explanation sent to australia feby 1890

Explanation sent to Australia Feby 1890

To view the original documents sent please click on the page numbers.

"Explanation" sent to Australia Feby 1890

With

Photographs of Scalehouses etc

"Taken November 16^th 1889

(Centenary and Jubilee)"

Using as a key this Golden Wedding picture, a few notes as to the place it represents and it’s people past and present, may give information and be of some interest, to dear relatives in Australia. The inscription given above which appeared on the "mount" was applied for two reasons.

A century ago, Anthony the second son of John and Catherine Watson built the dwelling house as attested by his initials, and the date on a coign stone of the house.

This said Anthony had by Hannah his wife, one daughter and nine sons who were all born in this house. On November 16^th 1889 the fifth son Anthony --- the family name it may be called ---- and his wife Elizabeth (Betty) attained the Jubilee of their married life.

The photograph was taken as their Golden Wedding was being celebrated at their house Holly cottage Kirkoswald, by themselves and loving children, grand children, nieces and nephews. It is one of several interesting souvenirs which help to commemorate that cheering event. Of the same generation as this aged pair both are over 80 ----- but few of their relatives remain on the side of the venerable bride --- to use the Carlisle Journal'’ phrase --- there is only one brother living aged 86 out of a family of six daughters and two sons.

The golden bridegrooms’ sister and brothers have all passed away, some when young.

Joseph the first born son of Anthony and Hannah, died in the house he built at Scalehouses, which is about fifty yards along the rising ground to the (observers) right of the Centenary house, so also did Tamar, Joseph’s second wife. The second son John died in 1875, at High bank hill in the house he built there. Mary his wife, followed him the following year. Their house is now owned and occupied by their dear daughters Hannah and Ann. Mary the third child and only daughter died at Renwick in the house of her husband John James, whose decease took place in the spring of 1889. Moses the third son and Sarah his wife (of Dyrah) emigrated to the Antipodes about 1852. Moses died there. Sarah his widow still happily survives, with all her nine children except Moses, many grand children and even some great grand children. They are located chiefly round Hyneton in Victoria, where they seem to illustrate in many ways the Australian motto "Advance Australia". Christopher the seventh son died at Renwick where Sarah his widow resides yet, surrounded by dear children and grand children.

The centenary house is in the possession and occupation of Hannah Grace, daughter of the late Joseph Watson aforesaid. Since the death on the 12^th of April 1888 of her husband Joseph Wells, she and her two daughters and two sons have carried on the work of the farm.

Anderson the Cumberland poet, has praised the dwellors at such places as Scalehouses as those who "live at the Fell Side, where father and mother

and honest folk bide" and Anthony Watson’s own brother Thomas says in original rhyme and choice poetry:- "The land it is good, it is well understood, and it lies up towards the Fellside, where the birds they do sing, and the valley’s do ring, and how pleasant to be at Fell side in the Spring!" Both descriptions strictly apply at the present day.

Scalehouses is a pretty Fell Side hamlet of about six dwelling houses, mostly agricultural homesteads. It nestles with it’s rookery and babbling brook beneath the Pennine Range of Hills and is almost equi-distant from the neighbouring villages of Renwick and Croglin, which are about a mile to the right and left respectively. In closer vicinity are the detached farmhouses of Dyrah, Limewell and Davygill each within ten minutes walk.

The photo shows the front of the house which faces nearly due Southwest. The land all round is fenced and in a good state of cultivation, about half a mile behind the house you may begin to climb the Pennines. It is better known by the more homely local name of Renwick Fell with its breezy crests, Thackmoor, Watch Hill and Greenrigg, the first named being 1999 feet above the level of the sea. The photographer Mr. Huff of Penrith fixed his camera in the field in the foreground known as the Bills. It was purchased from a neighbour many years ago, by the aforesaid Joseph Watson, at his decease it came to his son and namesake who is the Relieving Officer and Registrar at Lazonby. By him it was sold to his brother-in-law Joseph Wells whose widow still owns and occupies it. Over the wall to the left is a neighbours field and cow.

The two fields in the background and the tiny triangular croft in front are owned by Hannah Grace.

This cosy three-cornered enclosure possesses enhanced interest, having once with its garden belonged to the late John and Mary James. The public highway is just beyond its Northern Wall. It leads to the fells on the right and to the left to Renwick, Croglin and other villages.

At the bottom of the hill may be faintly seen the main entrance to the homestead.

To the left after passing through the gateway is a vegetable garden with a thatched outhouse at the further end. Notice also the fine old apple tree and the useful grindstone. The four sheltering sycamore trees were planted by Hannah the wife of Anthony Watson.

On the right opposite the garden is the conspicuous and commodious general barn, which was built about 1825, by Anthony and his sons ------ one of the first of many evidences to be found "far and near" of the building propensities and skill of the Watsons through several generations. Turning round the end of the barn we go up the yard having the stables, haybarn, byre, dog house etc on our left. These outbuildings on which the afternoon sun is casting the shadow of the barn were erected before that edifice having been at the end of last century, the first additions to the dwelling house. At the top or East End of the barn is the circular track for the thrashing machine horses.

This was devised by the lamented Joseph Wells about fifteen years ago. The railings on the high wall are a safeguard from

the road below. Near them are two trees, which were planted in his youth by Anthony’s son Christopher aforesaid. The larger is a sycamore the other an English oak. Poultry are sunning themselves close to. Sloping upwards from those two sentinel trees is an adjacent kitchen garden, its thorn hedge and bank a protection from the public thoroughfare. On the other side of this garden and separating it from the larger one in front of the house is a continuation of the farmyard, A level cart road which joins the highway on the right, and now before we take loving note of the house itself and its trimly kept front garden, let us stand near the railings and look away, full twenty miles to the Cumbrian Group of mountains those everlasting hills on which no doubt John Watson and his help meet often gazed more than 150

years long past. Words fail us in which adequately to describe the landscape and portray our feelings as we view it over. For grandeur and the sublime it is almost unsurpassed. In the far background the well known Saddleback, Mell Fell, Carrick Fell and Skiddaw compete for the horizon. Between us and those haunts of the tourist is a fruitful tract of country 400 miles in area, dotted here and there with countless smiling villages and farms, and watered by meandering brooks and rivers. In August and September this expanse is carpeted with waving fields of golden grain contrasting with the emerald tints of undulating pastures and plantations. About twelve or fourteen miles off may be seen historic Penrith Church and the stately Lowther Castle. Nearer home is the fertile and beautiful valley of Eden and

far-famed Lazonby Fell. Over Barrock Peak to the right (see Scotts Heart of Midlothian) we search for merrie Carlisle and yearn for a sight of the Solway. At a slightly higher altitude these healthy longings may be satisfied, another day all being well.

For the present as gladdened and exhilarated with the view we reluctantly withdraw our eyes, let each of us encourage nobler aspirations still and say with Abraham Barber (1687) "Thou who hast given me eyes to see and love this sight so fair, Give me a heart to find out Thee, and read Thee everywhere"

Thus uplifted and with a temporary adieu to the friendly upland of Scale Rigg, only a mile from us in the foreground with its home welcoming fir tree landmark, we turn from the charming scenery to objects of immediate greatest interest --- the house and garden of our ancestors.

Like the roads and paths the principal garden is unfortunately not shown in the picture, only a birds eye view could accomplish that. You can however distinctly see its Southern boundary well adorned with geological specimens from moors and quarries roundabout. This wall was built for the late Joseph Wells by his brother-in-law Joseph Watson about sixteen years ago. Of this garden out of sight what else may be said to aid the eye of the mind? From some of the alien dwellers in that far off land of the Southern Cross where the fauna and the flora are of such gorgeous hues, the simple old-time

perfume of Hannah Grace’s plants may by comparison

perchance induce a smile. But to her who is the head of the Watson branch in Australia, that widowed dear one whose loved husband and herself have often trod the ground now spoken of , - the very mention of the sweet old fashioned flowers will probably recall their perfume and revive fond recollections of the mother country. Her dear ones too if in a less degree will not indulge in tenderest imaginings.

Of personal interest may be mentioned two valued rose bushes – one a red the other red and white – which were bought if not actually planted by the now rested hands of Mary, Anthony and Hannah’s much loved only girl. In other nooks, and beds and borders are other rose trees and amongst them with the varying season the following seem to vie:- Primrose, Wallflower, Cowslip, Southern Wood, Sweet William, Monkshood, Cowslip, Pansy, Lady’s Garter, Auricular, Honeysuckle, Fuchsia, Charity, Batchelors Button, Convolvulus, Geranium, Tulip and Pansy.

Will kind readers here again excuse digressions? A beautiful thought, a well expressed truth, found choicest setting in a treasured letter lately received from over the sea. Speaking of the garden of one other of the familiar family "Hannah’s" dear Hannah Begg of Hyneton her dear husband writing on Nov. 17^th (one day after the Golden Wedding) when the lilacs and laburnums in their garden were just ceasing from proclaiming the Australian Spring, aptly quoted Cowper:- "God points the great procession on its way, and marshals all the glories of the year," amid manifold, prosaic and practical pursuits

which with most people ever must be chief, let the love of flowers, music, poetry, art is generally their refining and ennobling influences, always be encouraged. " The hearts of men which fondly here admire, Fair yearning shows may lift themselves up higher, and learn to love with zealous humble duty The Eternal Fountain of that Heavenly beauty." From the consideration of such truths and from the sight and smell of the flowers, let us now survey the house which "stands four-square to all the winds that blow." On the ground floor to the left the quaint and rustic window three in one lightens the kitchen. The one to the right is the parlour window. Strains of music are probably issuing therefrom - chiefly hymns of praise to harmonium accompaniment – fit and pleasant sequel to the mornings dairy music of the butter churn! The windows of the front bedrooms may be seen above.

Adjoining the house on the left is the substantial wing added by the late Joseph Wells about the year 1878. Its two modern windows are open to admit the bracing air.

The picture only shows one half of the main doorway. Approaching that hospitable threshold our steps are willingly arrested by that well-known attestation the birth mark so to speak, of our ancestor’s abode. On a coign or corner hewn stone near the top of the kitchen window are the characters AW 1789 about three inches long, well and deeply carved. The handwork is that of the first Joseph Watson in fulfilment of the wish of Anthony his father – the man who actually required the site, and who planned, who built, who owned

and lived in the house, and in which he breathed his last. His eventful acquisition of the ground demanded especial mention later on. As we complete our observation of these silent letters and figures and the entrancing train of thought they suggest, like unto sermons in stones our dear worthy hostess, Hannah Grace comes forth with her daughters Mary (Polly) and Hannah and they kindly bid us enter and inspect the interior of the house. Her son and mainstay Robert and his blithe brother John Walter reserve to

themselves the right of escort to their several fields and outhouses – stables, byres, hulls, styes, lofts, cellars etc and the farming stock and produce they contain. Of cellars or caves - this as "halo of romance" for the younger generations! Two are noteworthy if not unequalled. Cut right underground in the deep and steep North bank of the road up to the boundless fells are these gloomy roomy caverns " dark as dark" light proof, frost proof, water proof, thief proof, and nearly air proof! Fine places for hide and seek or blind mans buff! Grander still in which to stand a siege and sigh for Scotch Moss-trooping times! Better still some say for their present useful if less heroic purpose of storing turnips and potatoes! Before indulging in these and other pleasant walks and visits we may revert again, in fancy and with facts to the days of long ago hoping that our musings may clear up and make more bright, the dim past and its traditions, and prevent increasing dimness as the years roll by. Of earlier progenitors than John and Catherine Watson not much is known at

present. Indeed the history of their own children is rather obscure. These notes are partly written to incite to the gathering of more details. On the last page is a table of genealogy compiled from information in a well bound copy of "The Whole Duty of Men" issued in 1743. Below the printing on the title page appears in good writing "John Watson book 1746" Then follow the names, date of birth, and date of marriage of himself and Catherine and the names of all their children. Our concern is of course chiefly with Anthony, who at his birth on the 26^th June 1759 was the only son, William the first son having died in infancy, as did also John. The second William grew to manhood and had a large family of boys who became scattered, some descendants now residing at Haltwhistle, Patterdale and Irthington. To be unable at present to give the story of Anthony’s four sisters, Mary, Elizabeth, Anne and Catherine is a matter of regret. It is some comfort and fortunate that a good deal is known of the aforesaid Thomas the youngest child. The record of his birth reads:- Thomas Watson born (at Renwick) Oct. 8^th 1771 and baptised ye 20^th.

Anthony was at that time in his teens. It is but due to the widely known and esteemed Thomas Watson to give further particulars concerning as they do the kind of stuff he and probably his father and brother were made of.

He lived mostly at Renwick and Fellgate and had a family of three

daughters and four sons. His death took place on the 20^th April 1860, in his 89^th 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

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 1^st 1721, his wife Catherine was born June 7^th 1730, Their wedding was on the 16^th 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

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

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 27^th 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

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. 16^th 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

fore elders 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 3^rd 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 4^th 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 21^st Nov. 1882 aged 49 years. Anthony Watson (son of John and Mary of High Bank Hill)

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 12^th 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 5^th 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 11^th 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 6^th 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.

GENERATIONS

VI		V	IV	III
Children	Age	Parents	Grandparents	Gr.Grandparents
		John James Bell & Tamer Ann Bell (Wells) of Dufton Wood Appleby	The late Joseph Wells And Hannah Grace Wells	Joseph and Tamar
Hannah Jane	3 years
Mary Adelaide	2 years
George Arthur	1 year

		John Thomas Watson And Margaret Watson of High Bank Hill Hyneton	The late Anthony Watson and The late Sarah Watson	John and Mary
Leonard	1 year

		Nathaniel Irwin and Mary Elizabeth Irwin (Watson) of Malmsbury Hyneton	The late Anthony Watson and The late Sarah Watson	John and Mary

Stewart Watson	2 years



VI		V	IV	III
Children	Age	Parents	Grandparents	Gr. Grandparents
		John Hodge and Sarah Hodge (Watson) of Runnymede Hyneton	Anthony Watson and Catherine Watson	Moses and Sarah
Ruby Isabel	6 months

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 5^th and 6^th, 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 5^th 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

any boast of heraldry. Though pleased to ponder on periods that are bygone and venerate the memory of departed kinsfolk and their surroundings, we descendants and relations like the gardener Adam and his wife smile at the claims of long descent. Be it ours to cherish rather as examples and incentives for the present and the future, the remembrances of all that is most worthy in the past Descent fame, learning, position, possessions and titles may be and often are most meritorious never the less. " Howe’er it be, it seems to me, Tis only noble to be good, Kind hearts are more than coronets, and simple faith than Norman blood."

In conclusion it must be stated that the success of the Golden Wedding Celebration of which the taking of this photograph was one of the incidents was largely owing to the goodness of Hannah and Ann of High Bank Hill. The same remark applies to the happy Gathering at Kirkoswald on Christmas Eve. The existence of the photo itself

valued at any time, but doubly prized now, because of the two coincident anniversaries it perpetuates, is due to the kindness and promptitude of William and Margaret Metcalfe of Penrith who drove the photographer from there. Most of the facts and ideas in this narrative were ably and readily supplied by one who bears an honoured name, Joseph Watson Lattin of Renwick. Just another lingering look at the picture. This first description of it written at a distance is unavoidably meagre in some parts. Those who know Scalehouses best will notice omissions most. What about heirlooms and curiosities? what of the dark door in the barn and the legend as to a sad accident from it? What of the ash tree peeping from over the hill to the right? What of that luped or quadruped under the trees to the left? Etc etc etc.

With the help of kind relatives which is earnestly invited, a subsequent account it is hoped may be more complete and satisfactory. Lattins know more of the buildings etc. but this is needed above all else, names, dates and matters of interest, which bear in any way on our forefathers. It is desirable to find out much more if possible of John and Catherine Watson and their ancestors as well as offspring.

Therefore all who will kindly do so are asked to be good enough to freely use pencil or ink on the blank pages

for the following purposes:-

To correct mistakes as to matters of fact.
To add names and dates of birth, marriage and death.
To suggest and criticise generally.

In it’s absence these notes may when revised serve in some measure as epitaph and memorial. Let us then try to make the record as worthy of our forefathers as possible, many facts, few fancies, no fiction. " Stoned urn or animated bust can not restore the departed, nor flattery soothe the dull cold ear of death." What is needed is simply this:- that details which many dear relations doubtless possess may be gathered together and arranged in a plain form. If the foregoing account should encourage anybody to assist in such a congenial task it will have answered some good purpose perhaps.

Caleb Watson

February 12 1890