James B. Watson was one of the pioneers of Van Buren County, Iowa, was a native of Kentucky and from that State moved to Sangamon County, Ill., and in 1836 to Van Buren County, Iowa. Miss Pollie Long became his wife and five children were born unto them, two of whom are living: William, now of Henry County, Ia, and James, of Van Buren County, Iowa. Mrs. Watson dying, he subsequently married Anna Carter, who was also a native of Kentucky, and by whom he had five living children: Francis M., now residing in Oregon; Pernina, wife of William H. Shelman, of Van Buren County, Iowa; Nicholas J., of Knox County, Mo.; Mary E., wife of Mr. Hutton, and Isaac N., of Knox County, Mo. To the early settlers of Van Buren and adjoining counties Mr. Watson was well known. He was a member of the Baptist Church for many years. In early life he was a Whig, with which party he continued to act until it ceased to exist, when he became a democrat and continued to act with that party until his death, which occurred in 1864. His wife Anna died about a month prior to his decease.
