Elizabeth Watts (printer) facts for kids

Elizabeth Watts Lynch (who passed away in 1794), often called Mrs Lynch, was an important Irish businesswoman. She worked as a printer, a stationer (selling paper and writing supplies), and was known as a "bookseller to the courts of law," meaning she sold books mainly to lawyers and judges.

Elizabeth Watts Lynch's Story

We don't know much about Elizabeth Watts's early life. The first time we find a record of her is in November 1762. This was when her first husband, Richard Watts, passed away. Elizabeth then took over his business as a printer and bookseller.

Elizabeth and Richard had five children together: four sons and one daughter. A few years later, on 14 February 1768, Elizabeth married again. Her second husband was the Reverend Stewart Lynch, who was a church leader and also a bookseller in Dublin. He passed away in June 1788.

Running Her Business

After her first husband's death, Elizabeth continued to run the business under the name Mrs Lynch. Her shop was located at 6 Skinner Row in Dublin. She sold books and also had a lending library, where people could borrow books.

From 1762, Mrs Lynch had a special right to run a bookstall inside the hall of the Four Courts. This was a very important building where legal cases were heard. Because of this, she focused on selling books about law. For example, she sold a special edition of Blackstone's Law Tracts in 1767. She offered many different legal books from both Ireland and England. After 1778, she also started printing books in partnership with Daniel Graisberry.

Besides books, Mrs Lynch also sold stationery, which included paper and writing materials. She imported these supplies from countries like the Netherlands and France. In November 1773, she joined other business owners in signing a special letter. This letter was sent to the Irish house of commons, asking them to object to new taxes on foreign paper.

Later Life and Legacy

Mrs Lynch passed away in January 1794. After her death, her son Henry Watts continued to run the family business. However, Henry also passed away later that same year, in September 1794. Another of her sons, John Watts, studied at Trinity College Dublin and earned his degree in 1790.

See also

• List of women printers and publishers before 1800