Mr William E. Nation

I was born in the City of London, August 11th, 1827. My father was a citizen in tfie Girdlers' Company. He came into this parish in 1830, I was three years old. My first school was in a room now occupied by Messrs. Doulton & Co., which I recognised in October, 1901, of 70 years ago. A new school was erected next door to the old Watch House, High Street. I became the usher, until removed to Hercules Green, under Mr. Edward Everill - a good, land man. After some time I was appointed writing teacher and usher until I was fourteen. During my time there were only two services in church, and no Sunday-School before church-time. Being choir-boy, I bad to sing in the evening service. I received a bible from the Rev. George Doiley, the rector. The curates asked me if I would like to go to college, but I declined, and went to work with my father for six years. In 1847 my father died, and I was left to be the protector of my mother, brother, and two sisters-who are now dead. I then carried on the business of coach-smith to John and Henry Baker and Mr. Pruett for 57 years, until the extension of the South-Western Railway, when the business was removed. I was married at St. Mary's Church on December 17th, 1848, by the Rev. Gave-Brown. All my children were baptised and three daughters married there. In 1882 I was persuaded by my employer to become a candidate for the Bishop's Ward, the parisboners returned me three times, malting nine years' service, and I trust I did my duty. I was also elected to the office of Overseer for two years, and was afterwards Church Warden for the same time.My colleagues resuscitated the emblems of our Official Parishioners' Wardens, and I trust they are still used in the western part of the church. I also supported the Rev. F. G. Pelham in replacing the Pedlar's Picture, knowing when a boy that it was on the upper right side of the communion and also the picture of Moses and Aaron that graced the altar. I have also beat the bounds of the parish from Waterloo Bridge to Norwood and Elder Road Industrial School, where -we dined after our day's work. I have also a book of the particulars of the present Church and rebuilding, and the banquet that took place after about 1852.