THOMAS W. WATSON Thomas W. Watson is an experienced and prominent farmer of Olive Township, Ottawa County, Mich., the grand natural resources of which region have been developed by the practical and intelligent toil of such men as Mr. Watson, who is a native of England, born February 23, 1852, and the son of Edward G. and Rebecca (Register) Watson, both of whom were natives of that country. The parents came to America in the fall of 1852, and located in Medina County, Ohio, where they made their home until 1872. From there they moved to Ottawa County, Mich., settling in Olive Township, and the father has resided here ever since. Mr. Watson first purchased twenty acres of land and engaged in tilling the soil, an occupation he carries on at the present time. He had the misfortune to lose his wife in 1889. Four children were born to this worthy couple. Viz: Elizabeth, wife of Charles Brown, who resides in Ramson Corners, Ohio; T. W., our subject; Harriet A., wife of John Brown, who makes her home in this county; and Edward, Jr., also of this county. The early scholastic training of our subject was received in the common-schools of the Buckeye State, and he continued to make his home there until 1871, when the favorable reports received from this State decided him to make a settlement within its borders. After reaching this State he came directly to Ottawa County, where he purchased eighty acres of land, and on this has resided since. The land was then unimproved and covered with heavy timber. At first Mr. Watson engaged in the lumber business until he had succeeded in clearing his place, and then embarked in agricultural pursuits, at which he has been unusually successful. He is now the owner of one hundred and sixty –two acres of excellent land, one hundred and forty acres being well cultivated, and on this place is a pleasant rural home and substantial outbuildings. He is a practical, progressive and wide-awake young farmer and his accumulations are the result of many days’ hard labor. Aside from his fine farm he is the owner of a fine lot, 100x50 feet, in Waverly, and on this he expects to build a good residence and make other necessary improvements. With his brother he is engaged in the stock business and handles many cattle, sheep and hogs during the year. Like many of the representative citizens of the county, he is self-made, for he commenced for himself at the age of twelve years, and first received but $2 per month for his services. For husking corn he received eighteen cents per day, and thus by saving he reached his present prosperous condition. As a farmer he has been successful; as a citizen public-spirited. enterprising and prominent; and for many years he was connected with the Grange, holding the position of Treasurer during 1878 and 1879. Mr. Watson’s happy domestic life began in 1873, when he was married to Miss Rebecca Dressler, a native of Medina County, Ohio, who was reared to womanhood and married in that county. She was one of five children born to Joseph and Elizabeth Dressler, both of whom were natives of the Keystone State: James, of Akron, Ohio; Sarah, wife of Aaron Camery, of Sharon, Ohio; Charlie, of Akron; Rebecca, wife of our subject; and Alice, wife of Perry Varney. Mrs. Dressler was a member of the Lutheran Church and died in full communion with the same in 1890. Mr. Dressler still survives and makes her home in Akron, Ohio. He is a highly esteemed and respected citizen. Mr. and Mrs. Watson’s marriage has resulted in the birth of six children: Carrie, Elnora, Iva, Lena, Elizabeth and Effie. Mrs. Watson is a worthy member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and she and her husband have a host of warm friends

Portrait & Biographical Record of Muskegon & Ottawa Counties, Michigan 1893, Chicago: Biographical Publishing Company 

Transcriber: Charles Armstrong
Created: 16 May 2003
URL: Biographies