My name is Catherine Linda Walton, (although I'm married, I've kept my own name). My sister, Barbara, is the one doing most of the research, since she still lives in the area. Our father was Frederick Walton of Ribchester, and our mother was Dorothy Watson of Preston, both in Lancashire, England. We have not really got very far yet with the research on our mother's side, but here's what I can tell you. Richard Watson was our grandfather, born 1888, and John Watson was our great-grandfather, born 1865 at Catforth near Preston. We think there may be a connection with William Watson born 1836, a farmer in Woodplumpton near Preston. There are many Watsons in Preston, (41 of them called John registered in the 1901 census!), so research takes a long time. However my sister tells me that she thinks that she is sure of a link with the John Watson who started the earliest spinning mill in Preston. Messrs Collison & Watson opened their mill in 1777, (on Moor Lane, near the docks, on the site currently occupied by British Telecom). You can still see the windmill - no sails, alas - that was its first source of power; and there is a notice of the auction of the newly-invented steam engine, its second source of power, which he was the first there to introduce for such a purpose. He displayed a new loom in the trades procession during the 1802 Preston Guild celebrations. However, he was soon bankrupted and bought out by the rich men of the day. We hope to do more work on the Watsons when we can, but we can only get together about once a year - or even less - so it's a slow business. Recently I received a copy of a report of Watsons buried in Preston Cemetery, which I could share with anyone who might be interested. Linda Walton, (in snowy High Wycombe, Buckinghamshire, U.K.).

Hi All, I'll list my lot in several instalments. Would like contact from anyone who thinks they may have a connection. Benjamin WATSON first appears - along with his wife Joanna - baptising children in Aylesbury, Buckinghamshire 1714-22. By 1726 the family had moved to Oxford where Benjamin was a successful grocer. Children were : Unbaptised b & died 1714 Benjamin b1716, married Sarah AIRAY Martha 1718 Ann 1718 William b&died 1722 John b&died 1725 Mary 1726 John 1728, married Martha DOUGLAS was Mayor of Oxford 1783-84) Joanna b1732 (must have died) Joanna b1735 John & Martha had 5 children, John (died young), Robert, William, Martha and John over the period 1763-78. I'll list Benjamin & Sarah's descendants next instalment. Remember the list archives - it's well worth going back and checking earlier postings especially if you are one of the newer members. Regards, Stew WATSON King Country, New Zealand