My Genealogy Hound

Richard R. Watson, senior member of the firm of R. R. Watson & Bro., grocery men and saddlers of Dyersburg, Tenn., is a native of the county, born in 1849, son of Richard R. and Eliza (Brandon) Watson, natives, respectively, of Brunswick County, Va., and Giles County, Tenn., born in 1815 and 1822. The father was a tanner and merchant, and came with his father, Robert Watson, to Giles County, Tenn., when but six years, of age. He was married January 14, 1838, and eventually became the owner of 900 acres of land. He moved to Dyersburg in 1850, and established a boot, shoe and saddlery store, but during the war abandoned this and devoted his time to merchandising. He died in 1880, and of his seven children five are living: Tennessee (Mrs. John S. Rook), Ellen (Mrs. I. N. Phelan), Frances Ann (Mrs. S. McDavid), Richard R. and James W. Richard R. was educated at Dyersburg, and when about eighteen years of age hired to Dr. S. Richardson as clerk in his drug store. A year later he began clerking in a dry goods store, where he remained two years. Three years later he clerked for T. J. Frazier in a general merchandise store, and the following two years was traveling salesman for Foster, Kealhofer & Co., wholesale grocers of Memphis, Tenn. In 1874 he became a partner with his father in the store at Dyersburg, and from 1878 until 1886 was sole proprietor. At the latter date his brother, James W., took an interest in the store, and they are now doing a thriving business, having the largest and most complete stock of general merchandise in Dyersburg. He is a Democrat, and belongs to the I. O. O. F.