Watson, James A. 1869-1941

WATSON, STOKES

Posted By: Linda Ziemann, volunteer (email)
Date: 7/20/2012 at 09:59:16

JAMES A WATSON ESTEEMED CITIZEN TAKEN BY DEATH
Was Successful Farmer And Prominent in Masonic Circles

James A. Watson, 71, life long farmer and business man in Plymouth County, died at his home, 108 Sixth Street SW, Tuesday morning, following an illness of four months. Mr. Watson suffered a stroke of paralysis in December and never fully recovered from the attack.

Born near Quebec, Canada, September 17, 1869, James Watson came with his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Hugh Watson, to LeMars in 1873. They settled on a farm in Union township which was the family home for many years.

Brought up in pioneer surroundings, one of a large family of children, James Watson early learned the lessons of self-help and while securing an elementary education in the rural school worked on the farm and followed the occupation of farmer all his life, making a success in his avocation.

On attaining young manhood he embarked in farming on his own account. He lived in America township south of town and later bought farms just north of town on which his sons are living.

ACTIVE IN COMMUNITY
Mr. Watson was active in community and political affairs and filled various township offices. He was a member of the Farm Bureau for many years and was Secretary of the Farmers Elevator company in LeMars.

Mr. Watson was prominent in Masonic circles, being a member of Plymouth Commandery, Knights Templar, Occidental Chapter, R.A.M., and Giblem Lodge, A.F. & A.M.

He was an elder in the First Presbyterian Church and a consistent supporter of good works and a constant attendant at services.

Mr. Watson had a wide acquaintance in the community where he passed his life and was popular in a large circle where his generous impulses and board outlook on affairs gained him friends. He was a devoted husband and father and his home life was ideal.

He was married to Miss Martha Stokes, a member of a pioneer Plymouth County family, in 1898. She survives him with three sons and a daughter, Dr. Alexander Watson of Waterloo, Iowa; John Watson, Kermit Watson and Gladys Watson, of LeMars. There are four grandchildren. He also leaves six sisters and two brothers, Mrs. Thos. Eyres and Mrs. Hugh Maxwell, of LeMars; Mrs. Elmer Rainboth of Union township; Mrs. George Lewis, of Osmund, Neb.; Mrs. Will Alexander, Plainview, Neb.; Mrs. Beatrice Schuman, of San Diego, Calif.; Archie Watson of Sioux Rapids, Iowa; Allan Watson of Plainview, Neb.

ACCORDED MASONIC HONORS
The Funeral services were held Thursday afternoon at the First Presbyterian Church. Rev. F. P. Pfaltzgraff conducted the service. Pallbearers were R. S. Bowers, R. L. Claussen, R. B. Dalton, J. G. Koenig, R. J. M. Long and George Remer.

Services at the graveside were conducted by members of the Masonic fraternity.

~Source: LeMars Semi-Weekly Sentinel, May 2, 1941