J. M. Watson

J. M. Watson, was one of the pioneer settlers of the county, and should have been mentioned in these sketches earlier. He came here from Ohio, about the year 1853. He had a good reputation in every respect. He was a great hunter, and on January 31st, 1855, while out on the prairie north of Lewis, a few miles, chasing a wolf, on horseback, his horse stumbled and fell throwing Mr. W. violently to the ground, breaking his skull. Not returning home that evening, fears that some accident had befallen him were aroused, and search was made for him. His body was found the next day, cold in death, with his faithful dog by his side. Mr. Watson left three children, who reside in the county, one of whom is Paschal Watson. Eli Watson, brother to J. M. Watson, came to the county with him. Jacob, William, and Jesse Watson, also brothers, did not come to the county until 1854. They all settled near a point where the Turkey creek empties into the 'Botna river, and improved a large tract of land there. J. M. and Eli were born in Ohio; the other brothers in Indiana.

From "History of Cass County, Iowa Together With Brief Mention of Old Settlers," by Lafe Young, Atlantic, Iowa, Telegraph Steam Printing House, 1877, pg. 98.