WATSON, Alexander

WATSON, KARR, LEE

Posted By: Debbie Koch (email)
Date: 11/4/2002 at 21:55:18

Alexander Watson

Alexander Watson, a pioneer of Des Moines County, residing on section 2, Yellow Spring Township, is a native of Ross County, Ohio, born Jan. 14, 1822, and is a son of Alexander and Jane (Karr) Watson, both of whom were natives of Pennsylvania. The father's occupation was that of a farmer, and his death occurred in Ross County, Ohio, when our subject was but a small child. The mother, with the aid of her children, then operated that farm until 1834, when she emigrated to Morgan County, Ill. In that county they rented farms for three years, and then removed to Pike County, Ill., where eighty acres of land were purchased, and there Mrs. Watson lived several years, when she removed to Montgomery County, Ill., where she died. She reared a family of five children: Catherine became the wife of Jesse Taylor, of Morgan County, both of whom are now deceased: David K., now a retired farmer of Brown County, Ill.; James C., died in Labette County, Kan., in 1876; Alexander, our subject; and Milton L., residing with the latter.

Alexander Watson was reared upon a farm, receiving such education as could be obtained at the subscription schools of that early day. At the age of seventeen years he left home, going to Winchester, Ill., where he served a two-years apprenticeship at the harness-maker's trade, and at the expiration of that time returned home, remaining for about a year. Deciding to go West he emigrated to Iowa, settling in Louisa County, where in 1843, he purchased a farm, making that his home until 1851, when he came to Des Moines County, settling in Yellow Spring Township. Purchasing eighty-five acres of raw land on section 2, he immediately began its improvement, and now has a fine farm of 142 acres, with a comfortable country residence and other good improvements. Politically,
Mr. Watson is a Republican, and an ardent supporter of the principles of his party
In 1845 the marriage of Mr. Watson with Miss Lavina Ann Lee was celebrated. Mrs. Watson is a native of Indiana, and a daughter of Robert W. Lee. This couple have been the parents of eight children: David W., now a resident of Sheridan, Iowa; William H., whose home is in Cass County, Iowa; Armilda, the wife of Harvey Stewart, of Morning Sun, this State; John M., of Marion County, Iowa; J. J. and Clara reside at home. Two are deceased: Martha Jane, who was the eldest of the family, died at the age of six months, and Stephan A. when about a year old.

Biographical Book of Des Moines County,page 396.