My Genealogy Hound

ROBERT WORTHEN WATSON is now serving his third term as Circuit Clerk and County Recorder of Jackson County, Ill., and makes his home in Murphysboro. The fact that he has been three times elected to this office is a high testimonial of the ability and fidelity with which he has discharged his public duties. True to every trust reposed in him, his fellow-townsmen could find no better official or one more worthy of their confidence.

Mr. Watson is a native of Missouri. He was born near Hillsboro on the 3d of September, 1847, and is a son of James P. Watson, a native of New York City. The grandparents emigrated from England to that metropolis and there spent their remaining days. The father of our subject was a tailor by trade. In early life he went to New Mexico, but afterwards removed to Hillsboro, Mo., where he followed his chosen occupation and also engaged in teaching. In about 1849 he located in Jackson County, where he followed the same profession for several years in connection with his work at tailoring. In 1856 he took up his residence in Murphysboro and was appointed Deputy Circuit Clerk. Four years later he was elected Circuit Clerk, and on the expiration of his term was re-elected, in 1864. His death occurred while holding that office, September 13, 1865. On attaining his majority he became a supporter of the Whig party, and on its dissolution he joined the Democracy. He held membership with the Methodist Episcopal Church. The mother of our subject was in her maidenhood Ann Parmley. She was a native of Kentucky, as was her father, who there followed farming throughout life. Her death occurred in Murphysboro in July, 1887.

In the family were three daughters and one son, all of whom are yet living: Mary J., wife of Hiram Cover; Carrie, wife of James M. Rolens; Frances, wife of George S. Rolens, and our subject, who is the eldest. He was reared in the county which is still his home, and its public schools afforded him his educational privileges. At an early age he began to earn his own livelihood, securing a position as clerk with Bierer & Worthen, dry-goods merchants, with whom he continued for a period of five years. He then became Assistant Postmaster, serving for four years under Mrs. M. E. Jenkins. During this time he embarked in merchandising, but in 1875 his store and stock were completely destroyed by fire. He was then forced to resume clerking, which he continued until 1880, when he was made Deputy Circuit Clerk, serving under C. B. Dishom. In 1886 his superior died, and at a special election in the spring of 1887 he was elected on the Democratic ticket to fill the vacancy, receiving the very flattering majority of six hundred votes. In November, 1888, he was again elected, and in 1892 was once more the people’s choice for that office.

On the 21st of September, 1875, Mr. Watson was united in marriage with Miss Ella Tippett, a native of Tennessee, and a daughter of W. C. Tippett, a coal dealer of Murphysboro. Three children bless their union, Jessie, Nellie and Lillie.

Mr. Watson is a member of Amity Lodge, I. O. O. F., has served as representative to the Grand Lodge, and is Past Chief Patriarch of Lincoln Encampment No. 109. He also belongs to the Knights of Pythias and is Treasurer of the Uniformed Rank. His wife holds membership with the Methodist Episcopal Church North. Mr. Watson has also held other offices, having been City Treasurer for two terms, from 1876 until 1880, and was City Clerk from 1883 until 1887. By his prompt and faithful discharge of duty he has ever won the high commendation of all concerned. A self-made man, he has steadily worked his way upward, improving his opportunities and making the most of his advantages, and a well spent life has won him high regard.