Watts, Isaac d. 4/25/1885

WATTS, RAMSEY

Posted By: Karen Bergquist Uhr, volunteer
Date: 10/2/2005 at 11:43:18

DIED

At his residence in Bonaparte, Saturday morning, April 25, 1885, Isaac Watts aged 67 years, 10 months and 12 days.

Isaac Watts was born in Aberdeen, Scotland, June 13, 1817 and was brought up to the trade of a stonemason. In August, 1836 he married Miss Mary Ramsey, being at the time in his 19th year, and they resided for some years at Dundee, Scotland, where their eldest children were born. From there they went to England, remaining for two years, and from thence to the United States, arriving in Cincinnati June 13, 1845. Here they remained for 10 years during which time Mr. Watts
was employed on various public works in that city.

........(illegible)the idea that the most ......(illegible) is that of a farmer, and having a .......(illegible, possibly "large") growing family, he decided to move to the then far west, and landed in Van Buren County, Iowa, on the 5th of May, 1855, buying and settling on the farm south of the river now occupied by his son Robert, where he continued to reside till four years ago, when having secured a competency he came to Bonaparte to spend the balance of his days.

Being a skillful workman he has during his residence in Van Buren County been employed on many public works in this and adjoining counties.

Mr. Watts had for some time been slightly ailing, but continued up to the day before his death to carry the mail to and from the depot, and retired Friday evening about as well as usual. Saturday morning he awoke at 4 o'clock and finding it too early to arise returned to bed. About 5:30 his wife thinking he had overslept himself, tried to arouse him, but found him dead, his spirit having parted from the worn body leaving it lying there in the attitude of rest.

Mr. Watts was the father of nine children, seven of whom survive him; all of them having families of their own.

The funeral took place Monday, from the Presbyterian church, Rev. G. W. Barber conducting the services, and was very largely attended, not only by town people, but by his old friends and acquaintances from the surrounding country.

Source: Newspaper unknown
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