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Below is a family biography included in Biographical and Historical Memoirs of Lincoln County, Arkansas published by Goodspeed Publishing Company in 1890.  These biographies are valuable for genealogy research in discovering missing ancestors or filling in the details of a family tree. Family biographies often include far more information than can be found in a census record or obituary.  Details will vary with each biography but will often include the date and place of birth, parent names including mothers' maiden name, name of wife including maiden name, her parents' names, name of children (including spouses if married), former places of residence, occupation details, military service, church and social organization affiliations, and more.  There are often ancestry details included that cannot be found in any other type of genealogical record.

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James R. Watson. Everyone loves to honor the men who by their strict integrity, enterprise, and genial manners have elevated the commercial, social and religious standard of the county and State in which they reside. And to this class of men belongs Mr. James R. Watson, whose sketch now claims attention from the reader of the history of Lincoln County, Ark. His birth occurred in Fairfield District, S. C. in February, 1830, and he is the son of R. W. and Harriett (spars) Watson, who were natives of Fairfield and Sumter Counties, respectively. Both died in Fairfield District, S. C. The mother died when quite young, the father living to be sixty-five years old, and marrying Mrs. Martha Vinson, who is living at the present date in South Carolina, but is extremely old, being nearly ninety years old. The father was a most successful farmer, and for many years a magistrate. He took a prominent part in the War of 1812. He belonged to the Baptist Church. There were born to the first marriage four daughters and one son. James was the fourth of these children. The sister of James is now Mrs. Howell Edmonds. The subject of the sketch spent his youth here, and when eighteen years old married Miss Lucretia Robinson, also of Fairfield, S. C. She was born in 1832, and is living at the present writing. To this union were born seven children, viz.: Harriett (wife of Stephen Gastor), Mrs. Marianna Slitt, Mildred (wife of N. B. Kersh), Lucretia (wife of Edgar Rabb), Walker, Thomas and James. In 1858 they moved to Arkansas, locating in Drew County (now Lincoln County), and bought an estate about eight miles from Monticello Upon this estate he continues to reside, and devotes great attention to improving same after the most improved methods. The war resulted in great financial embarrassment to Mr. Watson, but by means of superior judgment and ability he has amassed a fortune since that time. He is a member of the Missionary Baptist Church, as is also Mrs. Watson. He is a Democrat in politics, and socially a most entertaining and charming companion.

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This family biography is one of 44 biographies included in Biographical and Historical Memoirs of Lincoln County, Arkansas published in 1890.  For the complete description, click here: Lincoln County, Arkansas History, Genealogy, and Maps

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