BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES - WATSON ANCESTORS WATSON
The name WATSON is an Anglicized version of the name McWATT and is of Scottish origin. The Scottish McWATT families belonged to the Clan FORBES and their lands were located along the river Don in Aberdeenshire, Scotland as early as the reign of Alexandria the Third (1249-1286). As time passed branches of the family moved southward and by the end of the sixteenth century family members had spread throughout Scotland and settled in the northern shires of England. In the seventeenth century family branches moved on to Ireland after acquiring land in the allotments made by King James VI, with many settling in Counties Down, Donegal and Deery. Many of the WATSONS who arrived in America in the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries, including those of our particular family line, emigrated from Ireland. Although 16-Joseph WATSON, the original Greene County WATSON of our family line, was born in Ireland he was probably of Scottish and possibly English ancestry as well. Many WATSONS who came to Pennsylvania from Ireland during this period were from Northern Ireland, where they had descended from brothers James and John WATSON who had their roots in southern Scotland, near Edinburgh. (The names James and John saw common usage in the early generations of Greene County WATSONS.) The "original" James and John moved to Ireland in the early 1600's after being judged "responsible undertakers" and allotted 2000 acres each in the allotments made by King James VI. At the Siege of Deery, a battle for religious liberty in Ireland in 1689, several members of the WATSON family were involved. Captain Alexander WATSON was Master of the Gunners and, after the siege, Captain George WATSON was one of the signers of the letter sent to William and Mary. Also, there was at least one casualty in the family as evidenced by a passage from an old Irish poem relating to the siege, -- "Whilst valiant WATSON fighting until death, resigned upon the spot his latest breath." * * * * * * 16-Joseph WATSON and his wife, 17-Jane McCORMICK were born in Ireland in 1787 and 1781 respectively. They came to the United States about 1810 and settled briefly in Redstone Township, Fayette County, PA before moving to Dunkard Township, Greene County, PA. where on 19 Oct. 1816 they purchased 203 acres of land on Dunkard Creek near Bald Hill. There they spent the rest of their lives. The land was purchased for $3045 from Dougal CAMPBELL and Mary, his wife, and was part of a tract of land the CAMPBELLS had patented on 25 Nov.1805 under the name "Barbara's Defeat".* Family legend has 16-Joseph one of three brothers who came to southwestern Pennsylvania, with one brother moving further west to settle and the second going south. This has not yet been confirmed. However, in the census of 1820 Joseph reported a second adult male living in their home so this could be one of the "missing" brothers. Also this report conforms to the migration flow of the period, with many people traveling from Greene County further south into Virginia (now West Virginia) and Kentucky via the Monongahela and Ohio Rivers. Also, many headed west by overland trail to Steubenville, where a land office was located, then on into Ohio, Illinois and beyond. 16-Joseph and 17-Jane (McCORMICK) WATSON (my GG Grandparents) became naturalized citizens between 1820 & 1830. They had nine children, the first three born in Fayette County and the rest in Greene County. Following is a brief summary of what I have learned concerning their children. 1. Eliza (WATSON) CONAWAY -- Born about 1811. About 1837 she married Trueborn G. CONAWAY, born in 1810, the oldest child of Caleb CONAWAY and Nancy DAVIS who moved to Monongalia County, VA (now WV), from Delaware, prior to Truborn’s birth. They were living in Morgantown, Monongalia County, VA (now WV) in 1853, when Eliza’s fathers estate was settled, and both continued to live there the rest of their lives. They had four children, Joseph W., Morgan, Eliza Jane and John N., the youngest, who was born in October 1847. Eliza died ten years later on 20 December 1857 and is buried at Morgantown. Truborn later remarried to Joanna (maiden name unknown) and he lived until about 1901. He too is buried at Morgantown. It is very possible that some of Truborn and Eliza’s descendants still live in the Monongalia County, WV area. 2. James B. WATSON -- Born about 1813. Married Matilda LINCOLN of Carmichaels, PA*, born 30 Nov. 1820. In 1850 they were living in a rooming house in Bloomington, McClean County, IL where James was working as a clerk. They returned to Greene County sometime after 16-Joseph died in 1853. He died without a will and the court established a value on the family farm. James committed to buy the farm and pay all other members of the family their proportionate share. The bulk of the money was paid in 1857 when two-thirds of the amount due was paid off. James died about 1863 and during that year additional payments were made from his estate to the remaining members of the family. Matilda lived until 4 May 1910. To date I have not determined the burial place of James or Matilda. In 1840 an older James WATSON (age 40-50) also lived in McClean County, IL with his wife (30-40), a daughter (10-15) and a son (under 5). This could have been a younger brother of 16-Joseph and the reason the younger James, and his younger brother Byron Wesley, below, relocated from PA to IL. The older James either died or relocated prior to 1850. * The LINCOLN Family of Carmichaels descended from the same common ancestor as President Abraham LINCOLN. That ancestor was Samuel LINCOLN of Hingham, England who came to Salem, Mass. in 1637 at the age of eighteen. Matilda LINCOLN, James WATSON’S wife, was the daughter of Thomas and Mary (EVANS) LINCOLN of Fayette County, PA. She was one of seven children. She and her brother Thomas Benton LINCOLN moved from Fayette County to Carmichaels, Greene County sometime prior to her marriage to James WATSON. Matilda, like President Abraham LINCOLN, was an 8G Grandchild of Samuel LINCOLN, mentioned above. Matilda’s paternal grandfather, Benjamin LINCOLN, was born in Berks County, PA 29 Oct. 1756, served in Captain John ROBINSON’S Co. of the Pennsylvania Militia during and immediately after the Revolutionary War, and moved to Fayette County, PA about 1791. He died there 2 Oct. 1821. Matilda graduated from the Greene Academy of Carmichaels, one of the early formal education institutions in Greene County. After the death of James WATSON in about 1863, she married Captain Watson GRIM and taught for many years in Greene County schools. 3. 8-John WATSON – Born 15 Sep. 1815. See separate biographic sketch below. 4. Rev. Nelson WATSON -- Born about 1817. In early 1850's he was a Methodist minister, possibly at the Bald Hill Church. Was Petitioner in the settlement of his father’s estate in 1853. (See WATSON SUPPLEMENT below) 5. Dr. Byron Wesley WATSON -- Born about 1820. In 1853 was living in Reading, Livingston County, IL. In 1859 he purchased two adjoining lots in Ancona, Reading Township, Livingston County, IL, presumably for a homesite. In 1860 he was listed as a physician living in Ancona with wife Lucretia (maiden name unknown) who was born in Ohio, son James R., eleven years old, and daughter Harriet Augusta, nine years old, both born in IL. Keeping house for them was Mary OSBORN, age eighteen, also from Pennsylvania. By 1870 first wife, Lucretia, had been gone for several years and Byron was married to Mary OSBORN with two children by Mary; Harry, six years old and Gertrude, three years old. Older children James and Harriet were still living at home. By 1880 his second wife, Mary, was gone and daughter Harriet was keeping house for her father and the two younger children. James had moved to a home of his own, had married Ida B. (maiden name unknown), age 19, born in Ohio, and they had one child, Roy, five months old. James was then a schoolteacher. By 1890 the entire family had relocated. (See WATSON SUPPLEMENT below) 6. Mary A. (WATSON) McCORMICK -- Born about 1822. Married Joseph McCORMICK. In Sept. 1853 one acre in the Southwest corner of the family farm was transferred to them for a homesite. Joseph McCORMICK is buried at Bald Hill Cemetery but Mary's burial place not yet found -- possibly at Bald Hill, but if so her grave marker is gone. (See WATSON SUPPLEMENT below) 7. Hannah (WATSON) SMITH -- Born about 1824. Married (first name unknown) SMITH. Living in Greene County in 1853. Probably relocated shortly thereafter since no additional information found to date. 8. Jane (WATSON) RICE -- Born in 1826. Married William RICE, son of a farmer who operated a farm that adjoined the 16-Joseph WATSON farm. William was born in Maryland and moved with his parents to Greene County, PA while still a child. Jane & William continued to live in the Bald Hill area all of their married lives. In Sept. 1953, as with the McCORMICK’S above, one acre of the family farm was transferred to them for a home site. Jane died in 1888, William in 1901. Both are buried in the Bald Hill Cemetery. 9. Nancy (WATSON) FURMAN -- Born in 1827 . Married John "Jehu" FURMAN who owned a farm adjoining the 16-Joseph WATSON farm. He was several years her senior, had been married previously, and had several children. His first wife Williante, died in 1854 at age 35. Nancy and "Jehu" had at least two children, Jud, and Eliza Jane. Nancy is buried in the Bald Hill Cemetery. "Jehu" is buried on Lynch Farm across Dunkard Creek from the site of the old Paw Paw Church alongside his first wife and at least one of their children. 16-Joseph died in 1853 at age 66, and 17-Jane in 1862 at age 81. Both are buried in the Bald Hill Cemetery, Dunkard Township, Greene County, PA. * * * * * * 8-John WATSON (my G Grandfather) was the third child of Joseph and Jane. He was born in Redstone Township, Fayette County, PA in 1815, one year before his parents moved to Greene County. He was raised on his parents farm and married 9-Louisa REPPERT, the daughter of a local German immigrant, about 1842. They had six children, Byron Wesley, Benjamin Franklin, Elmira, John N., 4-Joseph Christian and Comond. Benjamin died at age 7 in a fall from a farm building and Comond, the youngest, died when only 14 months old from causes not now known. 8-John and 9-Louisa owned a farm in the Bald Hill area where they lived out their lives. 8-John died in 1863 at age 48, some four months after their youngest son Comond, was born. Upon John’s death oldest son Byron was made guardian of his younger brothers (in those days women were not considered capable of handling this responsibility). Byron married in about 1871 and 4-Joseph C. (my Grandfather) about 1879, to the RUSSELL sisters, Katherine and 5-Lucretia respectively, and both moved to their own farm homes. Elmira and John N. continued to live on at home with their mother. John N. later married and relocated but Elmira, who never married, lived with her mother until her mother’s death in 1890 at age 71. After her mothers death Elmira lived with a family in Taylortown, PA for several years. Her last years were spent in the homes of brothers Byron and Joseph alternately. She died in 1911 at age 64. Her estate settlement involved $212.93 to each of her surviving brothers, Byron, 4-Joseph C. and John N. 8-John, 9-Louisa, Byron, Benjamin, Elmira, John N., and Comond are all buried in the Bald Hill Cemetery, Dunkard Township, Greene County, PA. 4-Joseph Christian WATSON (my Grandfather), named after his two grandfathers 16-Joseph WATSON and 18-Christian REPPERT, was born in 1855 at Bald Hill, Greene County, PA, the youngest son of John and Louisa to live beyond childhood. He was brought up on his parents farm, attended the local school and became known for a quick and sharp mind that resulted in his being remembered as the winner of many "spelling bees" as a youngster. As he approached manhood his desire was to become a Methodist minister and toward this end he attended the Waynesburg College, walking the many miles from and to his Bald Hill home. The marriage of his older brother, Byron, who moved to his own farm, resulted in Joseph's leaving college and returning to help work the family farm. Thereafter his ministerial ambitions had to be satisfied by duty as a lay-minister when requested to substitute for the regular local minister. About 1879 4-Joseph married 5-Lucretia RUSSELL, the daughter of a local farmer. Lucretia was a younger sister of Katherine RUSSELL who had married his older brother Byron, a few years earlier. Joseph and Lucretia had four children, Irma, 2-Lester, Rena and Susanna. 4-Joseph sold his123 acre farm near Bald Hill to brother Byron on 29 Sep. 1902 after purchasing a 160 acre farm in Monongahela Township, near Mapletown and Greensboro, from J. E. COLVIN, on 22 May 1902. They moved to their new farm in 1903 where they lived the rest of their lives. 5-Lucretia died in 1931 at age 75 and 4-Joseph in 1932 at age 77. Both are buried at Monongahela Hill Cemetery, Mapletown, PA. *The original Greene County WATSON farm, 203 acres purchased by 16-Joseph WATSON (my GG grandfather) on 19 Oct. 1816, was located north of the Bald Hill Church in Dunkard Township with the northern boundary of the property on Dunkard Creek. On 12 Jan. 1856 some three years after his fathers death 8-John WATSON purchased a farm of about 123 acres just northeast of the Bald Hill Church with the Southwestern corner of the farm bordering on church property. This property was purchased from William FURMAN. Upon 8-John’s death in 1863, at age 48, he willed that his “property be appraised by three disinterested men chosen by my executors” and that “my beloved wife Louisa have one third of the effects and the other two thirds be equally shared between my children share and share alike”. 4-Joseph Christian WATSON continued to farm the property. On 15 Sept. 1892 he and his wife, 5-Lucretia (RUSSELL) WATSON, sold “six thousand six hundred square feet more or less” of the property, for fifteen dollars, to the Trustees of the Methodist Protestant Church of Bald Hill. This enlarged the property of the “new MP Church” (dedicated 18 Sept. 1892) in an easterly direction. The church Trustees at that time were 4-Joseph, his two brothers, Byron W. and John N., 10-Eli RUSSELL, James Donley, son of 22-Rev. Daniel DONLEY and Harmon BROWN. On 6 Mar. 1900 4-Joseph’s brothers Byron W., John N. and sister Elmira V. signed their part of the family farm over to him for “one dollar (besides money previously paid)”. Interestingly brother Byron W. and his wife, Katherine RUSSELL WATSON, had previously purchased a farm of their own -- land that had once been owned by 40-Jacob RUSSELL, then 20-Solomon RUSSELL. This property was later owned by Byron’s son Irving and wife Isa HEROD WATSON. Isa and Irving were among the closest friends of 2-Lester M. and 3-Grace (SOUTH) WATSON and their home and farm was a place of many happy memories for members of my generation. After the death of Isa and Irving the property was sold back to RUSSELL descendants, completing the circle. On 29 Sep. 1902, after purchasing their new farm in Monongahela Twp., near Mapletown and Greensboro, 4-Joseph C. and 5-Lucretia sold their Bald Hill property back to Joseph’s brother Byron W. -- 122.74 acres for $4,909. The “WATSON Farm” near Mapletown & Greensboro, PA purchased by 4-Joseph C. and 5-Lucretia on 22 May 1902, from J. E. Colvin, was part of a tract of land patented under the name “Blackbird” and purchased from the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania by Colonel John MINOR, a prominent landholder in the area, on 23 Mar. 1787 (See Forward). The property was later owned by Dissisway SOUTH II** grandson of 48-Elijah SOUTH and a first cousin of my great grandfather, 12-Nicholas SOUTH. Dissisway SOUTH and his wife, Mariah MAPLE, owned the farm for many years and raised a family of six children there. They probably built the farm home that later served as the 4-Joseph Christian WATSON family home for many years. When Dissisway died in 1879 the property was sold by Joseph SOUTH, his first cousin acting as his executor, to James COLVIN. COLVIN sold it to 4-Joseph Christian WATSON in 1902. **There were close family ties between the MINOR and SOUTH families. Otho MINOR, oldest son of Colonel John MINOR and Christina WILLIAMS, married Rebecca SOUTH, daughter of Benjamin SOUTH and Elizabeth SLACK. Benjamin was a brother of my 3G Grandfather 12-Elijah SOUTH. Rebecca’s sister Sarah married Noah MINOR, son of Colonel William MINOR and Ellen PHILLIPS. William MINOR, like his brother John, was a Colonel in the Virginia Militia (the area was part of the state of Virginia at that time). Obviously the many descendants of these two marriages are relatives of 3-Grace (SOUTH) WATSON and her descendants * * * * * *
2-Lester M. WATSON and 3-Grace SOUTH WATSON lived their entire lives in Greene County, Pennsylvania. Lester was born in 1886 at Bald Hill, and Grace in 1888 at Wiley, both in Dunkard Township. Lester was raised on the family farm, excelled in school, and became a schoolteacher at age 16. His first teaching job was in Maidsville, Monongalia County, West Virginia, just across the state line from the families Bald Hill home. When the family moved to their new farm home near Greensboro in 1903 Lester continued teaching in Maidsville, where he lived with a first cousin Retta (WATSON) HOLBERT and her husband Jesse. Within a couple of years he rejoined the family at their new home where he helped his father on the farm and resumed his teaching career, a career which was to encompass some fifty years as teacher, principal and supervising principal in several area schools. Also, in his new location he met the SOUTH sisters, Grace and Ada, fellow school teachers and daughters of a local Methodist Minister. He courted both sisters before making his choice and asking Grace to become his wife. They were married on November 24, 1910 at Carmichaels, PA, in the home of Grace's "Aunt Alice" DOWLIN. They began housekeeping in a two story utility building, commonly referred to as the "wash house", adjacent to Lester's parents home. Their first three children, Kenneth, Elizabeth and Dale were born there. In 1916 they moved to their newly constructed home on the family farm, just across the road from the parents home. They had seven additional children, Joseph, Margaret, Lester Jr., Vernon, Walter, Ernest, who died soon after birth, and Bruce, and continued to live at this location the rest of their lives. In 1920, ownership of approximately half of the family farm was transferred to Lester. Seeing a need in the local area he started a dairy business to process and deliver milk to families in the surrounding communities. Since the farm was located in a scenic valley he chose to call it Watsondale, and the new business venture was named Watsondale Dairy. The dairy operation served the region for some 25 years before closing its doors during World War II. It was a family business with each member of the family making their own unique contribution to the success of the venture until it came time for them to move on to further their education, to pursue other occupations, or to enter the armed forces. World War II caused a major disruption in the routine as, over time, six brothers and one sister entered the U. S. Armed Forces. The dairy business was terminated as the last son departed to serve his country. Lester and Grace continued to live on the farm and made it a happy gathering place for post-war reunions as family members returned, all uninjured, from widespread military assignments throughout the world. The happy gatherings continued at the farm for the next several years as family members, spouses and grandchildren assembled for holidays, vacations and family reunions. All of this ended with the death of 3-Grace in 1957, at age 68, and 2-Lester* in 1960, at age 74. The family farm was sold soon after Lester’s death. So ended a significant chapter in the history of the family. Lester and Grace are buried at Monongahela Hill Cemetery near Mapletown, Greene County, PA, alongside Lester's parents. Nearby are sons Dale, Vernon, Walter and Ernest, and more recently daughter Betty. In retrospect 2-Lester M. Watson and 3-Grace (South) Watson were remarkable people (of course, I might be just a bit prejudiced). They were honest, conscientious, dependable, hard working, God fearing people who did their best to raise a large family to live by the same values that guided their own lives. Lester played an active roll in Greene County schools for several decades as a teacher, principal and supervising principal. He also was a school board member and an officer in the Greene County School Directors Association. In the 1920’s he served for several years on the school board of Monongahela Township while teaching in another school district. He was President of the Monongahela Township School Board during a period when major changes took place in the school system. In 1922 the first four-year high school was approved for the township. That same year a dormitory building was built so that students living some distance from the school would not have to travel when inclement winter weather made travel to and from their homes next to impossible. And, in 1925 a new four year high school building was completed -- the initial phase of the present high school. The high school building has been expanded a number of times since then and the dormitory building still stands but is now a private home. Lester was an early day entrepreneur who, in addition to the dairy business, at various times in his life was involved in the ownership and management of an automobile dealership, an ice plant that made and delivered ice to families throughout the area and a domestic furnace sales and installation business. He was recognized as one of the more progressive farmers in the area and for years was an Executive Committee member of the Greene County Agricultural Extension Association. The Associations mission was to promote the adoption of the most modern, scientific farming methods and to improve farming and farm life in Greene County. Like many other hardy farmers of his day he could meet most any challenge. He was a capable carpenter, electrician, plumber, mason, etc. When there was a job to be done on the farm it was virtually unheard of to request outside assistance. Lester could handle it all and did his best to pass on his skills to his boys, with varying degrees of success. In 1958 2-Lester married a second time, to Clara (LEMLEY) STAMMLER, a lifelong family friend and his fourth cousin. Clara LEMLEY, like Lester, was a 3G grandchild of 92-George LEMLEY and 93-Catherine Yoho. Clara’s 2G grandfather, Jacob LEMLEY, Sr., was a brother of Lester’s 2G grandfather 46-David LEMLEY. Her parents were Leasure LEMLEY and Victoria CLEAVENGER. After Lester’s death Clara lived out her last years in a Mount Vernon, Ohio retirement home where she died and was buried in 1982, at age 95. * * * * * *
SUPPLEMENTAL BIOGRAPHIC MATERIAL - WATSON
(Added after initial printing) The following applies to my 2G Grandfather 16-Joseph WATSON (1787-1853), the earliest positively identified member of our WATSON family line. No definite information has been found concerning the date of 16-Joseph WATSON’S arrival in America. Joseph and his wife, 17-Jane McCormick, both from Ireland, are first found on record in 1810. In the 1810 census they are residents of Redstone Township, Fayette County, PA. Both are listed out as 16-25 years of age and they have no children at that time. Joseph filed his Intent for Naturalization with the Allegheny County District Court on August 14, 1811. He states he was born in Ireland and his sponsor was one John KELLY. He is listed as a Private in the roster of Captain Peter HERTZOG’S Company from Fayette County in the War of 1812. He served in 1812 and 1813. * The next record found for Joseph WATSON and Jane, his wife, is when they purchased their farm near Bald Hill, Dunkard Twp., Greene County, PA on October 19, 1816. SOURCE: Research by GENSEARCH (Internet) * The involvement of 16-Joseph Watson in the War of 1812 was recently documented by the Greene County, PA Veterans Affairs Office in a published list of the 44 veterans of the War of 1812 buried in Greene County. JOSEPH WATSON FAMILY
MEMORIAL
Memorial (above) to the first WATSONS of our
family line to settle in
America, erected in 1998. Located in Bald Hill Church Cemetery,
Dunkard Township, Greene County, PA. Original grave markers of
Joseph and his wife Jane, broken and barely legible, now lie flat on
their graves on a concrete backing. Several of their children and
grandchildren are buried in this same cemetery. Dear Ancestor,
Your Tombstone stands among the rest; Neglected and alone. The name and date are chiseled out On polished marbled stone. It reaches out to all who care It is too late to mourn. You did not know that I exist You died ere I was borne. Yet each of us are cells of you In flesh, in blood, in bone. Our blood contracts and beats a pulse Not exclusively our own. Dear Ancestor, the place you filled So many years ago Spreads out among the ones you left Who would have loved you so. I wonder, as you lived and loved, I wonder if you knew That someday I would find this spot, And come to visit you Author Unknown * * * * * * Rev. Nelson L. WATSON (1817-1897) was a son of my 2G Grandparents 16-Joseph WATSON (1787-1853) and 17-Jane McCORMICK (1781-1862), from Ireland, and a brother of G Grandfather 8-John M. WATSON (1815-1863). Much of this information concerning Nelson WATSON surfaced recently, after a 12-year search. Rev. Nelson L. WATSON was born 11 April 1817 at Bald Hill, Dunkard Township, Greene County, PA. He attended local public schools and at age 19 began teaching school. He attended theology school and became a Methodist minister (Pittsburgh Conference). He preached until 1854 when he developed voice problems, had to quit preaching for a couple of years during recovery, and then continued his ministry, first in Pennsylvania and then Illinois, for several years. In 1853 while still living in Greene County, PA he was Petitioner in the settlement of his father’s estate. He relocated soon thereafter to Illinois (where his brothers Byron Wesley and James B. had previously settled) and records show that, in addition to being a minister, he had a grain business in Somonauk, DeKalb County, IL until 1871. On 31 Mar 1859 he married Mary Elvina DALE, over twenty years his junior, of DeKalb County, IL at Aurora, Kane County, IL. They made their home in Somonauk, DeKalb County, IL. Mary Elvina, born 12 Jan 1841 in DeKalb County, IL., was the daughter of Frank DALE and Maria WEBSTER, both born in England.* Nelson WATSON moved to Kansas in May 1872 where he homesteaded 160 acres located four miles from Mt. Hope, Sedgwick County, KS (Section 34, Greeley Township). His family followed about one year later. He lived on this property until his death. Nelson and Mary Elvina had six children, five born in Illinois and the youngest born after their move to Kansas; Infant boy (died young), Catherine Ethel (1860-1914), Franklin J. (1862-1871), Charles S. (1864-1934), Robert Dale (1869-1934) and Ella Mabel (1873-1954). Nelson died 2 Feb 1897 at Mt. Hope, Sedgwick County, Kansas and is buried in the Mt. Hope Cemetery. After his death his widow lived with their son, Robert Dale WATSON, on the family farm near Mt. Hope. Mary died 17 Apr 1920 and is buried beside Nelson in the Mt. Hope cemetery. SOURCES: Cousin J. Douglas LEITH, M.D. of Auburndale, MA, Cousin Jan LA MOTTE of Oklahoma City, OK and BRW family records. The following from the HISTORY OF THE STATE OF KANSAS (Sedgwick County Chapter) by William G. CUTLER, published in 1883 while Nelson L. WATSON was still alive. “N. L. WATSON, farmer, Section 34, P. O. Fayette, was born in Pennsylvania, in 1817, son of Joseph and Jane (McCORMICK) WATSON, was married in 1859, to Miss Mary E. DALE, daughter of Frank and Maria (WEBSTER) DALE, has four children - Katie E., Charles S., Robert D. and Ella M. Mr. WATSON buried one child, Frank J., in 1870. He came to Kansas in 1871, and located on the farm where he now resides. Owns 240 acres of land, and is engaged in farming and stock raising. Is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, the Masonic Fraternity, A., F. & A. M., and of the I. O. O. F. Settled in Greeley Township one year before its organization. Was one of the organizers of the township. Was elected Justice of the Peace at the first election, and held the office for two years. Re-elected in 1879, and served two years, and was again elected in 1882. Has been a member of the School Board for four years.” BIOGRAPHY OF NELSON L. WATSON (1817-1897) Nelson L. WATSON, deceased, for many years a prominent farmer of Greeley township, Sedgwick County, Kansas, had an interesting and varied career, having been both a minister of the Gospel, and a physician. He was a man of considerable prominence in his locality and his death, which occurred February 2, 1897, was mourned by a large circle of friends, who realized that in him the township had lost one of its worthiest citizens. Nelson L. WATSON was born April 11, 1817, and was a son of Joseph and Jane (McCORMICK) WATSON, both natives of the north of Ireland. Joseph WATSON, Nelson’s father, was well educated in the schools of Ireland. He came to this country directly after his marriage to Jane McCORMICK and they settled in Greene County, Pennsylvania, where he took up land in 1816, and developed it into a valuable farm. He reared his entire family upon that place, and became a very wealthy farmer. He died there about the year 1855. He and his wife were the parents of the following children: Eliza; James; Nelson L.; Byron; Mary; Jane; Nancy; Hannah; and John. In religious belief, they were Methodists. Mrs. WATSON died about 1860, aged about seventy-seven years. The mind of Nelson L. WATSON was cultivated in the public schools of Pennsylvania, and at the age of nineteen years, he began teaching school. He taught for several years, and then entered a theological school and became a Methodist minister, belonging to the Pittsburgh conference. He preached until 1854, when he relinquished the work on account of the failure of his voice. He had taken up the study of medicine and graduated a year or two previous to abandoning the ministry, and on the cessation of his pastoral labors he practiced medicine for two years. Upon recovering the full use of his voice, he returned to preaching and thus continued several years. He next became interested in the grain business in DeKalb County, Illinois, where he remained until 1871, and then removed to Kansas with his family. He acquired the property on which his family now resides, consisting of 160 acres in section 34, Greeley Township, Sedgwick County. There he industriously followed the occupation of farming, until his death, February 2, 1897. He lived a long and useful life, and was held in the highest esteem by all. He was an excellent farmer and an extensive stock raiser, being unqualifiedly successful in his work. Mr. WATSON was united in marriage, in 1859, with Mary E. DALE, a daughter of Frank and Maria (WEBSTER) DALE, both natives of England. Mr. And Mrs. WATSON became the parents of the following children: Kate, Charles S., Frank J., Robert D., Ella M., and one who died in infancy. Kate married Henry JOHNSON, of Sherman township, Sedgwick county, and six children were born to them: Maude E., deceased; Claudia, deceased; Charles N.; Fred M.; Sidney R.; and Herman E. Charles S. married Mary H. HARROVER, and they have two children, Frank N. and Stewart A. Frank J. is deceased. Robert D. married Fannie M. WEDGE, and they have a daughter, Hazel Mary. Ella M. married Herman B. TIHEN, M. D., of Andale, Sedgwick County, and they have two children, Henry N. and Irene B. Religiously, the family are devout Methodists. Mrs. WATSON still resides on the old home property in Greely Township, where she is surrounded by a host of friends of long years’ standing. SOURCE: KANSAS BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD (1901) *
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OBITUARY OF MRS. MARY E. (DALE) WATSON (1841-1920) wife of Nelson L. WATSON (1817-1897) Mrs. Mary Elvina WATSON departed this life at her home in Mt. Hope, KS, April 17, 1920, age 79 years, 3 months and 5 days. She was born in DeKalb County, Illinois, January 12, 1841 and was the daughter of Frank and Maria (WEBSTER) DALE. She was united in marriage to Nelson L. WATSON, March 31, 1859 at Aurora, IL. To this union were born five children, Mrs. Kate E. JOHNSON who died Feb 24, 1914; Charles S. WATSON, Pond Creek, OK; Robert D. WATSON, Mt. Hope, KS; Mrs. Mabel Ella TIHEN, Andale, KS; and Franklin J. WATSON who died May 2, 1871. She is survived by brothers; Arthur H. DALE, Leland, IL, William DALE, Clearwater, KS, Judge Frank DALE, Guthrie, OK, and Judge David M. DALE Wichita, KS. With her husband and family she moved to her homestead four miles from Mt. Hope, May 10, 1872 and resided there until she moved to her late home in Mt. Hope. Her husband Mr. WATSON died Feb 2, 1897 and she remained his widow until the time of her death. She united with the Methodist Church in her youth and at the time of her death she was stewardess emeritus of her church. She was keenly alive to every interest of her church and community to the day of her departure. Possessing remarkable force of character and intellect her counsel was often sought and wisely given in affairs pertaining to her church and community. She was a member of the Order of the Eastern Star Lodge of Mt. Hope, the members of which attended the funeral in a group forming an escort to the body of their departed sister. A large crowd paid it last respects to this highly respected citizen, when services were conducted Monday at 10 am at the Methodist Church by her pastor Rev. J. C. JOHNSON. SOURCE: Mt. Hope, KS Library, Transcribed from Mt. Hope Clarion, April, 1920 *
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Nelson L. WATSON’S granddaughter, Hazel (WATSON) DOSIEN (1899- ), daughter of Nelson’s son, Robert Dale WATSON (1869-1934) and his wife Fanny M. WEDGE (1872-1963), gave the following statement at a family reunion in Harvey County, Kansas in August 1982. Hazel was 82 years old at the time. “Grandpa WATSON was a minister of the Gospel and traveled around. He also went into the grain business and because of a failure in that he came to Kansas to homestead. He settled on a quarter section three miles north of Andale in 1871. He stayed a year alone until he was granted the claim and Grandma came to Newton on the train with three children, Charles, Robert and Kate. Kate, who was red headed, was the oldest, 12 years old. Ella, born in Kansas in 1873, was the first white baby born in Greeley Township. Grandpa WATSON farmed the 160 acres and bought the 80 acres across the road east. He was over twenty years older than Grandma and retired from farming in 1890 or 1891, and they rented the land. My dad, Robert WATSON, had a homestead in Oklahoma near Okeene. While on the farm he was standing in the back of a farm wagon waiting to go hunting. He had his right hand over the barrel of the gun and the horses gave a lurch and the gun went off and shot away his two middle fingers and thumb. That’s how he met my mother. She was teaching school at Okeene and went to a square dance. While doing an “all men left” and his crippled hand took hers she smiled at him and they talked and became acquainted. When Grandpa WATSON retired he and Grandma wanted my parents to come live with them, which they did in 1892. Grandpa Watson died in 1897 and I, an only child, was born two years later, in 1899. My father’s heart was not in farming so he took a traveling job with the International Harvester Co. He died in 1934 of kidney failure.” *
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*Frank DALE (1812-1890) was the father of Mary Elvina DALE, who married Nelson L. WATSON. Frank DALE was born in Yorkshire, England in 1812, came to the United States with his parents when he was 6 years old and initially settled in Pennsylvania. He moved to Illinois in 1835 and settled in the same general area where he spent the rest of his life. He was a merchant in Somonauk, IL before moving to Leland, IL where he was a grain dealer and farmer. He was known for his leadership in the new Republican Party of Illinois, was an intimate of Abraham LINCOLN and a strong supporter of LINCOLN during his campaigns for the presidency. Frank DALE, like his son-in-law Nelson WATSON, was a Methodist minister. He was a much respected and beloved member of his community who, later in life, was affectionately known by the local citizenry as “Father” DALE. According to a lengthy obituary in my possession “He was known by everybody who had the pleasure of his acquaintance to be a grand model as an example for men to live by and to die by. He was always a ready worker in Sabbath school and Church; was always cheerful, never downcast, always ready to minister to the needy, and ever in a mood to raise the fallen and encourage them to take that step that leads them on to the discovery of that straight and narrow path.” Unfortunately Frank DALE’s life came to a tragic end in 1890. It is described as “one of the saddest accidents in the history of the town of Leland, the outcome of which was the death of Frank DALE at the railroad crossing at the eastern limit of the corporation. He was driving across the track at about 1:50 o’clock in the afternoon of Thursday, September 4th, 1890, when the mail train from the east running about 30 miles per hour struck the cart upon which he was seated and, leaving the horse uninjured, threw cart and driver into the air, and landed “Father” DALE a number of feet inside the Company’s fence. His daughter-in-law Mrs. A. H. DALE was at the scene a half minute later but life had already fled.” Testimony was given “that whistle was properly given and the train slowed up to its usual rate of speed at that point. The view of the crossing is obstructed by some trees, and “Father” DALE being far advanced in years neither saw nor heard the train until it was too late.” “The funeral on the Sabbath: following the sad bereavement – Sept. 8th – was attended by the largest concourse of people ever attended on a similar occasion in the Leland area. Friends from every direction came in numbers to pay their last respects to the honored dead.” “The remains were taken for their last resting place to Oakridge Cemetery, Sandwich, IL.” SOURCE: Cousin Jan La Motte of Oklahoma City, OK and F. DALE’s obituary. Coincidentally, and of special interest to me, the towns of Somonauk, Leland and Sandwich, IL mentioned above are all within a very few miles of the Sandwich, IL Airport where I worked as a flight instructor for about four years during the early 1950’s. Obviously I was not aware of any of the above at that time. -- BRW * * * * * *
Nelson L. WATSON’s wife, Mary Elvina DALE, was one of eight children. One of her younger brothers, Frank DALE II (1849-1930), played a prominent role in Oklahoma Territory history. Frank DALE was a lawyer who moved from Wichita, Kansas to Guthrie, Oklahoma on April 22, 1889. He established his own law firm in Guthrie, and was appointed to the Oklahoma territorial bench as an associate justice May 26, 1892. President Grover Cleveland named him chief justice of the territorial supreme court, in September of that year, a position in which he served until March 1, 1898. While serving as chief justice of the Oklahoma Territorial Supreme Court Judge DALE’S actions made him a legend in legal circles in the state and secured lasting fame in law enforcement circles. He issued an unusual order – perhaps the only one of its kind ever given by a federal judge. Sharing the concern that “too many” lawmen were being killed in attempts to apprehend desperados of the time, he advised E. D. NIX, the famed U.S. Marshal for the Oklahoma Territory that “dead outlaws are preferable to dead lawmen.” According to NIX, writing in his biography, Judge DALE said “Marshal, this is serious. I have reached the conclusion that the only good outlaw is a dead one. I hope you will instruct your deputies to bring in dead outlaws in the future. This will simplify your problem and save some lives.” According to NIX this order and Judge DALE’S support led to his successful efforts to curb the Oklahoma Territory outlaws. After leaving the bench Judge DALE returned to his own private law practice in Guthrie. During this period he defended a case in which he received 80 acres of land as his lawyer’s fee. He platted the land, laying it out in streets. That property is now part of Oklahoma City. In later life Judge DALE received a charter for the Farmers and Merchants Bank of Guthrie, OK on 10 Jan. 1925. He was president of the bank and principal stockholder. Among the other stockholders was John RINEHART, descended from the Greene County, PA RINEHARTS (WATSON ancestors). SOURCE: Annual 89’er Edition, GUTHRIE DAILY LEADER, April 1896
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DR. CHARLES N.
JOHNSON,
PHYSICIAN AND
SURGEON, MOUNT HOPE, KANSAS,
1912-1916.Charles N. JOHNSON, M.D. (1878-1961) was a grandson of Nelson L. WATSON and Mary E. DALE, a son of their daughter Kate E. WATSON and her husband, Henry JOHNSON, of Sedgwick County, Kansas. Interestingly, Cousin Jan LA MOTTE, granddaughter of Dr. JOHNSON, reports that his medical schooling at Northwestern University was financed by a $10,000 loan from Judge Frank DALE, above. Dr. Charles N. JOHNSON, who was born and raised near Mt. Hope, bought the medical practice of Mt. Hopes Dr. William J. HATFIELD in January 1912. Dr. JOHNSON was graduated by Northwestern University, Chicago, with highest honors, receiving not only the highest grade in his own school but beaten by only one other in the entire city. He had two years practice at St. Francis Hospital in Wichita before returning to Mt. Hope. In April 1914 Dr. JOHNSON moved to his new office in the rear of the First National Bank building. In May he bought a new Ford run-about, and in December the Bates REED residence on South King Street. He continued to perform admirably as a physician and surgeon for the citizens of the Mt. Hope area and as a surgeon at St. Francis Hospital, Wichita. In September 1916, Dr. H. B. MORTON of Wichita bought Dr. JOHNSON’S medical practice and moved into his office. C. R. RANKIN purchased JOHNSON’S property on South King Street. This was during World War I and Dr. JOHNSON volunteered his services to his country and spent most of his army time at Fort Riley, KS. Upon completing his military service Dr. JOHNSON moved to Wichita, KS where he lived the rest of his life. He became the health officer of Sedgwick County, KS and also president of the St. Francis Hospital staff in Wichita. In January 1941, as we approached World War II, Major Charles N. JOHNSON, M.D. was directed to report, once again, for active duty with a medical detachment of the army at Fort Ord, California. The doctor was a son of Henry and Kate E. (WATSON) JOHNSON who married on March 12, 1897 and moved to a new home one mile east of Andale. Thirty-one years later in the spring of 1908 they moved to a home five miles northeast of Mt. Hope where Henry died the following November. Kate (WATSON) JOHNSON moved to Mt. Hope in 1912 where she died February 24, 1914. She was predeceased by two daughters and survived by four sons: Charles N., Fred M., Sydney R., and Herman E. The latter married Myrtle GARRISON. A surviving sister, Ella M. (WATSON) TIHEN was married to another popular local doctor, Herman TIHEN, M.D., of Andale. SOURCE: MT. HOPE CENTENNIAL PUBLICATION. * * * * * * DR. BYRON WESLEY WATSON
Obituary of Dr. Byron Wesley WATSON (1817-1897) who was a son of my 2G Grandparents 16-Joseph WATSON (1787-1853) and 17-Jane McCORMICK (1781-1862), from Ireland, and a brother of G Grandfather 8-John M. WATSON (1815-1863). IN MEMORIAM DR. BYRON W. WATSON, of Putnam, Ill., died suddenly Saturday morning, Jan. 23, 1897, of apoplexy. He was down town Thursday forenoon, came home to his dinner and appeared well as usual. About 5 o’clock same evening his wife walked out for a few minutes; when she came in he was lying on the floor; she supposed he had fainted. Next morning Dr. Baker of Henry was sent for; when he came he said there was no hope for him, which caused many a heartache, and the loss of a friend and loving father and husband. Dr. Watson was born at Dunkard, Greene County, Pa., August 29, 1818. He came west and located in Ancona, Ill. There he built him a nice home, which afterwards burnt down; he then went to the south part of the state and resided for some time. Dr. Watson practiced as physician for over 50 years. He was a man of extensive information, highly educated, of engaging manners and pleasing address. He had a wide practice all over the state, and began his work at the early age of 20. He had four children born to him; a son that died a few years ago; the other one is married and lives at Washburn, this state, who was at the funeral. The daughters are married and reside in South Dakota, and could not get here on account of the roads being blockaded; there are five grandchildren. The doctor had had four wives, three had ascended; his last wife Mrs. Johnson of Putnam, a very worthy lady with whom he lived happily. He spake so often of seeing his friends over on the other shore, and said he was prepared to go whenever his time came. Dr. Watson was 78 years, 5 months and 3 days old; he selected II. Corinthians V1 to have a few brief remarks made, and his songs were “Shall we gather at the river," and “Sweet By and By.” Undertaker Keller took charge of the corpse. The funeral was conducted by Rev. David McLeish of Henry at the residence on Tuesday, January 26, at one p. m. Burial at Putnam cemetery.
* * * * * * MARY A. WATSON
Mary A. WATSON, who married Joseph McCORMICK, was a daughter of my 2G Grandparents 16-Joseph WATSON and 17-Jane McCORMICK, from Ireland, and a sister of G Grandfather 8-John M. WATSON. The McCORMICK’S had only one child who has been identified to date. Their daughter, Elizabeth McCORMICK, married Civil War veteran George Garrison MILLER whose biographic sketch follows – George Garrison MILLER was born in Dunkard Township, Greene County, PA, December 30, 1836, a son of Daniel and Rebecca (GARRISON) MILLER who were natives of PA and of German and Irish extraction. Mr. MILLER’S father and Jonathan MILLER, his grandfather, were farmers and millers by occupation. Later in life George Garrison MILLER owned and operated a 230-acre farm in Dunkard Township that was part of a 700-acre tract of land purchased by his Grandfather, Jonathan MILLER, in 1808. His grandfather died in 1849, and his father in 1887. George was an only child. He was reared on the home farm and in addition to his common-school education attended the Greene Academy in Carmichaels, and Allegheny and Waynesburg Colleges, and subsequently taught in Greene County schools for several years. On Sept. 22, 1862, during the Civil War, Mr. MILLER enlisted in Company E., Fourteenth Pennsylvania Volunteer Cavalry. He was a sergeant in the company and passed through many severe battles. He was with General AVERILL on his famous raids to White Sulfur Springs, Lewisburg and Salem. The U. S. Government showed its appreciation of the services rendered in the Salem expedition by issuing every man who returned from that battle a complete outfit of clothing free of cost. Returning home at the end of the war Mr. MILLER again engaged in teaching for a time then devoted his time and talent wholly to farming and stock-growing. He was twice married: First in Washington County to Margery HOPKINS, daughter of John and Jane (GREGG) HOPKINS. Their children were Laura, Ellen (died young), Estelle and Charles. George’s first wife, Margery, died in 1874. In 1877, at age 41, he married Elizabeth McCORMICK, age 26, daughter of Joseph and Mary A. (WATSON) McCORMICK. They became the parents of four children, Wayne, Warren D., Peri and James Clifton MILLER. SOURCE: HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY, PA (1888) by Samuel P. BATES Additional information follows from GREENE COUNTY CEMETERY RECORDS by Dorothy T. HENNEN. All of the following except George Garrison MILLER’S grandmother, Susana, are among those listed as buried at Wolf Cemetery, Dilliner, Dunkard Twp., Greene Cnty., PA George Garrison MILLER (1836-1897) and his wife, Elizabeth McCORMICK (1852-1917). George Garrison MILLER’S grandparents, Jonathon MILLER (1779-1849) and Susana (1772- ). His parents, Daniel MILLER (1810-1887) and Rebecca GARRISON (1808-1837). Two of their four children, Warren D. and James Clifton. Dr. Warren D. MILLER (1880-1937) married Louise L. (1881-1956) and they had one child identified to date, Virginia Laurence, who died within a few days after birth (1911-1911). James Clifton MILLER died at age nineteen (1888-1907). After the above information was assembled the following additional information was received from Cousin Waneta (UMBEL) HOLLAND of San Antonio, TX. “I am pleased that you sent me the additional information on the WATSON’S because I can add a little to the WATSON-McCORMICK-MILLER saga. Peri MILLER, daughter of George Garrison MILLER and Elizabeth McCORMICK, married Solomon Granville MOORE while he was in medical school about 1906. My father, Dr. Walter UMBEL, and Dr. MOORE were classmates in medical school at West Virginia University (W.V.U.) and also in medical school in Baltimore. Dr. MOORE and Peri MILLER had two children, Elizabeth MOORE and Virginia Miller MOORE. Elizabeth MOORE, born 1909 (?) in Elkins, WV, received both her bachelor and masters degrees at W.V.U. She never married and taught in Elkins High School until she retired, then continued to live in Elkins until her death in 1993 (?). Virginia Miller MOORE was born 1914 in Elkins, WV. She was my classmate and dear friend at W.V.U. We roomed together for three years. We knew we were cousins but were never clear on the connection. Virginia married Robert A. |
