Would welcome any suggestions of sources which would help regarding the war between mexico and the United States. the Merchant Service of New York and the Black Ball Line (see references below) Many thanks Lynn in Oz Obituary: "We regret to record the death of an old and respected resident of Balmain., Mr. John Watson of Smith Street. Mr. Watson was born in Gainsbro, Lincolnshire, England in the year of 1818. At the age of 13 he was apprenticed as to an engineer, and afterwards went to sea for many years. He has had many exciting and dangerous experiences, having been wrecked several times, thrown among tribes who were cannibals, taken part in minor wars, was wounded in the war between Mexico and the United States, lying in a dangerous condition for seven months. At one time he was a member of the Merchant Service of New York and also of the well known Black Ball Line. He spent many years whaling, meeting with exciting experiences. Becoming weary of the sea he came to the colonies in 1850 spending a few years upon the station of Sir Joshua Bell in Queensland known as "Jimbour". He came on to Sydney in 1853 and settled in Balmain, which at that time was little better than a scrub. He became associated with ferry business from its infancy, eventually becoming proprietor of the Bald Rock Ferry which was afterwards formed into the company of John Watson & Co. and sold in 1887 to the Balmain Steam Ferry Company. Under his direction several improvements were effected in ferry steamers construction as he aimed always at comfort, speed and cleanliness. In 1865 Mr. Watson visited England taking 3 months each way; on his return he removed from the point (?) of this suburb and went, as many friends told him, into the bush, by building and taking up his residence, in Smith Street. He at one time took a lively interest in local matters and was an alderman of the Borough Council. He was liberal in his views, generous and kind hearted; those who knew him felt the value of his friendship and his pocket was ever open to those in distress. It might be said of him "Friends he had many, enemies he had none". He was a good master, a loving husband and an indulgent father...."

With traffic moving here I'll add two more John Watson's to the mix. My proven is John A WATSON was born 10 Dec 1833 in OH, most likely Monroe or Nobel county depending on when the county lines changed. Johns father is Jacob WATSON b 1808 OH, died Switzerland, Monroe,OH burried in Cameron Cemetery, Adams twp, Monroe, OH . Mother is Hesther __?__. b 1808 OH, died 27 Jan 1888, Petis co MO. There is only one concrete clue to Jacob's parents and that is in a book of genealogical data that was put together by Monroe co Historical when families submitted information. There is an outline on Nathanial that gives his fathers name as John WATSON, purchacing land in Adams twp in 1816, with son Jacob living not far away in Sunfish twp. Other than census records indicating the truth of the above persons living in an area, I have yet to prove kinship. Jacob and Hesther's children are: 1. Jacob S WATSON b 2 May 1828 in Monroe co OH. m Dorcus Marshall, d 1 Nov 1897 in West county WV. ? married twice 2. Mary WATSON b 1830 Monroe co OH 3. George WATSON b 1832 Monroe co OH 4. John Andrew WATSON b 10 Dec 1833 in Monroe co OH. m Matilda ATKINSON, second Martha SHERROD, died in Herington, Dickinson, KS 2 Oct 1920, burried in Clarks Creek Cemetery, Morris co KS. 5. Rebecca WATSON b 1836 Monroe co OH 6. Abigail WATSON b 1838 Monroe co OH 7. Merlinda WATSON b 1840 Monroe co OH 8. David WATSON b 1842 Monroe co OH 9. Nathanial Steele WATSON b 30 Jan 1844 Monroe co OH, m Eva Ann SHAW, d 15 Jan 1925, Neodesha, Wilson, KS 10. Lydia Ruth WATSON b 1846, Monroe co OH 11. Isaac b Feb 1850, Monroe co OH 12. (possible) Harry or Henry b 1852 OH.