USA > Mississippi > Biographical and historical memoirs of Mississippi, embracing an authentic and comprehensive account of the chief events in the history of the state and a record of the lives of many of the most worthy and illustrious families and individuals, Vol. II > Part 157
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Mason. His reputation for honesty has been tried and not found wanting. His financial ability has been more than once put to the test, but never without credit to himself. His social qualities are well known and appreciated, and he has hosts of friends, whose confidence and esteem are his highest enlogium.
Dr. James R. Watson, physician, Lexington, a prominent citizen of Holmes county, Miss., was born in that county on the 10th of May, 1848. His father, Joseph H. Watson, was a native of North Carolina born in Jones county, in 1818, and was there reared and educated. He came to Mississippi in 1837, when a young man, settled on a farm in Holmes county and was there married to Miss Ann Eliza James, who died when her son, Dr. James R., was but three years old. Mr. Watson served as a member of the board of police for a number of years and also as magistrate. He took quite a prominent part in politics. During the war he served in the militia for home protection, Confederate service. He was a suc- cessful and prosperous farmer and accumulated a nice estate. His death occurred on the 22d of February, 1870. He had been twice married, his last wife living at the present time. Dr. James R. Watson was one of two children, his brother, Dr. J. H. Watson, being also a physician of Holmes county. He has one half-brother and three half-sisters. Dr. Watson received his education mostly by private tutors, studied medicine in this county and took his first course of lectures at the University of Louisiana in 1868 and 1869, graduating from that institution in the spring of 1870. He subsequently located in Holmes county, twelve miles south of Lexington, practiced his profession there for thirteen years and in connection carried on farming. He moved to Lexington in 1881, bought residence property, and in connection with farming has given his attention to the raising of thoroughbred Jersey cattle, his herd now numbering about thirty head. The Doctor has been unusually successful in all his enterprises, is the owner of several plantations and has a small farm of about one hundred and seventy acres near town. He has about seven acres in strawberries and about the same number of acres devoted to orchard-peach, pear and plum trees. His political principles are purely democratic and he served as a member of the board of supervisors for several years, being president of the same most of the time. He was also a member of the city court. On the 5th of May, 1870, he married Miss Alice C. Stewart, a native of Holmes county, Miss., where she was reared and educated, and the daughter of John M. and Eliza- beth Stewart. There were six children by this union. Mrs. Watson died on the 31st of December, 1882. The Doctor took for his second wife Miss Fannie L. Dyer, who was born, reared and educated in Holmes county, and who is a daughter of Judge J. M. Dyer. Three children are the fruits of this union. Dr. Watson is a Master Mason, a member of the Knights of Honor and the Knights of Pythias. He is a member of the Methodist church, and has been steward in the same for some time. Mrs. Watson is a member of the Presby - terian church. The children by his first wife are named as follows: Anna A., John Stewart, Bettie Ford, Mattie May, Alice Lee and James Raford, and those by the second union: Julia Dyer, Eloise and Joseph D.
James W. Watson has been a resident of Claiborne county, Miss., since his birth, which occurred in Port Gibson in 1824. His father, James Watson, was a Tennesseean, but became a resident of Mississippi while it was still a territory. The latter's father, James Watson, was born in the Old North state, but at a very early day removed to Tennessee, and after- ward to Mississippi, being among its very earliest settlers. To this gentleman a large family of children was born, all of whom grew to maturity and reared families of their own, with the exception of two. One of the sons, Isaiah Watson, served in the state legislature about 1839 or 1840. The eldest son was James Watson, the father of the immediate subject
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of this sketch, and was one of the first and leading merchants of Port Gibson, being associ- ated with a Mr. Pope. Three months before his son James W. was born, while in New York city purchasing goods for his mercantile establishment, he was taken ill, and died soon after returning home, in the fall of 1823. After the birth of their son, their only child, Mrs. Watson lived only two weeks. Her maiden name was Malinda Crane, the daughter of Waterman Crane, one of the county's earliest settlers and most prominent men. Mr. Crane was a member of the first county court, and took an active part in the affairs of the county. He became the father of a large family, all of whom were more or less connected with the early history of the county, and are now deceased. After the death of his parents, James W. Watson, who was at that time two weeks old, was taken to raise by his mother's sister. Mrs. Clarissa (Crane) Young, wife of William Young, and with his uncle and aunt, who took the place of his father and mother, he remained until grown. William Young was a native of Scotland, and when he was about twenty-one years of age he came to America and settled at Port Gibson, where he followed the occupation of a merchant for a few years. There he was married to Mrs. Christie, a native of the county, after which he turned his . attention to "planting, at which he has been very successful, becoming wealthy. He was very highly educated, and while in his native land became a member of the Presbyterian church. He was very benevolent and open-hearted with his means, contributing freely to what he deemed deserving his support, and so sound was his judgment and so true his con- victions that he did untold good with his means. He was called from life during the war, his widow surviving him many years, being an active member of the Presbyterian church throughout her life. By a former marriage to a Mr. Christie she became the mother of one child, a daughter named Caroline, who became the wife of Rev. S. R. Bertron, by whom she became the mother of two daughters, who lived to be grown and married, Mary, the youngest, marrying William Hughes, who now resides near Bethel, Miss., and Clara, who became the wife of Charles T. Purnell, her union resulting in the birth of one son. Mrs. Purnell is a widow, and is a resident of Virginia. James W. Watson received his early training in a country school, after which he entered Oakland college, and still later that noted institution of learning, Princeton college, New Jersey, from which he graduated in 1844, several members of his class afterward becoming eminent, among whom may be men- tioned Representative Hooker and Senator Colquit. After his graduation Mr. Watson returned to Claiborne county, Miss., and commenced planting in the neighborhood of Bethel. Several years later he purchased his present home place, which at that time was unimproved, hut by industry and good management he has succeeded in putting under cultivation ten hundred of his eighteen-hundred-acre plantation. On this place is a good steam cottongin, but the first gin put up by him was run by horsepower. He was a strong Union man until his state seceded, and although he was a member of the convention that passed the ordi- nance, he opposed secession with all the strength of his energetic nature, but bowed to fate when the ordinance was passed, and went with his people. He has never taken any par- ticular interest in political matters, but votes the democratic ticket, and has made speeches for his party during the campaigns. He was at one time a trustee of the Chamberlain-Hunt academy, and a director in the Grand Gulf & Port Gibson railroad. He was married in 1848 to Miss Miriam Buck, a daughter of William R. Buck, who served in one of the early wars (1812), and for the bravery he displayed in the capture of an English vessel in the Mediterranean sea he was awarded a sword. He was an early settler of Claiborne county. and was a very honest, conscientious, kind and modest gentleman. His children are: William H., was a captain of artillery iu the Civil war, and C. E., was first lieutenant of a
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company of cavalry. The latter was a graduate of Princeton college, N. J., and of a medical college of New Orleans, and William H. was also a graduate of Princeton. C. E. is now deceased. William is residing in Louisiana and is a well-to-do planter. Caroline resides on the old home place (where the battle of Port Gibson was fought) and is unmar- ried. Mrs. Watson, his eldest daughter, was born and reared in this county and was educated in the Nazareth college of Bardstown, Ky. She has borne Mr. Watson the follow- ing children: James W. was educated in the West Point Military academy, graduating in 1880 and is now at San Carlos, Arizona territory, held the rank of first lieutenant (he was recommended to the war department as captain for bravery, and for gallant and distin- guished service while in a fight with the Apache Indians near Salt river, Arizona; March 7, 1890, he was promoted to the rank of captain of the Tenth cavalry); Samuel D. was educated in Nashville, Tenn., and is now a successful planter of Louisiana; William Y. was educated at Port Gibson and Oxford, Miss., and is now at home; Maria F. is the wife of Capt. E. P. Briscoe, and was educated in New Orleans; Linda, who was educated at Port Gibson and the Female college of Fairmont, Tenn., is an accomplished young woman. William Y. has a plantation adjoining his father's, which he is engaged in tilling in con- nection with looking after the home place. Mr. Watson has an extensive library and is one of the best read men in the county, keeping thoroughly apace with the times. His residence, which was erected in 1848, is still in good repair and is beautifully situated on an elevated tract on the north fork of the Bayou Pierre river. Mrs. Watson is a member of the Presbyterian church.
Hon. John W. C. Watson (deceased). Death brings its sorrowful pangs unfailingly to the hearts of those bound to the departed by ties of relationship and bonds of affection, but when the icy hand is laid upon a citizen of distinction and widespread influence, the result of a long and well-spent life which has clustered around it valuable and distinguished public services and cherished private virtues, this sorrow is not confined alone to those who mourn because of the tender ties of relationship, but brings sadness alike to the citizens of the entire community. Hon. John W. C. Watson was born in Albemarle county, Va., on the 27th of February, 1808, and died at his residence at Holly Springs, Miss., on the 24th of September, 1890. His early educational advantages were only such as could be obtained in the country schools of the time, but he improved them well, and afterward graduated in the law department of the University of Virginia, then in charge of Prof. J. A. G. Davis. In 1831, soon after his admission to the bar, Mr. Watson married Miss Catherine Davis, sister of Professor Davis, a lady of lovely character who was richly endowed with personal attrac- tions. Her companionship was the chief joy of his life for nearly sixty years and her death occurred scarcely twelve months prior to his. A short time after their marriage the young couple removed to Abingdon, Va., where Mr. Watson continued in the successful practice of his profession until 1845, at which time he removed to Holly Springs, Miss., where a law partnership had been tendered him by J. W. Clapp, formerly a student in his law office. He here assumed, upon the very day of his arrival, the active duties of his profession, which he continued to perform with almost phenomenal assiduity and ability until well nigh the time of his death. In the resplendent galaxy of legal talent of which Mississippi can boast, his name shines with conspicuous luster. The official reports of the supreme judicial tribunals, both state and national, indicate the frequency with which he appeared as counsel in the most important cases and bear ample evidence of that untiring industry, zeal and learning as a lawyer which frequently elicited high and well-merited encomiums from the bench.
In May, 1876, Mr. Watson was appointed a judge of the circuit court of the state by
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the governor, an office he held for a term of six years. As a judicial officer he was inflexible in his adherence to what he believed to be right, and yet, as far as he felt he might do so, he tempered judgment and justice with mercy, and always exhibited a conscientious and considerate recognition of the rights and feelings of all. His integrity and uprightness as a judge were proverbial, and no stain ever sullied his judicial ermine, nor breath of obloquy dimmed the brightness of his official escutcheon. Among his professional brethren he was distinguished for his urbanity and sympathetic aid to the younger members of the profes- sion, as well as for an honorable bearing and appreciation of the dignity and responsibilities of the legal profession which his surviving brethren may well aspire to equal.
In politics Judge Watson was a whig as long as that party had a recognized existence, and was active and earnest in his opposition to the secession of the Southern states, pre- ceding the late Civil war. But when the die was cast he adhered to the fortunes of his state, and was equally active and earnest in his efforts to promote the interests of the South. In 1863 he was elected by the legislature of Mississippi to the Confederate senate, and served in that capacity until the close of the war. He also, both before and after the war, filled various responsible positions, such as delegate to the national convention of his party, member of the state legislature and state constitutional conventions, and commissioner in behalf of the state to Washington, D. C., with a view to obtaining relief from the arbitrary and oppressive measures adopted by the Federal government toward the seceding states after the war. This lively and watchful concern in public affairs he continued to manifest to the close of his life, as was evinced by the interest he expressed and the suggestions he made during his last illness as to the proceedings of the constitutional convention of Mississippi, then in session. The moral and religious aspect of Judge Watson's life is a feature deserving especial comment. In his early manhood he professed his faith in Christ as his Redeemer, and became a member of the Presbyterian church, and throughout his long and useful life he was conspicuous for the fidelity with which he maintained his allegiance to his Divine Master, and for the interest and zeal which he manifested in the cause of religion and good morals. While he cherished a profound reverence and affection for the church of his choice and was an ardent supporter of its doctrines, he was tolerant toward other denominations, and ready at all times to extend the hand of fellowship to all whom he believed to be sincere Christians. Whatever cause or pursuit he espoused, whether in matters of state or church, of law or morals, he never entered into it by halves, but took hold of it with characteristic energy and ardor. Among other matters of public concern and vitally affecting the welfare of society to which he directed his attention, was that of the sale and use of intoxicating liquors. He was known as a zealous temperance worker for many years, and it was through his invitation that Miss Willard first visited Mississippi. He wrote her in 1882 and secured a hearing before the legislature, where she won over men who have ever since been stanch allies to the temperance cause. As an advocate he was persuasive and logical, not unfrequently rising to the hights of true eloquence and lofty oratory. His arguments upon legal propositions before the various courts were analyti- cal expositions and enforcements of legal principles which rarely failed to carry convic- tions. One of the most brilliant achievements of his career as a lawyer was his success before the superior courts of the United States, in what is known as the railroad commission cases, argued October, 1885. Judge Watson represented the state of Mississippi by appoint- ment of Governor Lowry. The railroad corporations were represented, respectively, by the ablest legal talent of the country. Chief Justice Waite pronounced the opinion of the court, reversed the decision of the United States circuit court judge, and dismissed the bills
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of the several railroad corporations, holding, as contended by Judge Watson, that the act of the Mississippi legislature creating the railroad commission was constitutional. So brilliant was this last great argument of Judge Watson before the august tribunal, that the chief justice, in a private conversation, attested his profound legal learning and forensic power. His unswerving fidelity to truth, his conscientious discharge of duty, from which no temp- tation could seduce him, was a characteristic which specially endeared him to all those who knew him. Socially, Judge Watson was the courteous, affable gentleman, the faithful friend, the conservative, trustworthy public-spirited citizen, and the open-handed sympa- thizer with those in distress. In domestic life, his home was the haven of repose and hap- piness, where his loving nature found full gratification in the devoted affections of wife and children. Of the latter, eight were born as the fruit of his marriage, only two of whom now survive: James H. Watson, a prominent member of the Memphis bar, and Miss E. D. Watson, principal of Maury institute, at Holly Springs. Few men have left behind them a record more stainless and enviable in all the walks of life than has Judge Watson. A friend makes this statement: "That those who knew him best loved him most."
Capt. Robert H. Watson, proprietor of the Inka Springs house. Iuka has over a thousand inhabitants and is situated on the Memphis & Charleston railroad, one hundred and fifteen miles east of Memphis, six miles from the Alabama line, seven miles from the Tennes- see river; upon one of the most elevated sections of Mississippi, readily accessible by the Memphis & Charleston and its connections. The country around is hilly and has been termed the Switzerland of Mississippi. The corporation is one mile square. Every house is surrounded by ample grounds of orchard, park and garden. There are five churches, all with active, earnest membership, and a flourishing normal school. Cordial, hospitable, wide- awake and energetic, the inhabitants of Iuka are pleasant people with whom to cast your lot. The Springs house is a magnificent, four-story brick structure, to which has been added. to meet the increased patronage, a large frame addition, together with a square of neat, cool, three-roomed cottages. The open court around which they are built is a beautiful grass- covered plot, shaded from the summer's sun, the place for croquet and other out door games. Balconies above and below furnish a cool, delightful place throughout the summer days for quiet thought, jolly conversation or social promenade. One steps from the train into the entrance of the hotel. In the front central part is the office. On this floor are a number of choice rooms. On the second floor is an elegant ballroom, well fitted to the fancy of those who worship at the shrine of Terpsichore. Conveniently near is the parlor. The diningroom is large and airy, the tables are supplied from the city markets supplemented by the rich, fresh store of good things from the country. The management is now in the efficient hands of Capt. R. H. Watson, which of itself is assurance to every one of perfect satisfaction. Cap- tain Watson has thoroughly refitted and repaired the hotel property from top to bottom. Those who have been there before will hardly recognize the place, it has been so much im- proved from roof to foundation, new clothed with what of beauty the painter's hand can give. Captain Watson is a courteous, enterprising, successful business gentleman, and bis name guarantees that no pains or expense will be spared to make Iuka Springs the most delightful summer resort of the South. This gentleman was born in York district, S. C., August 5, 1832, a son of Matthew and Eleanor (Love) Watson. His father was a native of Ireland and was born in 1778. He came to this country when about twenty-five years old and located in Tennessee, whence he removed to Mississippi, where in the early days he became prominent as an educator. He was married in South Carolina about 1820, and raised five children: Margaret, John L., Catherine, Mary J. and Robert H. His wife was born in South
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Carolina, in 1797, a daughter of John and Drucilla Love. They were married in Sonth Carolina, previous to the removal of Mr. Watson to Tennessee, and came together to this county in 1838. They were both members of the Methodist Episcopal church. Mr. Watson died in 1842, and his wife died in 1852. The former was politically an old-line whig. The early life of Captain Watson was spent in Tishomingo county, and at the age of twenty he went to East Port and became a clerk of R. B. Brown, where he remained for three years. He then went to Pleasant Site, Ala., where he became a merchant, planter and miller, being success- ful in each of the three occupations. There he remained until 1884, when he came to Iuka, where he established a mercantile business, which is now managed by his son C. L. Watson. In October, 1890, he purchased the Iuka Springs house and the property connected with it.
In 1859 he was married to Miss Martha J. Harrison, one of the five children of Jobn and Polly (Harrison) Harrison, who was born in Lauderdale county, Ala., in 1836. Of this marriage five children were born, the two following of whom are living: John H., and Charles L. John H. has, since his father's retirement from the active management of the mercantile business, been in charge of that important interest. John H. married Miss Mary William, and lives at Pleasant Site, Ala. Charles L. is bookkeeper in his father's store. Mrs. Watson died January 16, 1878, and in 1879 Captain Watson married again, this time to Morilla Cross, daughter of Dr. S. E. Cross and his wife, Margaret (Shelby) Cross, and she was born in Lauderdale county, Ala., in 1855. By this marriage he had four children: · · Mattie B., William C., Mary W. and Morella C. Mr. and Mrs. Watson are members of the Methodist Episcopal church. Politically Captain Watson is a stanch democrat. He acquired his title as captain by gallant service for the Confederate cause during the Civil war. He was in command of company B, of the Twenty-seventh Alabama infantry, for a year. For two years thereafter he was captain of a cavalry company. He was one of the first to answer the call for troops in 1861, and he participated in battles at Fort Henry, Fort Donelson, Jackson, Miss., Port Hudson and numerous other engagements and skirmishes. He was taken prisoner at Fort Donelson, but an opportunity soon presented, and he made his escape. After taking command of his company's cavalry, he served under General For- rest, and took part in the fighting at Tupelo, Cross Roads and Selma. He was paroled at Iuka, in 1865. Captain Watson has an enviable record as an honorable and successful business man, and is a public-spirited and useful citizen. He is largely interested in the improvement and development of the county, and has been especially helpful to schools and churches. His political influence is recognized, and though not an officeseeker, he has taken an active part in the public history of his county, and was a delegate to the state con- vention when Stone was nominated as governor.
Wheeler Watson is a native of Monroe county, Miss. He was born about three miles from his present residence, February 16, 1847. His father, Asa Watson, was born in Rhode Island in 1812, and was descended from colonial ancestry of sterling and sturdy character- istics. They settled, in the latter part of the seventeenth century, on a tract of land in Rhode Island, which is still owned by a member of the family. They were an energetic, industrious, highly educated, honorable family, and stood in the foremost rank of Rhode Island's best people, many of them filling the most responsible positions in the gift of the people. Wheeler Watson's grandmother, on his father's side, was Mary Peckham, a descend- ant of the noted family of Peckhams of New York, so many of whom have adorned the bench and the bar of the state. Judge Malborne Watson and Judge Rufus Peckham, both judges of the supreme court of New York, are cousins of Wheeler Watson. His father, for- merly a merchant in Albany, N. Y., came South and married a cultivated, refined Southern
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