It is with deep regret that we have to record the death of Mrs. Watson, wife of Mr. Thomas Watson, engineer and manager of the Rushden and Higham Ferrers Gas Company’s Works, which sad event took place on Saturday last.  The deceased lady, who was 61 years of age, had been ailing for some years.  She was very ill in January last, but made a good recovery.  Five or six weeks ago very unfavourable symptoms manifested themselves, and Mrs. Watson had to take to her bed.  Gradually she got weaker, and she passed away on Saturday at 3.5 p.m. The late Mrs. Watson was a native of Glasgow, being a daughter of the late Mr. Alfred T. Jago, accountant to the Caledonian Railway Co., and a well-known and extremely popular local preacher.  On their marriage, Mr. and Mrs. Watson removed to Chili [sic], South America.  Subsequently Mr. Watson was appointed manager of the gas works at Gibraltar, to which place they removed.  Nineteen years ago Mr. Watson was appointed manager of the Rushden and Higham Ferrers Gas Works, and since that time Mr. and Mrs. Watson have resided at Gas Works Villa, Rushden. The deceased lady leaves a husband, one son (Mr. Alfred Watson, of the Wellingborough Gas Works), and four daughters – Mrs. Thompson (wife of the Rev. T. E. Thompson), Miss C. Watson, Nurse Grace Watson, and Miss Helen Watson.  During her residence at Rushden the late Mrs. Watson was a member of the Park-road Wesleyan Church, and was a valued worked in various departments. The Funeral took place yesterday.  A brief service was held at the residence, the Rev. H. Long (superintendent minister of the Higham Ferrers Wesleyan circuit) officiating.  The coffin was taken to the Park-road Wesleyan church, where Mr. Long officiated.  An impressive service included the hymns “Father I know that all my life,” and “Thy will be done,” which were favourites of the deceased. The polished oak panelled coffin, with brass fittings, bore the inscription :- Grace Rundle Watson Born January 10, 1855 Died December 2, 1916 The principal mourners were: Mr. Watson (husband), Mrs. Thompson, Miss C. Watson, Miss G. Watson, and Miss H. Watson (daughters), Mr. and Mrs. Alfred Watson (son and daughter-in-law), Mr. William Watson, of Edinburgh (brother-in-law), Mr. Elenor (Winchester), Dr. Greenfield, Miss Ada Dayton, Messrs. Isaac Cunnington, G. S. Mason, C. W. Horrell, H. Staniland, R. Marriott, and C. Cross. Among the congregation were Messrs. J. S. Mason, J. Claridge J.P., W. B. Sanders, W. J. Cure, A. Short, W. C. Capon, W. E. Capon, Chambers, Spicer, W. P. Orrell, and others representative of the Gas Co., the Wesleyan Church, and the town.  Miss Rose Peck, the organist, played appropriate music. The interment took place at the Parish Churchyard at Odell, the resting-place of Mrs. Watson’s own choice.  The grave was lined with cotton wool, ivy, and flowers, the work of Mr. F. Betts, of Rushden.  The committal service at the graveside was conducted by the Rector of Odell (Rev. John McNair). Mr. Arthur Sanders, of Rushden, was the undertaker. There were many floral tributes of affection.  A large cross bore the inscription: “With love, from husband and children.” Other inscriptions were: With love to grandmother, from Tom, Ralph, Norah and Donald. With deepest sympathy and kind remembrance, from the employees of the Rushden District Gas Company. With deepest sympathy, from Mr. and Mrs. E. Linnitt. In loving remembrance of our dear friend Mrs. Watson, from Mr. and Mrs. Carter. With sincere sympathy, Dr. and Mrs. D. G. Greenfield. With deepest sympathy, Mr. and Mrs. Robert Marriott. From the Chairman and Directors of the Rushden and Higham Ferrers District Gas Company – a token of respect and sympathy. In loving sympathy, from Mr. and Mrs. Staniland and family. Deepest sympathy, from Mr. and Mrs. C. W. Horrell. With deepest sympathy, from Mr. and Mrs. A. H. Meakins. With loving sympathy, from Lila. In loving memory from G. A. and Mollie Battersby. With loving sympathy and condolence, Mr. and Mrs. C. Cross. With loving sympathy, from Mr. and Mrs. John Nattrass. In loving memory of an old friend I.L.S.. With deepest sympathy and love, from Mr. and Mrs. S. Powell and Edna. In loving remembrance and deep sympathy, from Mr. and Mrs. Betts and Ida. In loving memory of one whom I admired and loved, Gertie Source. Mr. and Mrs. G. S. Mason.

[Photograph from the collection of Greville Watson (Great Grandson)]