William “Henry” Watson – Rural Diary Archive

Coverage Dates: 1881 to 1911

County: Kent

Township: Orford

Lot: Clearville pre 1897; Highgate 1897-1913

Gender: Male

Year of Birth: 1838

Year of Death: 1918

Ethnicity: English

Religion: Universalist

Occupation: Merchant/Newspaper Editor

Relationships:

Wives: 1) Louisa Handy, 2) diarist Ida Katherine Handy
Children of first marriage: Sons: Linneus, Clayton; Daughter: Mary
Children of second marriage: Sons: Henry “Morden”; Daughter: Liona Louisa
Sister-in-law: Julia E. Handy

Archive: Private Collection of Leah Wilson

Posted on Rural Diary Archive: Yes

Age During Diary: 43-73

Coverage: 30 years

Biography:

Henry writes sporadically. We gain glimpses into his two marriages and his work as a merchant/postmaster in Bothwell and editor of the “Highgate Monitor” (1895-1899). He has a keen interest in local history contributing to the “The County of Kent” and authoring “Pioneer Sketches of Kent & Elgin County.” He plays a leading role in the local Masonic Lodge, Ancient Order of United Workmen, Agricultural Society, and Liberal Party. He also serves as Clerk of Orford Township for several years. In 1913, he moves to Dewdney, British Columbia.

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