 Watkins residency of Aston Lodge was for the years 1865-1867, 1871-1875 (the house appears to have been left vacant through all or part 1876), and from 1877 until his death in 1884 (on 21 April at the age of 74 years).Mrs John Watkins continued to reside in the house until 1887.During his life Watkins served as an alderman of Randwick Council for the years 1874- 1880 (being the alderman for West Ward (which included Aston Lodge) for 1875-1880) and as mayor for the terms 1870-1872, and 1884.