**************************************************************************** File contributed to the Fulton County ILGenWeb Project Copyright 2008, all rights reserved. These electronic pages cannot be reproduced in any format without the written consent of the author at http://fulton.ilgenweb.net. **************************************************************************** Source: Portrait and Biographical Album of Fulton County Biographical Publishing Co., Chicago, 1890 **************************************************************************** The Biography of Augustus S. WATSON Pages 866 & 867, transcribed in full by Karen CRANE Goggin [Surnames: CAMERON, CASS, CURFMAN, HEATH, HENDERSON, HERALD, REYNOLDS, STERLING, WATSON, WOOD] AUGUSTUS S. WATSON. No name is justly entitled to a higher place in the history of Cass Township than the one which heads this sketch, for it is borne by a man who has most honorably discharged every obligation in life with such fidelity that he has not an enemy in the world. Mr. Watson has made his home here since 1836, and is connected both through his family and by his marriage with the most prominent people in this county. The father of our subject was James C. Watson, a native of Maryland who was born in 1791, and came to Illinois in the year 1836, with his family. He was a soldier in the War of 1812, being in Hull's Army, and was afterwards under Gen. Lewis Cass, and suggested the name of this township when it was organized. His ancestors came originally from Ireland, and he possessed all the wit and brilliancy of speech natural to the children of the Emerald Isle. He married Miss Elizabeth Wood, a native of Old Virginia. Her father was an Englishman, and her mother of German birth. Both of their lives extended over an unusually long period of time, the mother dying in 1864 at an advanced old age, and the father in 1883, after having attained his ninety-third year. Our subject's parents reached this place in a cold wet season, being thus compelled to occupy the first house that was empty. As chance would have it they found one on the farm where the subject of our sketch now resides. The farm contained eighty acres at that time, and there the family lived most peacefully and happily for a number of years, and at a later date built a large frame residence. The family had previously lived on Wabash River, Warren County, Ind., and the father mounting a horse rode here bringing with him some money, and left a sufficient amount to enter a section of land, but the man to whom he had entrusted this charge neglected to make the purchase, and his carelessness was a source of great discomfort. Mr. Watson's parents were blessed with ten children, three boys and seven girls, of whom those living are: Melinda, Mrs. William Cameron; John D., who lives in Oregon; Augustus S., our subject; Mary, wife of Wesley Sterling; and Elizabeth, who married E. Henderson and lives in Nebraska. Our subject's birth occurred in Warren County, Ind., June 7, 1825, and like that of many of the farmers' sons of that date his education was somewhat limited, but even at an early age he evinced an aptitude for learning, and laid the foundation for a consistent and successful business career. He remained with his father assisting on the home farm up to the time of his marriage in 1846, to Miss Mary Jane Cameron, daughter of Thomas and Clarissa (Herald) Cameron. He numbered among the pioneer settlers of this place, and came originally from South Carolina. The mother died in 1870 and the father in 1880. They were the parents of twelve children, of whom Mrs. Watson was the second in number. Our subject and his wife are the parents of ten children, viz: W. R., one of the most eminent and highly respected physicians in this place: Thomas H; Phoebe Jane (Mrs. Curfman); Martin; John F.; Martha M., who is now Mrs. Heath; Sarah C. (Mrs. Reynolds); Mary; Charles O. and James C. The eldest son, W. R., is a graduate of the Keokuk Iowa Medical College, and has an extensive and lucrative practice. The other children all received good educations. Mr. and Mrs. Watson are members of the United Brethren Church, of which he has been Trustee and Steward. They are both active in Sunday-school work. Mr. Watson served as Supervisor of his township during a period of three years, yielding to the plainly-expressed wish of the people, although it was contrary to his inclinations. He is a member of the Democratic party and has always taken an active interest in politics. His worldly possessions include two hundred and seventy acres of valuable land, upon which is a fine residence, together with twenty head of horses, seventy head of cattle and a hundred of hogs. The farm is now managed by the sons, the father having partially retired from the cares of life, as his health is but moderate. His good wife also suffers to some extent from the infirmities incidental upon advancing years.