will Be Done" being born of the assurance that " A Fathers Hand prepares the cup, and what he wills is best." In God’s Acre at Renwick the pretty and ancient burial ground the bodies of John and Anthony Watson were long since laid in peace beside their respective partners whom they outlived. " For them no more the blazing hearth shall burn or busy housewife ply her evening care, No children run to lisp their sire’s return, or climb his knees the envied kiss to share." The signs of closing day which in life our revered
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foreelders would notice and admire were but the promise of a day to come. The sun sank and twilight gathered into night. It set to rise almost at once, on that remote and wondrous ocean continent, then so little known, so real to many of their kindred now, both there and here. So likewise may we trust those ancestors have passed from the eventide and Winter of their life to that land of pure delight where everlasting Spring abides and saints immortal reign.
It may be stated, as of additional personal interest that Hannah Moses, wife of Anthony Watson was the daughter of farmers at Huddlesceugh near Renwick. Her people originally came from Netherton that village of fine pear trees, not far from Brampton. Not much is known of Hannah’s four sisters. There are several descendants of her brothers John, Joseph, William and Thomas in her native county. It is almost unnecessary to remark that of the 1st and 2nd generations represented by John and Catherine Watson and Anthony and Hannah Watson none are now living. Of the 3rd generation, Anthony --- son and grandson - alone remains together with his wife Elizabeth and her brother, and the two Sarah’s widows of his brothers. Some of the 4th generation have in comparatively recent years left vacant places as head of families. Of these the following readily yet sorrowfully occur to our minds, viz. Mary the sainted wife of John Lattin who died at Renwick 21st Nov. 1882 aged 49 years. Anthony Watson (son of John and Mary of High Bank Hill)
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and Sarah (of Warwick Bridge) his wife who ended their earthly sojourn almost together at their new High Bank Hill near Hyneton. Annie Nixon (daughter of Christopher) whose face was one bright smile, Joseph Wells (whose name has often been mentioned) who died in the Centenary home April 12th 1888, aged 69 years, and was interred at Renwick, and lastly Moses (son of Moses) who departed this life at Coliban near Hyneton, after a good deal of suffering. He left a widow (Caroline) and ten children varying from 3 to 21 years of age. Such recitals have some sadness about them and many sound like funeral marches to the grave, but "so he giveth His beloved sleep". Natural grief gives way to hope and faith in our Saviour and His words. "I am the Resurrection and the Life, he that believeth on me, though he die, yet shall he live." Even in the 5th generation there are a few blanks in the ranks of those who had emerged from their teens, the promising George Todd and Anthony Watson Smart and so lately as January 11th 1890 Mary the delicate and dearly beloved only daughter of the Reverend William and Matilda Watson of Ambleside. There are up to the present time six members of the 6th generation "Of such is the Kingdon of Heaven." The angel of death has made no inroads as yet in the last of names. Here they are with hearty greeting and welcome to thanks.
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That with God’s blessing the day may be long in coming before any of these little "Jewels" or other relatives are called hence, will be the hope and prayer of all. A call to each will come, soon or late, god willing may it be late rather than soon, and at the last, in the words of one of many Golden Wedding wishes " may all meet in unbroken families at the marriage supper of the Lamb."
It is obvious that with the still growing 5th and 6th, and the probable and ever- enlarging generations that may follow rest the picture record of the "Clan Watson" for foul or fair. In the past this old family tradition, be it said and noted in all humility, defies dispute, viz unblemished character for integrity and industry in the fullest meaning of those terms. That is something, it is much. " A good name is rather to be chosen than great riches." The sons and daughters of the 5th generation many of whom have reached manhood and womanhood give happy promise of successful emulation. How fervent is the hope that they and all the living and the coming members of our large and united family may ever aim High and so add increasing credit to themselves and to their kindred of every degree. It is well that we know something of generations so far back, to glean still more if possible is surely a laudable desire, and far removed from
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