The angel of death has visited Mt. Vernon again. At 9 o'clock last night, at the residence of her daughter, Mrs. Amelia J. MILLER, surrounded by loving children spirit of Elizabeth M. WATSON familiarly known as Aunt Betsy, took its flight, and has left sorrow in the hearts of an extended circle of relatives and friends.

Deceased was born in North Carolina, July 26, 1805, and was 85 years 10 months and 10 days of age at the time of her death.

At an early age her father and mother, Robert RANKIN and wife, removed hereto Rutherford county, Tennessee, in the vicinity of Murfressboro, remained there a short time and on December 4, 1825, came to Mt. Vernon.

The famiy consisted of five daughters and one son, who have all passed to the other shore with the exception of the brother, Samuel, who lives in Shelby county, this state. Of this family Aunt Betsy was the third child.

On arriving in Mt. Vernon the pioneers encamped in the forest east of the Watson homestead, one mile north of Mt. Vernon, and it was while thus encamped, prepartory to locating in this vicinity, that she made the acquaintance of John H. Watson, whose father assisted in settling them in a cabin in the then howling wilderness.

On December 13, 1827, she was happily married to John H. Watson, who died in this city September 26, 1861.

For thirty years, or since she became a widow, deceased has made her home with her children in and around Mt. Vernon.

Her union with John H. Watson was blessed with the birth of three daughters and six sons, viz: William D. Watson, who lives in Silverton, Colorado; Amelia J. Miller, of Mt. Vernon; Thomas P. Watson, of East St. Louis; Mrs. J. A. Wall, Mt. Vernon; Mayor S. H. Watson, of this city; Joel P. Watson, postmaster at Ashley; Dr. J. H. Watson, present representative from this legislative district, who resides at Woodlawn; John R. Watson, who died during the war, at Muscatine, Iowa, and one daughter who died in infancy.

The surviving children, with the exception of William D., together with a number of grandchildren, were at the bedside when she was called to her reward.

It will be remembered that at the time the terrible cyclone passed through this city more than three years since deceased was at the home of her daughter, Mrs. Miller, whose house was completely destroyed and Aunt Betsy was se- verely injured, from which she was prostrated and did not entirely recover from the injuries for about three months.

Lately her health has been extremely good for one of her advanced age and frail form, and a fortnight since she returned to this place from a visit with her son at Ashley.

Last Sunday she became suddenly ill and medical aid was summoned, the disease proving to be pneumonia. She bore her sufferings with remarkable Christian fortitude, but began sinking yesterday and at 9 o'clock last evening passed peacefully away surrounded by her loved ones - a grand, good woman, a model wife and a fond and anxious mother. It was her expressed wish that the funeral services be conducted at home.

Source: Mt. Vernon Register News
Date: June 10, 1891
Submitted by: Sharlet Bigham LaBarbera
Relationship: Betsy was my GGGG aunt