John Watson and Amelia Alomes
John was born on April 12, 1814. After the death of his father, William, he was left the estate of York Grove. It was mainly through his energies that York Grove was transformed into one of the best cultivated farms in Tasmania.
He married, when 35 years old, Amelia, the daughter of Robert Alomes, who was the first man as sergeant of marines under Colonel David Collins, R.M. (afterwards Lieutenant-Governor) to plant the Union Jack at Hobart Town at the spot where Risby Bros.’ mill was formerly located.
John Watson was an enthusiastic sportsman, and gained a great reputation as a marksman, and also distinguished himself as an oarsman in some of the State’s early regattas. It is said of him that he was a good father, a faithful friend, and that his hospitality was well known throughout the district. His name was a household word for miles around. Besides cultivating York Grove, he rented several adjoining farms as well as leasing Crown Land, all of which was greatly improved under his management.
He raised a family of 3 sons and 12 daughters.
| John Edwin | born 30 June 1850, died 3 Dec 1929 | Married (1) 11 Jun 1892, Ada Harriette Goodwin (1864-1898) (2) 6 Jan 1900, Florence Lilian May Ibbott (1882-1973) |
| Elizabeth Tasmania | born 2 Aug 1851, died Dec 1936 | Married 2 March 1875, John Gibbs Tolman (1836-1906) |
| Mary Matilda | born 15 Oct 1852, died Oct 1929 | Married 3 Feb 1880, Thomas Calvert (1851-1941) |
| Rosine Ann | born 29 Aug 1854, died 10 Aug 1926 | Married 5 Jun 1894, Walter Henry Higgins (1851-1946) |
| William Robert | born 30 June 1856, died 18 July 1943 | Married 25 Oct 1882, Alice Eliza Bellette (1854-1943) |
| Emily Georgina | born 10 Apr 1859, died 24 Aug 1936 | Married 16 Sep 1891, Walter Moss Honey (1858-1933) |
| Ada Amelia Harriet | born 28 Dec 1857, died 9 Sep 1937 | Married (1) 21 Jan 1882, Charles Francis Gorringe (1860-1883) (2) 16 Jan 1889, George Thomas Alomes (1865-1944) |
| James Theodore | born 28 Jul 1860, died 15 Sep 1900 | Married 26 March 1890, Eleanor Elliott (1864-1908) |
| Amelia (Millie) | born 5 Apr 1862, died 6 Jul 1944 | Married 22 April 1891, Albert Genge (1875-1938) |
| Hanna Laura | born 30 Apr 1864, died 2 Sep 1911 | Married 29 Oct 1892, Frank McDermott (1874-1957) |
| Alice Eliza | born 27 Sep 1866, died 23 Oct 1883 (died 17yo) | |
| Eveline Sophia | born 27 July 1868, died 7 March 1891 | Married 7 Mar 1891, Lowther Gorringe (1864-1927) |
| Amy Maria | born 16 Jan 1870, died 8 Feb 1955 | Married 14 Nov 1903, Charles Malcolm Brown (1874-1934) |
| Lily Georgiana | born 24 Dec 1871, died 20 Nov 1872 | |
| Minnie Edith | born 25 Aug 1875, died 8 July 1940 | Married 5 Jan 1903, Leslie Derwent John Alomes (1879-1963) |
He died on November 2, 1881. His funeral was one of the largest ever known in the district, being attended by nearly all the residents of South Arm, Sandford, and Clarence, whilst Hobart, Bellerive, and Sorell sent representatives to testify to the respect in which he was held by all. His remains were interred in the Rokeby cemetery. His wife Amelia survived him for many years, dying on September 16, 1917. His brother Thomas died on March 8, 1864, at the age of 42.