Watson, Mott(1828-1895)

WATSON

Posted By: Anne Hermann (email)
Date: 1/27/2008 at 13:17:06

Jackson Sentinel
August 29, 1895

MOTT WATSON PASSES AWAY

Mr. Mott Watson, whom we mentioned last week as having been paralyzed on his right side, failed to recover, and steadily lost strength until death relieved him at 6:30 Monday evening. He seemed in a stupor after his stroke and while recognizing friends who called, he had but little to say as it was an effort for him to talk.

He appeared to care nothing about the disposal of his property and made no manifestations in this direction to any of his friends or relatives, who were present during his illness.

Mott Watson was one of a family of twelve children – four girls and eight boys. He was born June, 1828, in Madison County, New York and lived on a farm until 18 years of age when he commenced work for himself. Though a rigidly temperate man in his habits, using neither tobacco or liquor in any form, his early business training was in the service of Joe Wright, a big distiller in New York state 45 years ago. He proved so efficient that he was paid a high salary, which afforded him a good start in life. Prior to this he had a checkered experience and found employment in many different avocations. In later life he told with amusement of how the first hundred dollars he saved he sent to his mother to loan for him, and she did it, but it never could be collected again. By prudence and industry he accumulated some money, and in the spring of 1858 came to Iowa and made his home with his brother John, in Monmouth Twp., this county. In April, 1862, he located in Maquoketa – where he remained till his decease, which occurred Aug. 26, 1895.

Mr. Watson was popular and at one time Mayor of Maquoketa. He was possessed of great business integrity, was benevolent, frequently bestowing aims in such a manner that the public never became cognizant of it. In his religious views he was liberal, but never became a member of any church, though he always contributed to their support. In his last hours he had opportunity to express himself upon the subject and seemed to be dying in peace with his God as he had lived in peace with men.

The funeral occurred yesterday at 1:30 p.m. from the Buckhorn church, Rev. D. F. Boomershine officiating. The remains were laid to rest in the family burial lot in Buckhorn cemetery. He leaves one sister, nephews and nieces and numerous friends to mourn the loss.