WATSON, ISAAC, a prosperous and substantial farmer, who follows his occupation in the vicinity of Woodson, Morgan County, Ill., was born March 19, 1847, at Seaton, near Olnsey, England, the son of John and Sarah (Hardy) Watson, also natives of that place. John Watson passed his life as a laborer in his native country. Isaac Watson, while yet a child, moved with his parents to Clayton, near Scarborough, England, where during his more mature years, he worked on a farm until May 6, 1869, when he came to the United States. He located near Jacksonville, Ill., and worked there as a farm hand until 1871 when he rented a farm and operated it himself. Six years later he bought a farm and now owns 200 acres of most valuable and finely improved land, situated in the southeast quarter of Section 15, and 40 acres in the southeast quarter of the northwest quarter of Section 14, all in Township 14, Range 10, west of the Third P.M., Morgan County. Mr. Watson claims the distinction of killing the last wolf seen in the county. He is known throughout Central Illinois, at all "burgoos" and picnics, as an expert "burgoo" soup maker.

On October 27, 1872, Mr. Watson was united in marriage with Sarah Jane Ranson, a daughter of James and Sarah (Richardson) Ranson, of direct English descent. Her father was an early and prominent settler in Morgan County and a farmer by occupation. This union resulted in five children, namely: Nellie G., wife of C. E. Reynolds; Leonard R., who married Edith Meggison; Charles W.; Anne M.; and Sarah Elizabeth.

In politics, Mr. Watson is a Republican. He is one of the most careful, systematic and successful farmers in Morgan County, and bears the reputation of a worthy and useful citizen.