IT will be a family affair at the Nullawil Historical Museum next month, when descendants of the Watson family reunite.
The descendants of John and Jane Watson will come together with many friends and neighbours on October 16 to commemorate the Watsons’ pioneering history.
The story of the Watsons traces the journey of James and Ann Watson and family, who left Cambridgeshire, England, in January 1851.
They set sail on the barque Wanderer from Plymouth, arriving in Adelaide in May. They spent about three years in South Australia before settling in Avoca in about 1854.
James and Ann Watson had a family of six children: a son who was born on the voyage to Adelaide, a daughter who was born in South Australia and four children (a daughter and three sons) who were born in Avoca. John Watson, born at Avoca in 1856, was their second son.
John grew up at Avoca and, with two brothers, took up land when land was opened up for selection.
John married Jane Power at Donald in 1881. The couple took up land at Warmur in 1882 and then at Nullawil in the Dry Tank district (Winston) in 1891.
John and Jane Watson had eight children. They were Tom who married Agnes King; Tilly who married Charles Spence; Jack who married Myrtle Arnel; Nell who married Bert Guyatt; Lottie who married Bert Reid; Florrie (or Flo) who married John Martinsen; Ab who married Alice Jolliffe; and Lizzie who married Matt Green.
The gathering will be an opportunity to share the stories of the Watsons and to share the history of the districts of Warmur, Nullawil and Winston, where their families farmed. The land John and Jane selected at Nullawil in 1891 remains in Watson hands.
The Watson family has received great support from local historical organisations and from family and community members who have shared memories, research papers, historical letters, photographs and records.
The gathering will start with a thanksgiving service in the Winston Church at 11am. Following the service, lunch will be served and a commemorative cake will be cut.
Members of the Nullawil Historical Museum will be available to conduct tours.
Call Wendy Spry on 0417 056 385 or email wspry66@gmail.com for further information, bookings and catering.
Bookings are essential before October 3.
