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File contributed to the Fulton County ILGenWeb Project
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Source: Portrait and Biographical Album of Fulton County
Biographical Publishing Co., Chicago, 1890

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The Biography of J. M. WATSON 

Pages 345-346, transcribed in full by Danni Hopkins 

[Surnames: CABLE, CAMERON, WATSON] 

    
J. M. WATSON. It is impossible in a brief biographical sketch to render full justice to prominent men, and yet there are some who are so intimately and clearly identified with the county's welfare, and whose names are so familiar to all that it is only justice to dwell upon what they have done and the influence of their career upon others, not as empty words of praise, but the plain statement of a plain truth. To this class belongs J. M. Watson, commonly called "Roe" Watson, Assessor of Cass Township, who is a young man of indisputable ability, and good business habits, and one alike popular in social and mercantile circles. He is an active, wide-awake farmer, and has won great success in pursuing this, his favorite occupation. 
    
Our subject's birth occurred on section 29, this township in the 19th of July, 1852, he being the son of John D. and Catharine (Cameron) Watson, natives of Indiana and Illinois, respectively. His father is numbered among the pioneer settlers in this State, and experienced all the hardships and privations incidental to a residence in an undeveloped country. He was called upon to mourn the loss of his beloved wife in 1856. To them had been born three children, all of whom reached maturity, but of whom our subject is the only one living at the present writing. His father was married again and now makes his home in Oregon. 
    
The subject of our sketch was the recipient of a common-school education, but at an early age manifested a lively interest in educational matters, and an amount of industry and integrity of purpose that could but result in success. Following the footsteps of his father he has always devoted his attention to farming, with the exception of a few years during which time he tried railroading. At the early age of twenty-one he commenced to make a business record for himself, and is now the owner of a valuable estate near Smithfield, and also of an elegant residence. 
    
Mr. Watson was married April 3, 1873, to Miss Mary C. Cable, daughter of Solomon Cable, and immediately after his marriage settled upon his present farm, which comprises one hundred and forty acres of excellent land all in a body, one hundred acres of which are in a state of perfect cultivation. Besides agriculture, he is also largely interested in stock-raising, buying and selling all the time. 
    
To Mr. and Mrs. Watson have been born six children, viz: Carrie B., Sadie C., Josie M., James H., John H., and William E. all of whom are living at the present date. Our subject is a member of Smithfield Lodge No. 103, I. O. O. F., and has held the office of Treasurer, and others of equal importance. He takes an active interest in political issues, voting the Democratic ticket, and has at various times been a delegate to conventions. His interest in school matters is very pronounced, and his children are all receiving excellent instruction. Mr. Watson is classed among the pre-eminently successful agriculturists of Cass Township, and has lost no opportunity for improving his estate, or contributing to the general welfare of the community who hold him in such high esteem.