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James (Jimmy) Watson (1845–1921)

The death occurred in a private hospital at Manly last Saturday of Mr. James Watson, at one time a well-known resident of Arncliffe, in his 75th year. Deceased was employed in the composing room of the "Sydney Morning Herald" for over 30 years, and was afterwards proprietor of the "Rockdale Citizen." This paper he founded about nineteen years ago in opposition to the "St. George's Advocate," the only newspaper in St. George at that time, which was conducted by Mr. G. L. A. Davies until shortly before his death. Mr. A. H. Wennholm, now proprietor of the "Hurstville Propeller," was connected with the old “Advocate” staff for six years, until joining the start of the "Sydney Morning Herald." The printing plant in connection with the "Advocate" was later purchased by Messrs Christian & Co., and the "St. George Call" established. Previous to the advent of the "Advocate" a paper was published at Kogarah called the "St. George Observer," but this journal had a precarious existence. No paper published before or since has been as large as the present "Propeller." After running the "Citizen" for a number of years the late Mr. Watson sold the paper to the present proprietors, Messrs. Coombes and Pocock.

The deceased gentleman was a prominent member of the New South Wales Typographical Association. Predeceased by his wife, he leaves one son, Mr. R. Watson, and two daughters, Mrs. A. Lestone, of Manly, and Mrs. McLean, of Rockdale.

Original publication

Additional Resources and Scholarship

  • profile, Daily Telegraph (Sydney), 14 June 1894, p 5

Related Entries in NCB Sites

Citation details

'Watson, James (Jimmy) (1845–1921)', Obituaries Australia, National Centre of Biography, Australian National University, https://oa.anu.edu.au/obituary/watson-james-jimmy-34974/text44087, accessed 5 June 2025.

© Copyright Obituaries Australia, 2010-2025

Life Summary [details]

Birth

1845
Aberdeen, Aberdeenshire, Scotland

Death

16 January, 1921 (aged ~ 76)
Manly, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia

Cause of Death

pneumonia

Cultural Heritage

Includes subject's nationality; their parents' nationality; the countries in which they spent a significant part of their childhood, and their self-identity.

Religious Influence

Includes the religion in which subjects were raised, have chosen themselves, attendance at religious schools and/or religious funeral rites; Atheism and Agnosticism have been included.

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