Charles Watson

Robert Watson was born 25 September 1838 in Chelsea London England.  A native of London, he enlisted when only 17 in the South Staffordshire Regiment of Foot otherwise known as the 38th and was almost immediately sent to the Crimea, where he took part in fighting for several months.  When the Indian Mutiny broke out, the 38th and other British regiments were quickly transferred to India, Landing at Calcutta, the men of the 38th were rushed up country as far as Agra, where they joined the column under the command of Sir Colin Campbell, who was about to be dispatched to the relief of Lucknow, which had been beleaguered for about five months.  Mr. Watson took part in that memorable march, which resulted in rising of the siege and the removal of the women and children of the garrison to the sea coast.

He arrived in 1872 on the Jane Bell.  Six years later he married Elizabeth Baker on the 10 January 1876. They had 8 children.  He worked for 34 years with William Kelly at One Tree Hill.  He built a family home on Gould’s Creek Road where he and his wife raised eight children, all of whom attended Precolumb school for their basic education.

In 1915, Robert and his wife moved to Smithfield and took up residence in Gardiner Terrace and property gifted by Arthur Kelly in appreciation of his long term devoted service.   The couple lived there until Robert died in 1930 aged 92 and Elizabeth in 1939 aged 85.

Mr. Watson who was a foundation member of the South Australian Corps of Veterans, used to tell many interesting stories of the great revolt. 

On his 90 birthday a party was held at the Smithfield hotel, with a program of music, supper and dance.

He was a remarkable man, whose memory to the end was undimmed, and he was held in the highest esteem by his comrades.  He received the Crimean and Turkish medals, and the India Mutiny medal, with a bar for the relief of Lucknow. 

Robert died in his sleep on Wednesday night, (13 September 1930) at his home at Smithfield, at the age of 91 years. 

He is buried in One Tree Hill Cemetery with Elizabeth.

Roberts third son, Edward James born in 1891 at One Tree Hill married Evelyn Alice May Maslen and together had 14 children.  Ten of the 14 were male and at one time made up an entire cricket team.  Known as the Watson XI or the Smithfield Cricket team of 1958.  A shield commemorating their father Edward James was presented to the Para Districts Cricket Association in 1965 by local author Max Fatchen.   Edward was a cricket enthusiast all his life and his 11 sons followed suit.  When his sons played he would umpire.

The Smithfield team was a family affair and appeared at the wicket in the following order; Stan, Reg, Kelvin, Doug, Allan, Lindsay, Lance, Brenton.  Stan and Reg open the batting, Lindsay and Lance the opening bowlers.  

The family resided at Johnson Road, Spring Gully, One Tree Hill, then in 1927 the family moved to Dunnkerin farm, off Cornishmans Hill Road, One Tree Hill.   In 1930 the farm was sold and the family moved to Smithfield to live with Robert and Elizabeth for six months.  After that time a home at Tyeka Farm, Cornishman’s Hill Road One Tree Hill, became vacant so the family returned to the hills.   The children attended Uleybury school.  Douglas took up employment with Jack Harvey of Gould’s Creek. 

When Elizabeth died in December 1939, the family moved back to Smithfield and took up residence at Gardiner Terrace early 1940.

Four of the sons enlisted during WWII.