Thomas Edward Watson

Thomas Edward was the son of John and Emma Watson.

His father was born in Crowland, Lincolnshire, and his mother in Docking, Norfolk. They had eight children: Mary A b. Doncaster, John W b. Doncaster, George W b. Doncaster, Emma C. b. Doncaster, Ellen R b. Colwick Nottingham, Alice B. b. Stratford Commons, Lillie/Tillie b. Nottingham and Thomas Edward b. Nottingham 1893 (AMJ Nottingham).

By 1901 John and Emma were living in Nottingham with their seven children, Mary, John, George, Emma, Ellen, Alice and Tillie/Lillie.

The family was living at 41 Willerslie Street, Nottingham, in the parish of Meadows St Saviour, in 1901. John was a railway engine driver. All eight children were still living at home; John a confectionary traveller, George a cabinet maker, Emma and Ellen both blouse makers, Alice who was helping at home, Tillie/Lillie a jacket finisher for a tailor, and Thomas who was still at school.

Their mother, Emma died in 1907 age 58 (JAS Nottingham).

In 1911 the widowed John, now retired as an engine driver, was living at 21 Atlas Street, with five of his eight children; Emma and Ellen who were still working as machinists in the linen trade, Alice who was the family's housekeeper, Lillie/Tillie a machinist (mantles) and Thomas who was a cabinet maker. The family later lived at 76 Turney Street, Meadows.

Thomas emigrated to Canada before the outbreak of war and was living at 157, Avondale Avenue, Hamilton, Ontario, when he enlisted.