James Watson1

b. circa 1803, d. 1863
Father(?) Watson2
BirthCircacirca 1803 James Watson was born in Scotland circa 1803.3,4 
Marriage27 Aug 1829 He married Martha Clark, daughter of Robert Clark and Martha Harvie, on 27 Aug 1829 in Washington County, Virginia.1 
Cens-185030 Aug 1850 In 1850, 21 years after their marriage, James and Martha were recorded on the first federal census to list all members of a household by name. Five children were recorded with them, ranging from 20 year old Margaret to 11 year old James. The family farm was valued at $1,600.3 
Widowed30 Sep 1854  James was widowed on 30 Sep 1854 when Martha died from consumption. The couple's son Robert had died from the same disease 3 months earlier. 
Cens-186021 Jul 1860  The 1860 census enumerated James as the owner of land valued at $1,900 and personal property worth $500. Daughters Martha (26) and Catherine (20) and son James (19) lived at home.4 
Death1863 James died in 1863, probably in July.5 
Will-Recd27 Jul 1863 His will was recorded on 27 Jul 1863 in Washington County, Virginia. James left his entire estate, including his 160 acre farm, to his two daughters, Martha H. and Catherine M. who were to divide it equally.5 

Related Links and Images:

James's will
The 1850 Washington Co., Virginia census listed James as the head of household number 803. Follow the link to see who lived nearby.

Family

Martha Clark b. 22 Aug 1798, d. 30 Sep 1854
Children
  • Margaret Watson+3 (31 May 1830 - 9 Oct 1899)
  • Martha Watson6,3 (circa 1832 - )
  • Robert Watson7,3 (circa 1835 - 11 Jun 1854)
  • Catherine Watson8,3 (circa 1837 - )
  • James Watson3 (circa 1839 - )
Last Edited19 Dec 2013

Citations

  1. [S4] D.E. Brown, Marriages of Washington Co., VA 1781-1853, p. 66.
  2. [S141] Elgin Watson, "Clark/Watson Genealogy," e-mail to Diana Powell, 18 Oct. 2001. Source not stated.
  3. [S367] James Watson household, 1850 U.S. Census, Washington Co., VA, pop. sched., District 67, p. 121 stamped, dwelling 803, family 803, viewed online at Ancestry.com, Sept. 2008, image 107 of 289. Household includes: James Watson, 50, farmer, b. Scotland, real estate valued at $1,600; Martha 52, b. Scotland; Margaret 20; Martha 18; Robert 15; Catharine 13; James 11; children b. VA.
  4. [S234] James Watson household, 1860 U.S. cens, Washington Co., VA, pop. sched., Western District, p. 125 (original script), dwelling 916, family 879, viewed online at Ancestry.com, Nov. 2007, image 127 of 361. Household includes: James Watson, 55, farmer, owns land val at $1,900 and pers. prop of $500, b. Scotland; Martha, 26; Catherine 20; James 19; all b. VA.
  5. [S852] James Watson will (1863), Washington Co., Virginia Will Book 16: 62. The will was dated 5 June 1863 and proved 27 Jul 1863. Robert Keys Jr. was the executor.
  6. [S6] Thomas Colley, Washington Co. VA Marriages 1853-1880, p. 289. Bride's father listed as James Watson.
  7. [S3] Moore and Stephens, Washington Co., VA Birth and Death Records, p. 226. Death record lists parents as James and Martha Watson.
  8. [S6] Thomas Colley, Washington Co. VA Marriages 1853-1880, p. 303. Bride's parents listed as James C. & Martha Watson.