U.S. Data Repository http://www.us-data.org/ -- USGenNet Inc. -- Please read the U.S. Data Repository Copyright Statement on the following page: --------------------------------------------------------------------- Obituary: James Otis Watson (1815-1902) --------------------------------------------------------------------- SOURCE: Fairmont Times - June 12, 1902 Transcribed and submitted by: Susan Kahle --------------------------------------------------------------------- GONE ------------- TO THE OTHER SHORE HAS HON. JAMES OTIS WATSON, SENIOR ------------- PASSED AWAY AT 7 O’CLOCK LAST NIGHT AT HIS HOME ------------- DISEASES INCIDENTAL TO EXTREME AGE CAUSE OF DEMISE ------------- WAS FATHER OF COAL INDUSTRY OF WEST VIRGINIA ------------- AND WAS ONE OF THE FOREMOST CITIZENS OF THE STATE ------------- THE FUNERAL WILL BE SUNDAY AFTERNOON AT THE HOME ____________ The death of James Otis Watson which occurred on Thursday evening last at 6:30 o’clock, closed a long and busy life--one that has been coeval with every business and industrial development in Marion county, and one that has contributed more than any other single agency to the upbuilding and maintenance of the great coal development which has made this section so prosperous. Though Mr. Watson will be remembered more particularly for his connection with mines and mining, and though his energies and foresight were more potential in originating and developing that industry than any other, yet he was in advance of every man of this section in his grasp of the possibilities of other business enterprises, and was the leader for many years in every business project that promised to develop the resources or benefit the citizens of Marion county. He was the prime mover in building the suspension bridge at this place, and was for many years president of its board of directors. He originated the fire brick works at Nuzum’s Mill, and for many years conducted a successful business there. He was a farmer and cattle dealer on a large scale, and at different periods of his life was engaged in mercantile pursuits, in all of which he was successful much beyond the average man employed in such affairs. In short, he was so splendidly equipped in commercial knowledge and clear judgment in all business matters that he never made a failure along any business that received his attention. His most signal success, however, was the development of the coal industry here. He began the mining and shipping of coal as early as the completion of the B & O railroad. In 1852, he and the late Governor Pierpont having opened and operated the old mines, long since abandoned, on Washington street, within what is now the city’s boundary. For many years he managed the mine, shipping coal to the East for gas purposes. This mine finally being worked out, he opened the Gaston mines, and added large acreages of coal to his holdings. For many years he worked under great disadvantages by reason of freight exactions on shipments, and prejudice against the product of this region, but he kept right on despite discouragements that would have broken down any man of less clear perception of the possibilities of the region, and less pluck and energy to carry them to a successful conclusion. His perseverance finally won its reward, and before his death he was enabled to see his early efforts crowned with a success perhaps far beyond even his most sanguine expectations, when laying the foundations for it. The enterprise due to his sagacity, energy and perseverance has now grown to mammoth proportions under the management of his three sons, Messrs. S.L., J.E. and C.W. Watson, and his son-in-law, Gov. A.B. Fleming, and it is a source of profound gratification that he lived to see the triumph won over trials and discouragements of its earlier days. Mr. Watson was born near Fairmont in May, 1815, and was therefore upwards of eighty-seven years of age. He was liberally educated. Was a deputy surveyor of Monongalia county before Marion county was organized. Upon its organization in 1842, he was elected its first Circuit Court clerk. Mr. Watson was a thoroughly well rounded man in all that pertained to business and general knowledge. Few lawyers had more comprehensive or intelligent notions of the principles of law and their application to business affairs. He personal characteristics were marked, but not peculiar. He was apparently reserved in his manners, and reticent in a marked degree as to his business affairs, but when he cared to talk he was a most delightful entertainer, and from a wonderful store- house of knowledge, was able to impart information upon almost every subject. To his intimate friends and family, he was therefore a most companiable [sic] associate. His sense of humor was keen, and his sympathies easily aroused. It was owing to this characteristic in a large degree that his relations were always so admirable with the people he employed. He regarded every employee as a man entitled to generous and considerate treatment, and no more sincere mourners over his death will be found than many humble miners whom he has helped and befriended in the days gone by. He early established such relations of fair-dealing with his men, that no strike or agitations ever found place about his mines. Mr. Watson’s death was due to advanced age, though this mind remained clear up to within a year or two past, he maintained direction of one of the largest mines operated by the company, and only relinquished it when the whole mines of the region were consolidated under one management. Mr. Watson leaves surviving him eight children. W.H. Watson, a prominent farmer of Grant district: Messrs. S.L., J.E. and C.W. Watson, all connected wit the management of the Fairmont Mining Company’s business, and Mrs. A.B. Fleming, Mrs. Mary R. Sipe, and Misses Ida and Lucy, two daughters at home. Mr. Watson was connected with the Protestant Episcopal Church. Funeral services will be conducted at this late residence on Sunday. --------------------------------------------------------------------- If you've reached this file through a SEARCH, you can access other obituaries for Marion County, WV by going to the following URL: http://www.us-data.org/wv/marion/obits.html ---------------------------------------------------------------------