In the 1841 Cathcart Census Arthur was living at Clarkston Village with his wife Mary. They had three children Arthur 5, David 3 and Andrew 2 years. He was an agricultural labourer.
In the 1851 Census he was living at Overlee as a farmer proprietor of 40 acres. now with Arthur 15, David 13, Andrew 12, William 9, Mary 7, Marion 5, Robert 2 and Jean 1 year. His Uncle Charles aged 71 was living there also his brother Charles aged 20, a servant (Michael Watson's ancestor) and 5 servants.
In the 1861 Census he was 51, his wife Mary had died, he was now a farmer of 100 acres employing 4 labourers. Living there also was his son William 21, Marion 16, Robert 14, Agnes 8, and Janet 6. Uncle Charles was 82 . His son David died at Overlee when he was 18.