Watson, Fred C.

WATSON, BEELER, PRATT, FISHER, SCHOOLEY, BRIGNON, MCGREW, HOOYER, BRYAN, JENNIE VANOENEN, BARNHART, JOHNSON

Posted By: Marilyn Holmes (email)
Date: 9/21/2009 at 20:43:57

From: Poweshiek Heritage; Publ. 1991 by Poweshiek County Historical and Genealogical Society; Page 318
Submitted by Janet Nelson

FRED WATSON

Fred C. Watson, son of Simon and Susan Beeler Watson, was born June 28, 1872, on a farm near Searsboro. He attended Bunker Hill rural school. December 12, 1896, he was married to Martha Pratt, daughter of Alvah and Mary Agnes Fisher Pratt of Montezuma. Martha, born July 23, 1875 in Pleasant Township, was graduated from Montezuma High School in 1893. She taught schools in Scott, Washington and Sugar Creek Townships for several terms.

They started their married life on a farm in Washington Township, owned by Simon Watson. They then moved to their own farm, one mile west of Searsboro, which is now owned by a granddaughter. He purchased adjoining land from C.L. Stanley in 1908, which is now known as the home place. On December 9, 1911 they moved into their new home and resided there until their deaths. Both Mr. and Mrs. Watson served on the school board for a number of years and were members of the Farm Bureau. Mr. Watson was also a trustee for Sugar Creek Township.

Ten children were born to Fred and Martha. Clifford Leroy, born January 8, 1898, married Edith Schooley. Ethel Ida, born August 3, 1899, never married and died January 7, 1988. Leo Max, born March 22, 1901, married Mamie Brignon. Alva Fred, born February 18, 1903, married Mabel McGrew. Lewis Tracy, born February 18, 1905, married Sena Irene Hooyer, who died March 11, 1932. Lewis later married Lucille Bryan, November 25, 1934. Robey Ellis, born August 17, 1906, married Jennie VanOenen. Joe Henry, born December 9, 1907, married Mabel Barnhart, died September 20, 1973. Alice Emma, born June 12, 1909, married Lloyd Johnson. Inez Viola, born Novemer 25, 1911, never married, died June 3, 1986. Baby boy twins born November 25, 1911, died November 27, 1911.

Mr. Watson followed general and stock farming until his death April 1, 1947. He is buried in West Liberty Cemetery. After her husband's death Martha remained in her home with her sons operating the farm until her death on August 16, 1972, having lived on the farm over seventy years. She is also buried in West Liberty Cemetery. They had twenty seven grandchildren and 47 great grandchildren.