E. M. WATSON, Representative from Ringgold County, Iowa, was born May 18, 1912 in Ringgold County, Iowa, the son of Dr. and Mrs. E. J. WATSON, M.D. E.M. received his education in the public schools of Diagonal, Iowa, attended Creston Junior College, Simpson College at Indianola, Iowa, and the University of Iowa at Iowa City. He served as a PHM3 in the U.S. Navy during World War II. E. M. and Della M. (1879-1956) were the parents of six children: Dixie (Mrs. Jack TAYLOR), Kay (Mrs. Larry PRATT), Ann (Mrs. William WARIN), Jay, Steve, and Mark. He was engaged in the insurance business for 20 years and in the banking business for 21 years, serving as the president of the First State Bank of Diagonal. E. M. was a member of the Methodist Church, Lions Club, Masons, American Legion, Farm Bureau, American Bankers Association, Independent Bankers Association, Iowa Bankers Association, Bluegrass Bankers Association, and Independent Insurance Agents Assocation. He served on the local Board of Education, Ringgold County Board of Education, Ringgold County Extension Board, and Ringgold County Hospital Board. E. M. served as director of Area 14 Area Vocational Technical School Board and Ringgold County Industrial Development Board. A Republican, E. M. was elected as a Representative to the Iowa General Assembly in 1966.

E. M. died on October 22, 1967, and was interred at Diagonal Cemetery, Diagonal, Ringgold County, Iowa.

SOURCE: beta.legis.state.ia.us/Legislators/legislator.aspx?GA=59&PID=1653

Transcription by Sharon R. Becker, June of 2009