Biography:
Mary Watson
1814 –07/01/1905
Mary Watson
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"Henry Hilder, twin son of William and Mary Watson, 21st January
1858,aged 10 mo.
also of William Watson, father of the above died 22nd January 1869 aged 74.
Mary Watson wife of the above, died 7th January 1905 aged 90.
Elizabeth Geill Watson, their daughter, died 19th October 1929 aged 83"
On 16th February 1843 at St Pancras Church, Mary Neilson Hyde of Berkhamsted, daughter of John Hyde, Gent, married William Watson, a gentleman of St Pancras and son of John Watson, also a Gent. The witnesses to their marriage were Mary’s father, John Hyde and William’s sister, Emma Mary Watson. Their marriage was reported upon by several local newspapers including the Oxford Chronicle and Reading Gazette which stated:
MARRIED – February 16th, at St Pancras church, William Watson, esq, of Gordon Street, Gordon Square, London, to Mary Neilson, daughter of Joh Hyde, Esq., receiver of taxes, Great Berkhamstead.
Mary’s family life after her marriage when she made Berkhamsted her home is easy to trace, but her beginnings are not so clear cut. The man who throughout her married life appeared as her father was John Hyde who born in Gainsborough, Lincolnshire in 1781. He married Hannah Bathwell at St Nicholas’ church, in the parish of Bawtry (some 20 miles from Gainsborough) on 21st July 1801. The newly married couple settled in Gainsborough. Seven children were born to them: Henry, in 1804; Elizabeth, 1806; Charles, 1807; Anna (or Hannah), 1810; Edward, 1811; George, 1814; Frederick, 1815, and twins, John and Alfred in 1817. Of those seven, only Edward, George and Frederick survived infancy, and John’s wife Hannah herself died in 1817, shortly after the birth of John and Alfred, who themselves died shortly afterwards.
By 1821 John Hyde had become the surveyor of taxes at Bristol and in that year, he married Mary Neilson, at St John the Baptist, Bedminster near Bristol on 30th January. The couple were married by licence and the parish register states that Mary Neilson was a spinster of Bedminster, but John was a widower of St Michael’s Bristol. We do not know exactly when John became the surveyor of taxes at Bristol, but if it was around 1813 or so, it is possible, albeit by no means definite, that he was her natural father.
By 1821 John Hyde had come to the attention of the tax authorities in London because he was called to give evidence to a select committee set up by the Chancellor of the Exchequer to investigate the costs and efficiency of the tax collection system. He reported that his salary for 1820 was £90, supplemented by £250 which was the percentage of revenue increase year-on-year that he had managed to procure. He also told the committee that for some time he had another source of income from a business 200 miles away from Bristol but that a clerk had looked after it for him during the week. It therefore seems likely that up to 1817 he had income from both the Gainsborough business as well as his work for the tax authorities.
By 1837 the Hyde family had moved to Berkhamsted High Street and by 1839 John Hyde was promoted to Receiving Inspector of Taxes for Bedfordshire and Buckinghamshire. and was in trouble again. This time there were questions in the House of Commons about his conduct. He was accused of using foul language and behaviour caused by a perception that the people of Bedford were determined to insult him. He described himself as a “dissenter and a man of strong feelings and political bias” and he objected to a petition raised in Bedford which criticised the government. HYDE had his supporters, including the MP for Hertfordshire and Hansard reports that the matter was dropped.
Many professional people, such as William Watson, made Berkhamsted their home, whilst working in London, because of the railway. The first passenger train had passed through Berkhamsted on 16th October 1837, 59 minutes after leaving London, and this meant that travel to and from the capital was now relatively easy. Mary and William Watson’s first documented appearance in Berkhamsted was on 7th June 1845 when their son Augustus William was baptised at St Peter’s Church. He was followed by Mary and William’s only daughter, Elizabeth Geill Watson, who was baptised on 22nd July 1847. On 21st March 1849 Mary gave birth to twin sons, Charles Edward and Henry Hilder. Charles was baptised privately on 14th May 1849. The register states that he was the 3rd son of William and Mary Watson, gentleman. One can only assume that he was the second-born twin and may have appeared more sickly than his twin-brother, Henry, who was baptised on 25th October 1849. On the day that Henry was baptised his twin was admitted into the church. In a cruel twist of fate, it was the elder twin, Henry, who lived only 10 months and died on 21st January 1850.
In the midst of making Berkhamsted his home and the responsibility of his growing family, William’s father, John Watson, died on 25th May 1845 at his home in Fitzroy Street, St Pancras, aged 75. William proved the will of his father, John, at the probate court in London on 25th June 1845. William’s father had made him one of three executors, with his mother Ann, and a family friend and wine merchant, Joseph Fanwick.
In 1851 William and Mary Watson were living in some style with Mary’s parents, John and Mary Hyde, who were now occupying the newly built Highfield House, at the top of what is now Highfield Road. This was a substantial villa with a conservatory and detached service buildings to the north. The landscaped grounds extended to Three Close Lane. John Hyde was able to employ five servants and entertain a guest, Stephen Lea Wilson, who later became the Vicar of Prestbury near Macclesfield in Cheshire. On 24th January 1858, William’s mother, Ann, died at her home in Fitzroy Street and once again William, as the sole executor, was called upon to prove the will.
By 1861 William and Mary had moved to Berkhamsted High Street, and were living with their children, Augustus William, Elizabeth and Charles in a household that included their cook, and a housemaid. By this time William was described as “Late RN and Sec.y to Corpn. Merchant Seaman’s Fund”. With William having held a post of such responsibility with contacts in the City of London, as well as having relatives, who were merchants and magistrates, it is no surprise that his sons attended university and had successful careers of their own. In July 1868 William and Mary’s eldest son, Augustus William, was ordained as a deacon in the Diocese of Winchester, having previously obtained his B.A., from St John’s College, Cambridge.
In August 1868 John Hyde’s Gainsborough house was sold and on 10th August John died, aged 87, back in Berkhamsted. His death certificate says his cause of death was senile debility. John Hyde’s estate was valued at less than £200 and probate was granted to his wife and Mary’s mother, Mary on 26th October 1868.
On 30th January 1869 William’s death was reported upon in The Herts Advertiser and St Albans Times as follows: Jan. 22, at his residence, High Street, Great Berkhamstead, Mr William Watson, gentleman, aged 74. The deceased, who had been paralysed for many years, died almost suddenly. His will, proved on 22nd February 1869, named three executors: His widow Mary, his son the Reverend Augustus William Watson and his nephew John Harrison Watson (son of his sister Nancy) of 28 Queensborough Terrace, Bayswater, Middlesex. Amongst his effect were two sets of shares held on the Great Western Railway Company.
In 1871 the widowed Mary was living with her unmarried daughter, Elizabeth Geill Watson, her widowed mother, Mary Hyde and her unmarried sister-in-law, Harriet Watson. The four ladies had one domestic servant living in with them in Berkhamsted High Street. On 19th April 1878 the Stamford Mercury reported on the death “At Great Berkhamsted, on the 14th inst., Mary widow of John Hyde of Gainsborough, aged 95”. She and John were buried together at Rectory Lane.
By 1881 It was just Mary and her daughter, Elizabeth, living in their house in Berkhamsted High Street. They had one parlour maid, 18 year old Ellen Baker, Chelmsford. Between 1881 and 1891 Mary and her daughter moved to Boxwell Road, and in their new home they were able to employ both a cook and a housemaid. Looking at the details of Mary’s life, one would assume that she spent a quiet widowhood with her daughter, Elizabeth, however it seems this was not the case.
On 17th January 1885 the Hertford Mercury and Reformer reported upon Berkhamsted Cricket Club when “Entertainments were given on Monday and Tuesday to good audiences in the Town Hall, on behalf of this Club”. The accompanist for the vocal entertainment was Mrs Watson.
On 6th February 1886 the Hertford Mercury and Reformer reported upon The Mechanics’ Institute Entertainment which was held on Monday at the Town Hall where “a superior entertainment was given under the direction of Mr Bullock and Mr H.H. Cooper.” “Mrs Watson, a veteran player on particular occasions, took part as pianist”. The Programme included the Song “Peaceful slumber”, a cradle song performed by Miss Watson (most probably Mary’s daughter Elizabeth) and a pianoforte and viola duet performed by Mrs Watson and Mr S. Turpin.
By 1901 the family’s staffing levels had increased to a domestic nurse, a cook and a housemaid. Mary appears to have spent her final days in Boxwell Road, passing away there on 7th January 1905.
Her obituary was published by the Watford Observer as follows:
“DEATH OF MRS WATSON – We regret to record the death, on Saturday, of Mrs Watson, at her residence, Boxwell-road. Mrs Watson was perhaps best known for her great musical talent, and more especially for the prominent part she took for many years in the Berkhamsted Philharmonic Society and in the missed choir of the Parish Church of St Peters; also for the assistance often rendered by her in connection with the Mechanic’s Institute. Mrs Watson, who had been totally blind and bedridden for the last few years, passed away at the ripe age of 90 years. The funeral service, which was choral, was held at the Parish Church on Wednesday at 3pm. It was conducted by the Rector, the Rev. H Constable Curtis, M.A., assisted by the Rev H. Cobbing, and was attended by many sympathetic friends who wished to pay their last tribute of respect to one who for many years had been so well known and appreciated in the town. Three carriages of mourners followed the hearse. They included the Rev. Augustus William Watson and Miss Elizabeth Gill Watson (son and daughter), the Misses Watson (the two daughters of the Rev A.W. Watson), Mrs C. Watson and two daughters, the nurse and two domestic servants. Amongst the mourners were Mr Jospeh Robinson, Mrs R.R. Norris, Mrs Mawley, Mr and Mrs Forster Alcock, Mrs Satow, the Rev. Treffry Harvey (Rector of Ivinghoe), and Miss Harvey, Mr J.R. Hatherly, Mrs Wagstaff, Mrs Stulpnagel, and others. The deceased lady was laid to rest with her husband, the late Mr William Watson, who died January 22nd 1869, aged 74. The coffin was of oak, with massive brass fittings, and the plate bore the inscription “Mary Watson, born September 1814, died 7th January 1905”. Wreaths, interred with the body, were sent by Gerald T. Watson and family, Emily Watson, Ada Watson, Guilhernia Watson, George A. Harrison Watson, Miss Robinson, and Mr and Mrs J Foster Alcock. Messrs H. and J. Matthews carried out the funeral arrangements”.
Mary’s eldest son, Augustus William married Emily Jane Wagstaffe on 19th July 1873 at Egham in Surrey. In 1884 he became the Vicar of Churt and Frensham in Surrey, where he and his wife raised one son and two daughters. He remained there until his death in 1917.
Mary’s only daughter, Elizabeth Geill Watson, remained a spinster. She died in Berkhamsted in 1929 and was buried with her parents.
Mary’s youngest surviving son, Charles Edward Watson, became a General Practitioner and Obstetrician, living at Ash Tree House, Wargrave in Berkshire.
View this burial in the cemetery
“Henry Hilder, twin son of William and Mary Watson, 21st January
1858,aged 10 mo.
also of William Watson, father of the above died 22nd January 1869 aged 74.
Mary Watson wife of the above, died 7th January 1905 aged 90.
Elizabeth Geill Watson, their daughter, died 19th October 1929 aged 83″
On 16th February 1843 at St Pancras Church, Mary Neilson Hyde of Berkhamsted, daughter of John Hyde, Gent, married William Watson, a gentleman of St Pancras and son of John Watson, also a Gent. The witnesses to their marriage were Mary’s father, John Hyde and William’s sister, Emma Mary Watson. Their marriage was reported upon by several local newspapers including the Oxford Chronicle and Reading Gazette which stated:
MARRIED – February 16th, at St Pancras church, William Watson, esq, of Gordon Street, Gordon Square, London, to Mary Neilson, daughter of Joh Hyde, Esq., receiver of taxes, Great Berkhamstead.
Mary’s family life after her marriage when she made Berkhamsted her home is easy to trace, but her beginnings are not so clear cut. The man who throughout her married life appeared as her father was John Hyde who born in Gainsborough, Lincolnshire in 1781. He married Hannah Bathwell at St Nicholas’ church, in the parish of Bawtry (some 20 miles from Gainsborough) on 21st July 1801. The newly married couple settled in Gainsborough. Seven children were born to them: Henry, in 1804; Elizabeth, 1806; Charles, 1807; Anna (or Hannah), 1810; Edward, 1811; George, 1814; Frederick, 1815, and twins, John and Alfred in 1817. Of those seven, only Edward, George and Frederick survived infancy, and John’s wife Hannah herself died in 1817, shortly after the birth of John and Alfred, who themselves died shortly afterwards.
By 1821 John Hyde had become the surveyor of taxes at Bristol and in that year, he married Mary Neilson, at St John the Baptist, Bedminster near Bristol on 30th January. The couple were married by licence and the parish register states that Mary Neilson was a spinster of Bedminster, but John was a widower of St Michael’s Bristol. We do not know exactly when John became the surveyor of taxes at Bristol, but if it was around 1813 or so, it is possible, albeit by no means definite, that he was her natural father.
By 1821 John Hyde had come to the attention of the tax authorities in London because he was called to give evidence to a select committee set up by the Chancellor of the Exchequer to investigate the costs and efficiency of the tax collection system. He reported that his salary for 1820 was £90, supplemented by £250 which was the percentage of revenue increase year-on-year that he had managed to procure. He also told the committee that for some time he had another source of income from a business 200 miles away from Bristol but that a clerk had looked after it for him during the week. It therefore seems likely that up to 1817 he had income from both the Gainsborough business as well as his work for the tax authorities.
By 1837 the Hyde family had moved to Berkhamsted High Street and by 1839 John Hyde was promoted to Receiving Inspector of Taxes for Bedfordshire and Buckinghamshire. and was in trouble again. This time there were questions in the House of Commons about his conduct. He was accused of using foul language and behaviour caused by a perception that the people of Bedford were determined to insult him. He described himself as a “dissenter and a man of strong feelings and political bias” and he objected to a petition raised in Bedford which criticised the government. HYDE had his supporters, including the MP for Hertfordshire and Hansard reports that the matter was dropped.
Many professional people, such as William Watson, made Berkhamsted their home, whilst working in London, because of the railway. The first passenger train had passed through Berkhamsted on 16th October 1837, 59 minutes after leaving London, and this meant that travel to and from the capital was now relatively easy. Mary and William Watson’s first documented appearance in Berkhamsted was on 7th June 1845 when their son Augustus William was baptised at St Peter’s Church. He was followed by Mary and William’s only daughter, Elizabeth Geill Watson, who was baptised on 22nd July 1847. On 21st March 1849 Mary gave birth to twin sons, Charles Edward and Henry Hilder. Charles was baptised privately on 14th May 1849. The register states that he was the 3rd son of William and Mary Watson, gentleman. One can only assume that he was the second-born twin and may have appeared more sickly than his twin-brother, Henry, who was baptised on 25th October 1849. On the day that Henry was baptised his twin was admitted into the church. In a cruel twist of fate, it was the elder twin, Henry, who lived only 10 months and died on 21st January 1850.
In the midst of making Berkhamsted his home and the responsibility of his growing family, William’s father, John Watson, died on 25th May 1845 at his home in Fitzroy Street, St Pancras, aged 75. William proved the will of his father, John, at the probate court in London on 25th June 1845. William’s father had made him one of three executors, with his mother Ann, and a family friend and wine merchant, Joseph Fanwick.
In 1851 William and Mary Watson were living in some style with Mary’s parents, John and Mary Hyde, who were now occupying the newly built Highfield House, at the top of what is now Highfield Road. This was a substantial villa with a conservatory and detached service buildings to the north. The landscaped grounds extended to Three Close Lane. John Hyde was able to employ five servants and entertain a guest, Stephen Lea Wilson, who later became the Vicar of Prestbury near Macclesfield in Cheshire. On 24th January 1858, William’s mother, Ann, died at her home in Fitzroy Street and once again William, as the sole executor, was called upon to prove the will.
By 1861 William and Mary had moved to Berkhamsted High Street, and were living with their children, Augustus William, Elizabeth and Charles in a household that included their cook, and a housemaid. By this time William was described as “Late RN and Sec.y to Corpn. Merchant Seaman’s Fund”. With William having held a post of such responsibility with contacts in the City of London, as well as having relatives, who were merchants and magistrates, it is no surprise that his sons attended university and had successful careers of their own. In July 1868 William and Mary’s eldest son, Augustus William, was ordained as a deacon in the Diocese of Winchester, having previously obtained his B.A., from St John’s College, Cambridge.
In August 1868 John Hyde’s Gainsborough house was sold and on 10th August John died, aged 87, back in Berkhamsted. His death certificate says his cause of death was senile debility. John Hyde’s estate was valued at less than £200 and probate was granted to his wife and Mary’s mother, Mary on 26th October 1868.
On 30th January 1869 William’s death was reported upon in The Herts Advertiser and St Albans Times as follows: Jan. 22, at his residence, High Street, Great Berkhamstead, Mr William Watson, gentleman, aged 74. The deceased, who had been paralysed for many years, died almost suddenly. His will, proved on 22nd February 1869, named three executors: His widow Mary, his son the Reverend Augustus William Watson and his nephew John Harrison Watson (son of his sister Nancy) of 28 Queensborough Terrace, Bayswater, Middlesex. Amongst his effect were two sets of shares held on the Great Western Railway Company.
In 1871 the widowed Mary was living with her unmarried daughter, Elizabeth Geill Watson, her widowed mother, Mary Hyde and her unmarried sister-in-law, Harriet Watson. The four ladies had one domestic servant living in with them in Berkhamsted High Street. On 19th April 1878 the Stamford Mercury reported on the death “At Great Berkhamsted, on the 14th inst., Mary widow of John Hyde of Gainsborough, aged 95”. She and John were buried together at Rectory Lane.
By 1881 It was just Mary and her daughter, Elizabeth, living in their house in Berkhamsted High Street. They had one parlour maid, 18 year old Ellen Baker, Chelmsford. Between 1881 and 1891 Mary and her daughter moved to Boxwell Road, and in their new home they were able to employ both a cook and a housemaid. Looking at the details of Mary’s life, one would assume that she spent a quiet widowhood with her daughter, Elizabeth, however it seems this was not the case.
On 17th January 1885 the Hertford Mercury and Reformer reported upon Berkhamsted Cricket Club when “Entertainments were given on Monday and Tuesday to good audiences in the Town Hall, on behalf of this Club”. The accompanist for the vocal entertainment was Mrs Watson.
On 6th February 1886 the Hertford Mercury and Reformer reported upon The Mechanics’ Institute Entertainment which was held on Monday at the Town Hall where “a superior entertainment was given under the direction of Mr Bullock and Mr H.H. Cooper.” “Mrs Watson, a veteran player on particular occasions, took part as pianist”. The Programme included the Song “Peaceful slumber”, a cradle song performed by Miss Watson (most probably Mary’s daughter Elizabeth) and a pianoforte and viola duet performed by Mrs Watson and Mr S. Turpin.
By 1901 the family’s staffing levels had increased to a domestic nurse, a cook and a housemaid. Mary appears to have spent her final days in Boxwell Road, passing away there on 7th January 1905.
Her obituary was published by the Watford Observer as follows:
“DEATH OF MRS WATSON – We regret to record the death, on Saturday, of Mrs Watson, at her residence, Boxwell-road. Mrs Watson was perhaps best known for her great musical talent, and more especially for the prominent part she took for many years in the Berkhamsted Philharmonic Society and in the missed choir of the Parish Church of St Peters; also for the assistance often rendered by her in connection with the Mechanic’s Institute. Mrs Watson, who had been totally blind and bedridden for the last few years, passed away at the ripe age of 90 years. The funeral service, which was choral, was held at the Parish Church on Wednesday at 3pm. It was conducted by the Rector, the Rev. H Constable Curtis, M.A., assisted by the Rev H. Cobbing, and was attended by many sympathetic friends who wished to pay their last tribute of respect to one who for many years had been so well known and appreciated in the town. Three carriages of mourners followed the hearse. They included the Rev. Augustus William Watson and Miss Elizabeth Gill Watson (son and daughter), the Misses Watson (the two daughters of the Rev A.W. Watson), Mrs C. Watson and two daughters, the nurse and two domestic servants. Amongst the mourners were Mr Jospeh Robinson, Mrs R.R. Norris, Mrs Mawley, Mr and Mrs Forster Alcock, Mrs Satow, the Rev. Treffry Harvey (Rector of Ivinghoe), and Miss Harvey, Mr J.R. Hatherly, Mrs Wagstaff, Mrs Stulpnagel, and others. The deceased lady was laid to rest with her husband, the late Mr William Watson, who died January 22nd 1869, aged 74. The coffin was of oak, with massive brass fittings, and the plate bore the inscription “Mary Watson, born September 1814, died 7th January 1905”. Wreaths, interred with the body, were sent by Gerald T. Watson and family, Emily Watson, Ada Watson, Guilhernia Watson, George A. Harrison Watson, Miss Robinson, and Mr and Mrs J Foster Alcock. Messrs H. and J. Matthews carried out the funeral arrangements”.
Mary’s eldest son, Augustus William married Emily Jane Wagstaffe on 19th July 1873 at Egham in Surrey. In 1884 he became the Vicar of Churt and Frensham in Surrey, where he and his wife raised one son and two daughters. He remained there until his death in 1917.
Mary’s only daughter, Elizabeth Geill Watson, remained a spinster. She died in Berkhamsted in 1929 and was buried with her parents.
Mary’s youngest surviving son, Charles Edward Watson, became a General Practitioner and Obstetrician, living at Ash Tree House, Wargrave in Berkshire.
Military graves