My Genealogy Hound
Below is a family biography included in The History of Lawrence County, Missouri published by Goodspeed Publishing Company in 1888. 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 F. Watson was born in the County Antrim, Ireland, April 5, 1845, and is the son of Durham and Anne (Scott) Watson, who came to America the same year and located first in Kentucky, Ohio, Illinois and Iowa. The father enlisted in the Federal army, Forty-fifth Missouri Infantry, in 1864, and died in St. Louis, August 9, 1865, from exposure. James F. grew to manhood in Davis County, Iowa, and enlisted in Company F, Thirtieth Iowa Infantry, on the 15th of January, 1863, to serve three years or during the war. Was discharged at Louisville, Ky., on the 22d day of July, 1865, having served two years and five months. Was in thirteen battles. Was wounded in the head at Atlanta, Ga., August 9, 1865. In 1869 he came to Lawrence County, Mo., and bought land, and has been engaged in farming and stock raising. He was married in Scotland County, Mo., March 3, 1867, to Mary D. Saulsbery, daughter of Robert and Harriet Saulsbery. They have no children of their own, but have adopted three: Annie, Otto and Elmer. Mr. Watson is liberal in his religious views, and is a Republican in politics. Has served as road overseer and president of school board six years; also district clerk.
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This family biography is one of 272 biographies included in The History of Lawrence County, Missouri published in 1888. For the complete description, click here: Lawrence County, Missouri History, Genealogy, and Maps
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