Watson, Houlker 001

Houlker Watson, Alderman and J.P.rnBorn on August 15th, 1858, the son of H.Watson, blacksmith and wheelwright, Houlker Watson had the distinction of being for many years the doyden of Blackburn Town Council, on which body he served for upwards of 44 years. When his father died, he and his brother continued the family business on the site of the old windmill in dock Street until 1904, when they retired into private life.rnIn 1902 he was appointed chairman of the cleansing committee, a position he held for 18 years .rnHe was chairman of the Old Age Pensions Committee a post he retained until his death.rnHe had a life long association with St.Johns Church and Sunday School.rnIn addition to his other activities, Houlker Watson was a devoted Oddfellow, being initiated a member of the Greenbank Lodge on june 201th 1888.rnHe died in August 1938 aged 79.rnrnFor further information on Houlker Watson please refer to the book, Blackburn Worthies of Yesterday, by Geo C Miller, which is held in Blackburn Library, Community History Department, level 2.