William Watson (buried 1937)

At a glance

At a glance
Surname: 
Watson
First name: 
William
Other Christian names: 
Alfred
Gender: 
Male
Children: 
Yes
Burial number: 
1664
Born: 
0/0/1880
Died: 
09/10/1937
Buried: 
13/10/1937
Occupation: 
Medical Student; Surgeon; G.P.;
Heene Hallmark: 
No
Commonwealth War Grave: 
No

The Grave

The grave
William Watson (buried 1937) headstone
Cemetery area: 
SB
Cemetery row: 
2
Cemetery plot: 
1
what3words location: 
https://what3words.com/hooks.hulk.comet
Burial remains: 
Unknown
The headstone
Endowed grave: 
No
Headstone inscription: 
Jean the beloved child of Dr. William A. and Jeannie T. Watson died 8th July 1918 aged 10 years and 11 months. Dr William A. Watson died 9th October 1937 aged 57 years. Jeannie Thompson Watson died 21st June 1958 aged 78 years.

Life story

Life story

William Alfred Watson was born in Aberdeen, Scotland, in 1880. His father, William 26yrs., a Druggist's Assistant and his mother, Isabella Cobban nee Will, 22yrs. They lived at 123, Skene St., Old Machar, Gilcomston, Aberdeen. In 1885 his sister, Adelina Bell Watson was born. In 1901 the family were living at 147, Crown Street, William was a 20yr.old medical student and his sister was a pupil teacher. William's father was a Chemist/Dentist. William graduated from Aberdeen University with a Batchelors degree in Medicine, later becoming a Surgeon. He lived in Huntly, Aberdeen, and practiced there for 11 years. William married Jeannie Thomson Henry on 9th August 1906, she was born in New Deer, Aberdeen and lived in Huntly. William and Jeannie had a daughter, Isabel Jean Watson, in 1907. They moved to Worthing, Sussex, in 1915, where William became a GP, living and working at 7, The Steyne. Tragedy struck the family in 1918 when their daughter, Jean, died, aged 11yrs. The following obituary appeared on the 12th July 1918 in the Aberdeen Weekly Journal: On the 8th July, at 7, Steyne, Worthing, after a few hours illness, Jean 11yrs, the beloved only child of Dr. and Mrs. William A. Watson William was a hugely popular and well-loved GP. In 1920 he moved from the Steyne to 76, Richmond Road, a large, imposing, Edwardian house where he continued his practice. He named the house, Huntly, after his home in Scotland. In 1934, after 20 years as a GP, William retired aged 55yrs., due to health issues. He purchased a property at auction, Alveston, Manor road, Worthing, for the sum of £2,450; value in 2019 - £173k. William died suddenly at home, on 9th October 1937, aged 57yrs. Probate was granted to his widow, Jeannie Thomson Watson, on 30th December, London. He left personal estate of £27,827; value in 2019 - £1.8m.

Burial researcher: 
Maggi Martin

Further information

Birth
Date born: 
00/00/1880
Marriage
Marriage 1
Spouse one first names: 
Jeannie Thomson
Spouse one last name: 
Henry
Marriage one date: 
09/08/1906
Marriage one address: 
Aberdeenshire, Scotland

Death

Death (details)
Date of death: 
09/10/1937
Age (at time of death): 
57
Cause of death: 
Unknown
Address at time of death: 
Alveston, Manor Road, Worthing, Sussex, England
Obituary

Death of Dr W A Watson - The death occurred at his home, Alveston, Manor Road, Worthing on Saturday, of Dr William A Watson M.B.,Ch.B., He was 57. Dr Watson had practised in Worthing for twenty years. He came to the town for his health's sake in 1915. Previously he had worked for eleven years at Huntly, Aberdeenshire. Dr Watson's first establishment was at The Steyne. Later he moved to Huntly, Richmond Road, finally going to Alveston, when he retired in 1935. It was hoped that freedom from the responsibilities and labours of a busy practice would bring him restored health, but, unhappily this improvement never materialised. He gave his whole life to his work, and was devoted to his patients. his only other interest was gardening. Dr Watson leaves a widow. his widowed mother is living in Aberdeenshire.

Tributes of Old Patients, Paid at Funeral of Dr. W.A. Watson.

Many friends and old patients attended the funeral on Wednesday of Doctor William Alfred Watson of Alveston, Manor Rd, Worthing, whose sudden death at the age of 57 was recorded in last week's Worthing Gazette.

Coming from Aberdeenshire to Worthing for health reasons, in 1915, Doctor Watson succeeded Doctor Brown in a practice in the Steyne, and in 1920 he moved to Richmond Rd. where he continued his practice until his retirement 2 years ago.

The service in Saint Botolph’s Church was conducted by the Rector of Heene (the Reverend E. A. Haviland), and as the coffin was carried from the church the organist (Mr.A.Boyce) played “Oh Rest in the Lord.” He had previously played Chopin's Funeral March among other pieces.

Personal effects
Executors: 
Jeannie Thomson Watson status: Wisow
Probate pounds: 
£27,827

Census and miscellaneous information

Census information
1881 census: 

Living at 123, Skene Street, Aberdeen.  William Watson, 26yrs, Druggists Assistant, wife, Isabella C., 22yrs, son, William Alfred Watson, 6 months.

1891 census: 

Living at 20, Kingsland Place, Aberdeen. William Watson, 35yrs, Druggist, wife, Isabella, 31yrs, William A., 10yrs, Adeline Bella, 6yrs, John Will, 27yrs, Boarder, Wheelwright

1901 census: 

Living at 147, Crown Street, Aberdeen. William Watson, 47yrs, Chemist and Dentist, wife, Isabella C. 42yrs, William A., 20yrs, Medical Student, Adeline B., 16yrs.