Elizabeth Leonard Watson, the wife of Thos. J. Watson, Esq., and daughter of Jas. and Rebecca Duffel, was born in Fredericksburg, Va., Oct. 19th, 1809. When only a few months old she was removed to the then town — now city — of Lynchburg, Va., where her friends settled; and where she remained until her marriage.
In her twelfth year Mrs. Watson embraced relgion under the ministry of the Rev. Geo. W. Charlton, then stationed in Lynchburg. She was soon afterwards baprtized by the Rev. John — now Bishop — Early, and received in the Methodist Episcopal Church. Her early Christian life was characterized by a zealous devotion to the principles she professed, and in all situations she manifested, by her walk and conversation, that hers was not a mere verbal profession.
In 1839 she was married, by the Rev. David S. Doggett, to Thomas J. Watson, Esq., whith whom she, the same year, removed and settled near Pittsylvania Court House, Va. She immediately attached herself to the Methodist Church at that place, of which she continued a devout and zealous member, until her death, which occurred on the 25th of August 1857, between 3 and 4 o'clock in the afternoon.
Sister Watson was one of those quiet, unobtrusive characters, of which the superficial observer knows but little. Yet, while her religious experience, in all its varied forms, was, to a great extent, confined to her own bosom, the effects of it were constantly visible in her intercourse with all. The natural reserve of her heart, filled with generous impulses and refined sentiments, was enlivened by the touches of grace; and the sweetness of her disposition, interwoven with the Christian graces, formed a character beloved by all who knew her.
In all the relations of life she was justly esteemed a devout Christian. As a wife, the interests of her husband were always near her heart: and every effort was made to promote them. Devotedly attached to the man of her choice, all her talents, her resources and influence were freely dedicated to his happiness. As a mother, none was ever more sensitively alive to the best interests of her children, more more assicuous in impressing upon them the primary importance of religion; and no children ever rendered a more willing, a more grateful homage to the sweetness and endearments of a mother's love. As a friend, the promptings of a tender heart were faithfully and at once obeyed. Nor did she wait to be informed of her duty by others. In her intercourse with her servants, she same delicate sense of propriety, and the same governing principles, were her guide. She was, in the full sense of the term, a kind and indulgent mistress, and as such, is now mourned by those once committed to her care.
Sister Watson's house was ever open to the itinerants of the Gospel, and no pains were ever, on her part, spared to render them comfortable and happy. Such was the case in all conditions of her household, and domestic conerns were always subordinate to the pleasure and comfort of her guests. —
Some four or five years since, Sister Watson was afflicted with cancer. Every effort was made to arrest its progress, but without avail. Her general health had suffered much, and as a last resort, she was, about a year since, taken to a celebrated physician, where she remained and suffered many long and weary months. She, however, rallied sufficiently to be brought home, where she gradually declined, until death came to her relief. In the midst of her sufferings, intense and constant as they were, her spirit was calm and peaceful.
What a death-scene was there? The dark valley and the shadow was illumined by the radiance of the upper world. Death came, but without terrors! All was calm, peaceful, resigned. What contrast between the death of this humble and delicate woma, and that of the world-renowned, proud, stalwart, infidel Hume. He with the stoicism of despair, was dragged nolens volens into heart, while she, rejoicing in the hour of triumph, bade her friends of eart adieu, and welcomed the shaft of death to the vitals of her body! Shouting the praises of her Saviour, she committed her soul to the angelic messenger, and was lost to earth — but broke forth amid the enraptured throng rejoicing around the throne! Thus hath this sainted sister gone to her home, her Saviour and her God. While a bereaved husband and four mourning children, with numerous friends, are left to weep over their loss — but rejoice over her gain. — McG.
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