Hinsdale County CO Archives Biographies.....Watson, Samuel 1845 - 1876
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Judy Crook jlcrook@rof.net February 22, 2006, 3:06 pm

Author: Progressive Men of Western Colorado

     The late Samuel Watson, of Lake City, a brother of James Watson, whose
useful life in this state is briefly outlined elsewhere in this work, was like
his brother a native of Shenandoah county in what is now West Virginia, and was
born in 1845.  He became a resident of Lake City, Colorado, in 1876, and here he
died in 1876.  His life in this community was an example of humility and
fidelity, of genuine charity to his fellows and helpfulness in their needs, an
example of the truest and loftiest ideal as a citizen, neighbor and friend; and
his memory is enshrined in the hearts of his fellow citizens as one of their
best and brightest possessions.  Proving himself in every trial and difficulty a
man of lofty faith, great resourcefulness and unyielding self-reliance, and
performing well and skillfully, without ostentation or self praise, every duty,
however arduous or seemingly impossible, he was one of the real heroes of
civilization in a field whereon its highest and best efforts were in constant
requisition.  For a period of twenty years he wrought as a pioneer of the most
advanced type, accomplishing results of magnitude, not offering excuses for not
doing things.  He and his brothers did all the heavy teaming of the Lake City
section at a time when the highest engineering skill was required to overcome
obstacles, and the best generalship in the disposition of their forces.  When
heavy machinery was to be moved to mountain tops, over rugged and almost
impassable ground, they always did it, sometimes effecting results that would
have reflected credit on large transportation facilities of the most modern and
complete character. They cut trails and built roads through and over well nigh
insurmountable obstructions, commanding all the opposing forces of nature to
“stand rules” at their desire, and even to pay tribute to their needs.  They
braved the fury of the elements and conquered it.  Storm and flood did not deter
them, rain, and hail and snow did not daunt them, the winter’s cold and the
summer’s heat did not stop or stay them in the accomplishing an end once
definitely in view.  And the ruling spirit of their enterprise was Samuel.  And
even when most beset with difficulties and confronted with obstacles themselves,
they were generous and open-handed in helping others, and promoting the general
weal, aiding a friend or neighbor in need or assistance with substantial bounty
of every required kind, and meeting all county and town necessities with wise
counsel, foreseeing sweep of vision and strong hands of material service. Samuel
Watson was a valiant soldier in the Confederate army during the Civil war, and
carried through life the terrible scenes of the Wilderness, Cedar Creek and
other renowned battles of the momentous struggle.  When the war was ended he
accepted the results in a manly spirit of generosity, harboring no ill feeling
toward the conquerors of his cause, but with delight in promoting the welfare of
his re-united country, in whatever section of it he happened to be.  Through
life he was generous in the true spirit of generosity, which keeps no books of
account and exacts no usury for benefactions; and always he dealt with his
fellows along lines of unwavering and unhesitating integrity.  When he was laid
to rest among the fruitful enterprises he had aided so materially in creating,
“Nature might stand up and say to all the world “This was a man!’”

Additional Comments:
From Progressive Men of Western Colorado.  Chicago:  A.W. Bowen & Co., 1905

File at: http://files.usgwarchives.net/co/hinsdale/bios/watson172gbs.txt

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