This has grown to be a library containing 15,000 volumes, and is a
valuable adjunct of the Watt Institution, founded by his son in memory
of his father, which is to-day the educational centre of Greenock. Its
entrance is adorned by a remarkably fine statue of Watt, funds for
which were raised by public subscription.
Many societies honored the great inventor. He was a fellow of the Royal
Society of Edinburgh, the Royal Society of London, Member of the
Batavian Society, correspondent of the French Academy of Sciences, and
was one of the eight Foreign Associates of the French Academy of
Sciences.
Watt's almost morbid dislike for publicity leaves many well-known acts
of kindness and charity hidden from all save the recipients. Muirhead
assures us that such gifts as we can well believe were not wanting.
Watt's character as a kindly neighbor always stood high. He was one of
those "who will not receive a reward for that for which God accounts
Himself a debtor--persons that dare trust God with their charity, and
without a witness."
In the autumn of 1819 an illness of no great apparent severity caused
some little anxiety to Watt's family, and was soon recognised by himself
as the messenger sent to apprise him of his end. This summons he met
with the calm and tranquil mind, that, looking backward, could have
found little of serious nature to repent, and looking forward, found
nothing to fear. "He often expressed his gratitude to the Giver of All
Good who had so signally prospered the work of his hands and blessed him
with length of days and riches and honour." On August 19, 1819, aged 83,
in his own home at Heathfield, he tranquilly breathed his last, deeply
mourned by all who were privileged to know him. In the parish
churchyard, alongside of Boulton, he was most appropriately laid to
rest. Thus the two strong men, lifelong friends and partners, who had
never had a serious difference, "lovely and pleasant in their lives, in
their death were not divided."
It may be doubted whether there be on record so charming a business
connection as that of Boulton and Watt; in their own increasingly close
union for twenty-five years, and, at its expiration, in the renewal of
that union in their sons under the same title; in their sons' close
union as friends without friction as in the first generation; in the
wonderful progress of the world resulting from their works; in their
lying down side by side in death upon the bosom of Mother Earth in the
quiet churchyard, as they had stood side by side in the battle of life;
and in the faithful servant Murdoch joining them at the last, as he had
joined them in his prime. In the sweet and precious influences which
emanate from all this, may we not gratefully make acknowledgment that in
contemplation thereof we are lifted into a higher atmosphere, refreshed,
encouraged, and bettered by the true story of men like ourselves, whom
if we can never hope to equal, we may at least try in part to imitate.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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