WATSON, John Milton

WATSON, LEE, KNEEDY, HIGGINS

Posted By: Debbie Koch (email)
Date: 11/4/2002 at 21:52:49

John Milton Watson

John Milton Watson, who owns a farm of fifty-five acres in Section 1, Yellow Springs township, and also cultivates fifty acres belonging to his father, was born in this township August 1, 1854, his parents being Alexander and Lavina Ann (Lee) Watson. His father has always followed the occupation of farming, and is still living, being now one of the venerable citizens of the county. The mother, however, has departed this life, having died June 30, 1904, when seventy-five years of age.

John Milton Watson acquired his education in the Hazel Grove School in Yellow Spring township, is time being divided between the work of the schoolroom, the pleasures of the playground, and the duties of the home farm. He was early instructed concerning the practical methods of tilling the soil, and has always engaged in general agricultural pursuits. He continued to assist his father in the operation of the old home place until twenty-three years of age, when he was married.

It was on March 7, 1884, that he wedded Miss Elmira Kneedy, who was born June 22, 1853, a daughter of John and Ann (Higgins) Kneedy, and a native of Maryland. She came to Des Moines county with her parents when she was about eight or nine years old. The located in Burlington, where her father worked at a cooper's trade, which he had previously learned.

Five children have graced this marriage: Florence Armilda, Bertha May, Amy Rebecca, Albert Lee, and Raymond Carl. The family circle yet remains unbroken by the hand of death, but two of the daughters are away from home. Bertha May is now the wife of Lee McClintock, and they reside in Section 3, Yellow Springs township, moving here from Dover, Missouri, where they lived for a time. Florence is the wife of George W. Boston, by whom she had three children. Ralph, the only one living; John died at the age of about eleven months; and one who died in infancy. Mrs. Boston is now making her home with her father. Mr. Watson has lived a quiet life, his energies being concentrated upon his farm work. By his untiring diligence and hard work he has brought about the excellent condition of his home place, putting on all of the improvements. Besides building a new residence in 1900, he has drilled a deep well at an expense of about $200. He has fenced his entire property and added other improvements, till he now has a very comfortable and cozy home near the north line of Des Moines county.

Biographical - Review of Des Moines County, Iowa Published in Chicago, Illinois by Hobart Publishing in 1905 See Page 931