Beckham County, OK - Deaths: Dr. Wade H. Watson, 1916 Friday, 13 February 2009 Submitted by: delma25@pldi.net (Delma Tindell) ************************************************ Copyright. All rights reserved. http://www.rootsweb.com/~usgenweb/copyright.htm ************************************************ WATSON, WADE H. (12 Oct 1916, Thursday, Southwest News & Leader, Elk City, Beckham Co, OK): Dr. W. H. Watson, one of the pioneer residents of this section and a large property holder in Elk City, was shot and probably fatally wounded by L. G. West, a well known resident of this city at 12:45 o'clock Tuesday. The shooting occurred on Broadway, starting in the middle of the street near the lamp post in front of the office of John G. Scott, and starting shortly after the men had met, probably in two or three minutes. According to the reports the men met in the street near the lamp post and exchanged a few words, West handing Dr. Watson some money, they continued to talk for a few moments when West was said to have drawn a thirty eight automatic revolver from his pocket and began firing. The first shot is believed to have struck Dr. Watson in the hip and partially paralyzed him, as it is said that he traveled slowly after leaving West and starting for the stairway in the building. The last three shots it is reported were fired after Dr. Watson had left Broadway. Attracted by the shooting C. H. Phillips, who is acting city marshal during the illness of Mr. Russell, hurried to the building and found Dr. Watson in the toilet at the head of the stairs. Watson opened the door and told Mr. Phillips that he had been shot by West adding, "I am shot all to pieces." Mr. Phillips asked what had become of Mr. West, and being told that he started east down Broadway, went in search of him. In the meantime Mr. West had gotten into an automobile and started for Sayre to surrender. Being advised of this Mr. Phillips started after him and found him on Broadway, placed him under arrest and securing an automobile belonging to M. V. Canavan, took him to Sayre, where he was turned over to Deputy Sheriff Inman, who placed him in jail, where he will be held awaiting the result of Dr. Watson's injuries. After the shooting Dr. Watson was removed to his home and physicians called, who gave first aid treatment, and a special train was ordered out of El Reno and he was removed there Tuesday afternoon, where on Tuesday night he underwent an operation. It was reported here that was little chance of his recovery, and his death is hourly expected. (12 May 1921, Elk City Newspaper, Elk City, Beckham Co, OK): DR. WATSON DEAD After an extended illness of pernicious anemia, Dr. W. H. Watson passed away last Sunday morning in K. C., where he had gone a few days before in the care of a nurse, trusting he might receive benefit. He had prolonged his life by going at different times to Kansas City, Chicago and Mayo Bros., and having transfusions of blood and while he seemed in a very serious condition when leaving last week, it was hoped another transfusion would lengthen the thread of life for a few more months. Saturday morning Mrs. Watson received a telegram to go at once and she and daughter Frances left on the first train, arriving there just a short time before his death. A letter received later by Dr. Kilpatrick written by Miss Picklum, the nurse, stated she had to have help at El Reno when changing cars, and at Kansas City to get him to the hospital and that he seemed to be in a stupor the most of the way. The funeral services, conducted by the Masons were held in Harris, his old Missouri home, where his parents are buried and where his only sister was laid to rest last year. There were many floral offerings sent from Elk City from different lodges, M. E. Aid Society, Queen Esther Class, Sterling Thimble Embroidery Club, Eastern Star, Mr. and Mrs. J. L. Heard, Mr. and Mrs. J. Custer, Mr. and Mrs. Lee Campbell, Mr. and Mrs. W. L. Blackburn and others we did not learn. Dr. Watson was a pioneer of Elk City, coming here in its infancy, practicing medicine, though for the past five years his health has been such that he was not able to practice much. He was always so interested in his patients. He took many patients to the El Reno Sanitarium and they who before had thought him distant, learned to love him, for he was as tender as a mother to them and his interest was ever for their good. Mr. Watson received every care and attention from his loyal wife and little daughter, Frances, both who survive him. He always appreciated the visits from his friends and neighbors and many pleasant hours were spent by them in his lovely hospitable home. The bereaved wife and daughter have the sympathy of their many friends. (20 May 1921, Elk City Press, Elk City, Beckham Co, OK): DR. W. H. WATSON Dr. W. H. Watson passed away in a hospital in Kansas City, Mo.., Sunday, May 7, ten forty o'clock. His friends were grieved to learn of his death, although they, as well as he, had known for many months it was a losing fight against death. All that could be done was done for him. His fellow medical men here, as well as those in Chicago and Kansas City did all within their power to help and relieve him. Many months of suffering with only temporary relief was more than he could endure, so when the "Black Camel" of death knelt for him to mount and ride into that far away country, from whence no traveler has ever yet returned, we think it was with a feeling of relief for the tired soul of Wade H. Watson went to meet the Judge of all judges, a kind and loving savior of men. Dr. Watson and his splendid wife came to Elk City about twenty years ago. He was a splendid physician, perhaps the best in Western Oklahoma. He was physician for the Rock Island Railroad. Especially was kind to little children, when he called to attend them. The little daughter, Frances, was born in Elk City, and has ever been a pride to her parents, and often accompanied her father to Chicago and cared for while he was under treatment there. Tuesday, at Harris, Mo., the A.F. and A.M. lodge held funeral services of their departed brother and he was buried there on what we love to call "God's Acre." He was a member of the Knights of Templar lodge here, and consistory at Guthrie. He leaves to mourn his going two brothers at Harris, Mo., a kind devoted wife and daughter, Frances. The lodges of Elk City and many friends sent beautiful flowers to Harris, Mo. The Press extends our heartfelt sympathy to his family. May the heavenly father be ever near them. --------------------------------------------------------- Return to Beckham County Archives: http://www.rootsweb.com/~usgenweb/ok/beckham/beckham.htm