My grandmother always maintained that she was decended from the Hymnwriter Isaac Watts, but all I have found is a Isaac Watts bap 7 Jan 1727/8 Romsey who married Elizabeth Heaver, I am trying to locate parents of Isaac & their marriage. I have Edward Watts & Elizabeth who could be the parents.
Can anyone help me go back one generation. I have three Isaac watts in the family, Isaac bap 14 Mar 1797, Isaac/Isaach born c 1765 Romsey? & Isaac born 7 Jan 1727/8. I am trying to find out about these Isaacs. They seem to be the right sort of area for Isaac Watts - Hymnwriter. I would be grateful for any help, as this as plagued me for so long.
It is strange that my family have inherited quite a few objects which belonged to the Hymnwriter - Isaac Watts.
Regards Trish
Hello,
Isaac Watts was born on 17 July 1674 son of Isaac and Sarah nee Taunton who had married in 1673 before Isaac the Elder was imprisoned in Gods House Tower prison, Southampton, for his non-conformist faith. Isaac senior's father was Thomas and he was killed on board a ship as its commander.
Isaac junior, the Hymn writer/poet, also non-conformist preacher, and the subject of the enquiry, was born in Southampton. It is not known where Isaac was christened, but probably in St Julien's Chapel in Winkle Street, Southampton, or at home at 41 French Street St. Or as an adult elsewhere as was customary for many Dissenters. He never married, although it is known that he proposed to an Elizabeth Singer who turned him down.
St Juliens is a Huguenot church and Sarah Taunton was the descendant of a Huguenot. One of her relatives founded Taunton's College in Southampton
Isaac Watts had 6 siblings. Richard, Enoch, Thomas, Sarah, and 2 Marys.
Isaac died in 1748 in London. There is a statue to him in what is now called Watts Park, Southampton as well as other commemorations elsewhere.
Hope this is useful.
Yours
Vicwinann
