I have a few bits of information on this man.
He was sworn as a Freeman of Londonderry on 9th January 1748/9. I cannot trace when he commenced in trade on his own account, presumably around the time he was Free of the City. He entered a partnership with another from August 1774 to February 1775. He appears to have retired in early 1776.
From the family history point of view, there is a death reported in the local paper in August 1800. I cannot specifically say it was the watchmaker as it does not mention his occupation. However a 'John Wilson' died in August 1800 at Fahan (just outside Londonderry) 'at a very advanced age'. I cannot be certain it is the watchmaker, but it is most likely.
Another interesting point is that his brother William appointed him as the executor of his will when it was drafted in February 1769. In that will, William (the brother) was noted as a farmer at Rashee, Ballyclare. The suggestion is that the family may have been from the Rashee, Ballyclare area.
My interest is in him as a watchmaker. If anyone has any further details, then I would be interested.
