For
Muscatine County Iowa
1911
| Biographies For Muscatine County Iowa 1911 | |
Source: History of Muscatine County Iowa, Volume II, Biographical, 1911, page 239
WILLIAM LESLIE WATTERS.....A successful man has been defined as one who finds himself the resources of will and energy necessary in overcoming any obstacle that may appear. Men of this class are to be found in every occupation but nowhere are they more readily pointed out than in the business world. They are at the head of flourishing enterprises and command the respect not only of their business associates but of the community generally. William Leslie Watters, who is conducting a lucrative drug business at West Liberty, is entitled to a place in the class here named. Born on a farm in Goshen township, September 30, 1873, he is a son of H. B. and Ruth ( Parker ) Watters, a record of whom appears elsewhere in this work.He was educated in the schools of Atalissa, Iowa, and continued at home until twenty-one years of age. In the meantime, having decided to prepare for a business career, he became a student of the Iowa City Academy, from which he was graduated in 1894. The following year he took up the study of pharmacy at the State University, continuing for one year, at the end of which time he became a clerk at Orion, Illinois, later serving in the same capacity at Montezuma, Iowa. After acquiring the necessary funds he resumed work at the university and was graduated from the pharmaceutical department with the degree of Ph. G. in 1897. In 1898 he purchased an interest in a drug store at Wellman, Iowa, associating in partnership with Jesse Longwell under the firm name of Longwell & Watters. He continued at Wellman for ten years and then disposed of his interest to his partner, and on March 1, 1907, bought the drug store of C. E. Pickering at West Liberty. He carries Rexall stock and, by close attention to business and knowledge of the wants of his customers, has acquired and large and growing patronage. He is the owner of his store building and he has just completed the erection of his beautiful modern home, one of the most attractive residences in this part of the country, which displays a taste that reflects high credit upon the architect and the owner.
In February, 1898, Mr. Watters was united in marriage to Miss Mayme McIntosh, daughter of A. G. McIntosh, of Atalissa, and sister of Attorney McIntosh, of West Liberty. Two children have blessed this union, namely: Howard Alexander, who was born September 5, 1900; and Hilda Mabelle, who was born May 14, 1906.
Mr. Watters is a valued member of the State Pharmaceutical Association and also belongs to the Iowa State University Alumni Association. He holds membership in the Masonic Lodge at West Liberty, having been made a Mason in 1904, while he was living at Wellman, and he is a great admirer of the beautiful teachings of that beneficient order. He gives his support to the republican party, and while he has not sought political honors, preferring to devote his energies to private affairs, he has served with acceptance in several town offices. He has clearly demonstrated his ability as a business man of fine qualifications and is greatly esteemed in a community where he is well known, thoroughly meriting the high regard in which he is held by his associates and by all who know him.
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