Return to the Land

with no source of livelihood Frank and his brother Buford Watson formed a successful plumbing and heating business. Frank had the skills and the tools to ply his trade and they were off and running.

Frank Eugene and Mary Jim White Watson and their children Clara Engledove (on the right) and Francis Clyde (on the left), 1904

However, fate would step in again and alter his career. He developed an inguinal hernia and since he was engaged in heavy work, lifting iron radiators, this became a major health concern. Medical consultation was obtained and he was advised to have surgery to correct the defect. This would have salvaged his career but being a stubborn man and with a degree of trepidation he adamantly refused surgical intervention. The doctor then had no choice but to advise him to retire from this line of work, and so he did. Now reaching his senior years with no income a decision had to be made again. They had always rented homes rather than buying and now they needed a place to live. Good fortune turned their way and this is how I came to know, love, and cherish my maternal grandparents.

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