Bio: Thomas A. Watson, Claiborne Parish, LA
Source: Biographical and Historical Memoirs of Northwest Louisiana
The Southern Publishing Company, Chicago & Nashville, 1890
Submitted for the LAGenWeb Archives by: Gwen Moran-Hernandez, Jan. 2000


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Thomas A. Watson, farmer and president of police jury, Athens, La.  This name 
is not unfamiliar to those in the parish for he who bears it is numbered among 
the highly respected citizens of this community.  He was born in Mississippi, 
in what is now Lincoln County, on March 2, 1844, and is the son of Rev. James 
Watson, a native of Louisiana, of East Feliciana Parish, and Amelia (Bickham) 
Watson, also of Louisiana and of Washington Parish.  Both parents were in hearing 
of the battle of New Orleans in the War of 1812.  They removed to Mississippi 
about 1836, located in what is now Lincoln Parish, and there the father ministered 
to the spiritual wants of his fellowman.  He returned to Claiborne Parish, La., 
in 1850, and there his death occurred four years later.  His widow survived him 
until 1864.  They were the parents of nine children-four sons and five daughters-
all of whom grew to mature years and became heads of families with the exception 
of one son who died in the army.  Two brothers and three sisters are living at 
this writing.  Thomas A. Watson came with his parents to Louisiana when a lad of 
six years and war reared in Claiborne Parish, receiving a limited education.  Since 
growing up he has by his own efforts acquired a fair business education, and is 
considered a well informed man on almost any subject.  In 1861 he enlisted in the 
Second Louisiana Infantry, served in that until February, 1863, and was then discharged.  
He re-enlisted in the Third Louisiana Cavalry, served as a non-commissioned officer, 
and was in active duty until cessation of hostilities.  He participated in the seven 
days' fight at Richmond, was at Cedar Run, Gettysburg and in several severe skirmishes.  
After the war he returned home to Claiborne Parish, the following year engaged in 
farming, and has been engaged in this occupation in the parish since that time.  He 
also handles machinery, putting in steam gins and saw mills.  He has been on his 
present farm since 1871 and of the 200 acres in his possession, 150 are improved.  
He has a good residence and outbuildings, and as a man of industry and enterprise 
he has no superiors.  He was left an orphan at an early age, and has had to make 
his won way in life, and that he has done it in a successful manner is but too 
plainly evident.  He was appointed a member of the police jury in 1879, served 
one term, and was re-appointed in the 1888, being elected president of the board, 
which position he now holds.  Mr. Watson was married in Jackson, now Lincoln Parish, 
in June, 1865, to Miss Mary A. Marsalis, a native of Mississippi, born in Amite County 
and was reared in Claiborne Parish, where she received her education.  She is the 
daughter of Patterson Marsalis.  To the marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Watson have been 
born ten children: William P., Edward L., Eugene A., Ida P., Griffin, Fuller, Aurelia, 
Lenora V., Burton B. And Anna A.  Mr. and Mrs. Watson are members of the Methodist 
Episcopal Church and Mr. Watson is steward of the same.  He is a Master Mason and 
has served as senior warden.  He is also a member of the Farmers' Alliance, vice-
president of Parish Union, and president of his own subordinate union.  He has 
been identified with the order since its organization in this parish, and is the 
correspondent of the order for the same.

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