Watts, Mrs (1828-1862)

Transcription of obituary published in the Primitive Methodist Magazine by J Best

MRS. WATTS, wife of the Rev. W. Watts, was born at Salisbury, August 2nd, 1828, and died at Camborne, Cornwall, March 22nd, 1862. At the early age of five years she was sent to a Wesleyan Sabbath-school, where she continued under the tuition of pious teachers for twelve years. Frequently, during that period was she impressed by the Spirit of God; especially was this the case when questioned by her teacher, and while singing the stirring language of some of the hymns. At length, under a sermon preached from Psalm xl. 2, the fountain of her tears was broken up; she was deeply convinced of sin. In this state she joined the church. When she first went to class, the leader asked her the reason of her presence there. She told him she wanted to find her way to heaven. He directed her to the atoning work of Christ, and bid her look and believe. She did look, she did believe and was soon enabled to “rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory.” She then gave herself fully to God, and began to seek in earnest the conversion of her relatives. Nor did she labour in vain. In answer to her persevering prayers, several of the family were brought into the way of peace, and she had the happiness to see her father and a brother die happy in the Lord.

From the time of her marriage with him who now feels his loss, she became increasingly active in the cause of Jesus, and laboured in any and every way which her time, her strength, and her capabilities would permit. She had no fear of man. She would reprove sin without respect of persons, and embrace any opportunity of doing good, whether in a railway carriage, or by her own fireside. Several are known to have been converted through her labours. Persons whom at times she met, and to whom she spoke of Jesus, though she had never seen them before, have written to her to say that they had reason to praise God that ever she spoke to them about the salvation of their souls. She was a most cheerful Christian. 

For two years and a half she wasted by consumption, the latter part of which time her sufferings were frequently severe; but she bore them unmurmuringly. She would often say, “Lord, I am thine; I know I am thine,” She became unusually happy as she approached the eternal world, frequently saying, “I want to be gone;” her face at the same time beaming with joy, and looking more angelic than human. The night before she died she said to her husband, “I have no strength to talk; I shall not say anything more after this time, but I am all right. I am on the Rock.” She lingered till the morning, and then meekly and quietly fell asleep in Jesus.

Family

I have not been able to identify the forename(s) of Mrs Watts. Can anyone point me in the right direction?

References

Primitive Methodist Magazine 1863/187

Census Returns and Births, Marriages & Deaths Registers