Fergus County argus. [volume] (Lewistown, Mont.) 1886-1946, 1894-08-23
OBITUARY.
Death of One of the Oldest Settlers Of Fergus
County.

William II. Watson entered into
rest Friday, August 18th. For many
years deceased had suffered from
chronic diseases, which eliminated
finally in uric poison, causing death.
William H.. Watson was born at
Geneva. New York. August 3lst, 1922.
being the eldest OF a family OF fourteen
children, sever of whom are at pres
ent living. He was educated at Ho-
bart college, Geneva, and shortly after
completing his collegiate course en-
tered the theological seminary at New
Brunswick, N. j., intending % devote
his life to the ministry. His health
became so impaired, however, that he
was compelled to abandon his chosen
work and to recuperate spent two
years in Georgia where he occupied his
time in teaching. Returning to Ge-
neva he took up editorial work and in
lS47 moved to Milwaukee, Wiscon-
sin, where for ten years he was editor
and Joint proprietor of the Milwaukee
Sentinel. D~isposing OF his newspaper
interests Mr.. Watson entered the ser
vice OF the state oil Wisconsin in the
capacity OF private secretary to the
governor holding this position through
three successive administrations.
When the war broke out he also ac-
repted the position of military secre-
tary, his duties in this capacity often
carrying him to the front in matters
pertaining TO state troops. In 1865
MIR. Watson took a position in the
Indian service ut Washington and i'll
this position concluded treaties with
the Indians in obtaining right of way
Tor the Union Pacific railroad. While
in this service he was summoned to
Milwaukee and ~resigning his federal
position vent into business, where lie
continued until he moved to Montana
in 1852. I'm Montana Mr.. Watson
succeeded the firm of Barrows e. Allis
in the numbering business at Okla and
at Casino mills near Lewistown. In
this vocation he continued until his
health failed him in 1887. He was
one of the Fergus county representa-
tives in the Montana constitutions
convention of 1889.
In 1855 Mr.. Watson married Maria
l.. Woodbridge at Canaan, Conn.,, his
wife and five children surviving him,
two OF his daughters being Mrs. q. A
Reeder and Mrs. G. NJ. Stafford. Fol
many years past deceased was an ell
der in the Presbyterian church and
always followed closely the teachings
of Christ.
In the death OF w. ii. Watson, q
good man has been taken from ouI
midst. But his death was not sudden
or unexpected. He had been an inva.
lid for a number OF years, a victim oil
chronic troubles, and for the past two
years vas rendered almost helpless by
his infirmities. But he bore his afilic.
ton with Christian fortitude, waiting
patiently for the end. Broken in health
and meeting with financial reverses,
he could not, in many ways, leave the
impress upon the public that would
attach to the death of a vigorous, &C.
tive nan OF affairs. But he had those
Municipalities OF mind and heart, that
high regard for principle and the right
that strongly impressed those who
| 80 ma RI lynnu+ hin, upall IL kal 4,
kind word for everyone and harbored
no grudge eve though others were
false to him. He thought III little oil
retaliation or revenge, but could see
only the great principle that was be.
yond the vision of smaller souls. As
n member OF the state constitutional
convention he rendered valuable serv.
ice by virtueo ola well stored mind. But
ha WAS then an invalid and unable to
takeasactive a part as did many with
more vilor but far less ability. But
he did his duty well, without supercil-
Gus display or hope of future reward.
May his sterling honesty and manly
virtues be M inheritance and en-
ample.
The funeral services we're held Mon
day at p. m, being conducted by
Rev. Geo. Edwards in the Presby-
terrain church. Jacob Holzemer, DIR.
J. II. Willard, Frank Day, John NJ.
Nrooman, ID. A. Meagher and ID. l..
Shafer acted Is honorary pail bearers,
the remains being borne by deceased
two o N and his sons-in-law, Mr..
Reeder and Mr.. Stafford. Interment
was made in the Lewistown cemetery.