For
Muscatine County Iowa
1911
| Biographies For Muscatine County Iowa 1911 | |
Source: History of Muscatine County Iowa, Volume II, Biographical, 1911, page 353
WILLIAM J. WATSON----William J. Watson, is the senior partner of the firm of Watson and Crozer, contractors for plumbing, hot water and steam heating at No. 226 Iowa avenue in Muscatine. He is yet a young man but has become well established in business and his patronage is constantly increasing. He was born in Logan county, Ohio, March 21, 1878, and is a son of John C. and Amanda ( Elder ) Watson, both of whom were natives of Ohio. Their family numbers two children, the sister of our subject being Mrs. Ella Freeland, the wife of Edward Freeland, of Marion Kansas. The family is an old one in Ohio. The great-grandfather, William Watson, Sr., was a native of County Cork, Ireland, and on coming to America in 1813 settled on Cherokee Creek, in Logan county, Ohio, where he died in old age. His son built a house on that place, a part of which is still standing. The grandfather, William Watson, Jr., was born in that state and devoted his life to farming. He wedded Mary Crawford and both lived to old age, the grandmother dying in 1908 at the remarkable age of ninety-two years. They had six children, Caroline, John C., Rebecca, Park, Georgia, and Mary, who passed away in young womanhood. The maternal grandfather, Dr. Abraham Elder, was also a native of Ohio and was a son of Robert Elder, who made his home in the vicinity of Huntsville, becoming one of the venerable residents there. His son, Dr. Elder, for many years practiced his profession in Huntsville, where he died at an advanced age. He wedded Mary Wallace, a daughter of Rev. James Wallace, one of the pioneer preachers of the United Presbyterian church in that district. Unto Dr. and Mrs. Elder there were born five children, as follows : Wallace, Carrie, Amanda, Vada, and Orrie.John C. Watson, the father of Mr. Watson of this review, was reared as a farmer boy in Logan county, Ohio, and in 1886 removed to Newton, Kansas, where he remained for four years. He then turned his attention to bridge contracting and removed to Marion, Kansas, where he still makes his home, although he is now living retired. His first wife died in 1878 and later he wedded Caroline Weiser, by whom he had four children, Charles, Mary, Carrie, and Orley, all residents of Marion, Kansas, with the exception of Orley, who makes his home in Cherryville, Kansas.
William J. Watson was a lad of nine years when his parents removed from Ohio to Kansas, and in the city of Marion his boyhood and youth were passed. There he attended the public schools and during vacation periods worked with his father. After his education was completed he began learning the plumber's trade, which he has since followed, and his success is undoubtedly due in large measure to the fact that he has always continued in the line in which he embarked as a young tradesman, his constantly broadening experience making him more capable and otherwise securing him a growing patronage. He came to Muscatine in 1903 and worked as a journeyman here until 1907, when he embarked in business on his own account. In December, 1909, he was joined by W. H. Crozer in a partnership under the firm name of Watson & Crozer, and they now have one of the leading establishments of this city and are enjoying a gratifying trade.
Fraternally Mr. Watson is well known, belonging to Iowa Lodge, No. 2, A. F. & A. M.; to the Elks lodge, in which he served as exalted ruler in 1907-08 ; and to the Ancient Order of United Workmen. He likewise holds membership with the Bachelor Club and gives his political support to the democratic party. He is one of the young men of the city, widely and favorably known in social as well as business circles. He is making his impress felt in the industrial life of the community and is steadily progressing toward the goal of prosperity.
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