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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 23d 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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