My Genealogy Hound

JOSEPH H. WATSON, a successful contractor and builder and a well-known resident of Benton Harbor, was born in Clarion County, Pa., June 23, 1830. He traces his lineage through a long line of worthy and patriotic American ancestors to England and Scotland, whence in an early day members of the family emigrated to the United States and established homes in the midst of the then unsettled country. The paternal grandfather of our subject bore the name of Thomas Watson, while his father, James, was a native of Pennsylvania and a farmer by occupation. The mother of Joseph H. was Esther, daughter of John Rainey, and a native of the Keystone State.

The subject of this sketch is the fifth of a family of ten children. He spent his boyhood days in Clarion and Butler Counties, Pa., his parents having removed to the latter place when he was a lad of ten. He remained on the home farm assisting his father in the work until he reached the age of twenty years, when he commenced to learn the trade of a carpenter and builder, and upon the expiration of his term of apprenticeship worked as a “jour” throughout various parts of the State for two years. In 1856 he went to Wabasha County, Minn., and settling in the village of Lake City, remained for ten years, meantime establishing an excellent reputation as a skillful, diligent workman and enterprising man.

Coming to Benton Harbor in 1866, Mr. Watson purchased a fruit farm of ten acres in Benton Township, where he engaged in raising small fruits and berries. At the same time he was employed at his trade. In 1888 he removed to the city of Benton Harbor, where he has since been busily occupied in contracting and building, having erected some of the most elegant and attractive residences in the city. As a designer and architect he possesses considerable ability, his plans being practical and his buildings symmetrical. His residence on the corner of Garfield and Ohio Streets is a new frame structure, commodious and conveniently arranged, and is one of the coziest homes in the place.

At the age of twenty-six years Mr. Watson married Miss Mary L. Grow, who was born August 29, 1856, in East Palmyra, Wayne County, N. Y., being the daughter of Ambrose and Sarah (Godfrey) Grow, natives of Vermont and Massachusetts, respectively. Three children were born to bless this home: James L., now a farmer residing on the old home farm in this township; Burton G., who is a physician and makes his home in Benton Harbor; and Byron S., a mason by trade. In his social connections Mr. Watson is identified with Benton Lodge No. 132, I. O. O. F., in which he is a prominent member and active worker. He is a man to whom success has not come fortuitously but the large measure of prosperity crowning his exertions is the result of his industry and constant application. He is known and honored as one of the most successful business men of Benton Harbor. In politics he is a Republican. He is a member of the Methodist Church.