Charles A. Watt, attorney and justice of the peace, is a New Englander, born on the 28^th day of May, 1858, in the town of Pittsburg, Mass. He is the eldest of the six children born to William and Jane (Churchill) Watt, are natives of the above named town and state. Mr. Watt remained under the parental roof until his sixteenth year, and attended meanwhile the common schools, where he mastered the elementary branches and also made commendable progress in the higher grades of learning fitting himself for the teacher’s profession. At the age of twenty years he began to teach the public schools of his native state and followed the profession for three years, devoting his leisure time to the study of law. In the spring of 1882 Mr. Watt came to Grand Rapids and shortly thereafter entered the law office of Hon. Peter Doran, under whose able instruction he continued three years, and was then duly admitted to practice in the courts of Kent county. During the time between his admission to the bar and the year 1890 he assisted Mr. Doran in the transaction of that gentleman’s large legal business, and then for a limited period filled the expiring term of Hon. Frank Rogers as assistant prosecuting attorney of the county of Kent. Retiring from the position, Mr. Watt devoted his attention to the general practice of his profession until 1895, when he was elected justice of the peace for Grand Rapids—an office of much responsibility, requiring of the incumbent good legal ability and clear judgment. Upon taking said office he was appointed assistant judge of the police court, which office he still holds. Since his election Mr. Watt has paid close attention to the duties of the positions he so ably fills and in addition thereto also practices in the municipal and county courts, where his ability has won him a conspicuous place. As a public official he is honest and impartial in the adjudication of matters referred to him for decision, and as an attorney is well qualified for legal practice both by natural adaptation and comprehensive reading, and he has a well established business.

On the 3^rd day of June, 1885, in Grand Rapids was solemnized the marriage of Mr. Watt to Miss Mary E. O’Donnel, a member of one of the city’s prominent Catholic families and a lady quite popular in church and social circle. He is a republican in his political belief, and as such was elected to the office he now fills. Fraternally he belongs to lodge No. 48, B. P. O. E., and Lily lodge, No. 110, K. P.