The Scranton tribune. [volume] (Scranton, Pa.) 1891-1910, 1902-09-29
PASSES AWAY IN Her
!: ; NINETY-SECOND YEAR
Death of Mrs. Harriet Freeman
3 Watt, Widow of John Watt, Per-
I. haps the Oldest Resident in Car
:. bondale-Her Interesting Career.

y. haps the Oldest Resident in Car
:. bondale-Her Interesting Career.
. Mrs Harriet NJ. Freeman Watt,
widow of the late John Watt perhaps
the oldest resident In Carbonate,
passed into eternal sleep at the resi-
dence on Salem avenue and wyoming
street, early Saturday morning.
Il Her passing was truly going to
sleep, dissolution took place without
any perceptible physical disturbance.
The faculties which were active border
ing onto a century of years just depart
ed and the extraordinary long and hap
ny and useful life of Mrs. Watt came
TO an end. Only a short time before the
transition to the other life, Mrs. Watt
spoke with her wonted strength and
clearness of mind. II would like to die
tonight" she said, and her wish was
realized.
The deceased had been in bed about
seven weeks, but for the past two years
there has been Il gradual lessening OF
vitality. though her rare mental Nigor
Seemed to remain to the last.
Mrs. Watt could proudly trace her
lineage to the early New England
families. She was born in Wellington
Tolland county. Connecticut. May g.
1871, the daughter of David Freeman
and Hulda Atwood, who were likewise
born in New England. Mrs. Watt was
the last of seven sons and daughters
as follows: David, Truman and Elijah
Freeman, Sarah, wife of Mr.. Hoadley;
Electa wife of n. y. Farnham Eliza
beth, wife of Thomas Il. Grier.
lin September, 1871. when Mrs. Watt
was but six years of age, her parents
migrated to this section. They located
at Canaan. when everything about here
was wilderness, and they were no mails
or no railroads. Wilkcs-Barre was but
hamlet. with the best approach from
here not more than IL bride path that
worked its way through thick forests.
ESr father was a blacksmith and found
this a worthy occupation on settling
here. John Watt came with his family
from New York to this section in 1880
settling in Canaan, and wedding Har-
riet Freeman. the deceased, on Decem-
Der %, 1881. Mr.. Watt was a foremost
figure in those days and his name will
always be conspicuous in the history of
the early days CT Carbondale and vicin-
ity. Mr.. and Mrs. Watt came to this
city in 1912, the head of the family
starting in the milling business in
Providence, assisted by his sons. The
business flourished and in 1862 the firm
Of John Watt G. Sons-John, Edwin and
w. w. Watt-was established. This
a general merchandise store. located in
the building now occupied by Cranes
dry goods store, and one of the princl-
pal mercantile institutions in these
parts. These interesting facts illustrate
how important part that the
family of the deceased played in the
settlement, growth and development of
Carbondale. John Watt, husband of
the deceased passed away June ID. 1885,
a year after his leaving business activ-
tiles aside.
Mrs. Watt enjoyed the distinction,
and with no little pride. of being the
Oldest member of the First Methodist
church of Carbondale. She was receiv-
ed during the pastorate of Rev. Mr..
Benham, deceased. She was always de-
voted in her church work and there
was no effort or sacrifice that she did
not generously make for the spreading
of the church's influence. The deep
religious spirit she possessed was borne
in all her relations, as wife, a mother,
neighbor and friend Her life was full
of tenderness and affection for those
who came within her influence and she
must have earned a bright reward for
her charity. both in deed and word. A
beautiful characteristic was her love for
home. which she always endeavored to
fill with the sunshine of Il loving, for
giving spirit. 1t was the greatest
source of happiness to lavish affection
on the members of her large family.
INt,,.i inc no lt,,;,,
every birthday anniversary and at the
blessed Christmas tide were joyous oc-
casions. She gathered her sons and
dauGhte!s and their children and grand
children about her and added to the en-
joyment of their society by making
various presentations to them. Her
summons hence, even though coming
in the full evening of her years, will
spread sadness and sorrow over this
large family circle.
Six sons and daughters blessed her
marriage with John Watt, all but one of
them, who died in infancy reached
maturity The family was: Andrew
Watt, who died August H. 1901; John
Edwin Watt, who died June g. 1901;
Wallace w. Watt, for many years a
prominent merchant, now retired: Elz-
abeth, wife Of Alfred Pascoe and Belle,
wife of Daniel Scurry.
The following grandchildren also
survive: Mrs Margaret Watt-Hankins.
of Duluth, Mimi; Mrs. Helen Pascoe-
Reynolds, Miss Harriet NJ. Pascoe, Mrs.
Mary Watt-Thompson, Mrs. Jessie
Watt-Paul, Miss Isabelle Watt, Miss
Clara Watt, Miss Helen Scurry, Maurice
G. Watt, William Il. Watt, esq, Fred
erick Watt, Walter L. Scurry and Ed
win Watt-Pascoe.
The following are the great grand
children: Wallace Watt Hankins, Reed
Hlankins, Elizabeth ePascoe- Reynolds,
Elizabeth Watt-Paul. Martha Watt and
Marion Belle Sourry.
Funeral services will be conducted at
ihe residence, No. 92 Salem avenue, this
afternoon at O'clock by Rev. A. f.
Ehaffee, pastor Of the First Methodist
Church, assisted by Rev. j. f. Warner,
presiding elder of the Honesdale dis
trict. From the house the procession
will move to Maplewood cemetery
Mhere Mrs. Watt will be laid to sleep
beside her husband in the family burial
pilot.
Mrs. Tralles at Rest.
\ IA of ha Lot