Frank N. Watson was a pivotal figure in Williams County’s agricultural realm, epitomizing hard work, integrity, and innovation. Born in 1876, this son of W.C. and Jennie Watson transitioned from teaching to farming, eventually becoming president of the Farmers’ Grain Elevator at Pulaski. He married Pearl Koch and had eight children. Watson ascended from humble beginnings to leadership within the farming community, earning respect for his unwavering industry and ethical approach. Owning a prosperous 78-acre farm, he employed progressive methods in cultivation and stock raising. His standing as a reputable citizen extended beyond farming; he also possessed strong familial and community ties, holding membership with the Church of the Brethren and supporting the Republican Party. Watson’s life was a testament to success built on determination and community service.
Frank N. Watson. — The gentleman, to a brief review of whose life and character the reader’s attention is herewith directed, is among the favorably known and representative citizens of Williams County. Mr. Watson has by his indomitable enterprise and progressive methods contributed in a material way to the advancement of his community during the course of an honorable career, and he has ascended by his individual efforts from the bottom of the ladder to a place of importance in farming circles in this locality, having ever been known as a man of unswerving industry, sound judgment and honesty of purpose.
Frank N. Watson, whose well cultivated and productive farm is located in Jefferson Township, six miles north and one and a half miles east of Bryan, was born in Northwest Township, this county, on July 17, 1876, and is the son of W. C. and Jennie (Dargitz) Watson, the former of whom was born in Columbiana County, Ohio. After attaining maturity he came to Williams County, and was here married. He settled in Northwest Township, where he engaged in carpenter work and the sawmill business, switching later to carpentering and contracting. During the Civil war he enlisted as a private and gave faithful service to the Union during that great struggle. He was afterwards a member of the Grand Army of the Republic. His religious membership was with the United Brethren Church. To him and his wife were born four children, namely: Carrie, the wife of W. A. Dietrich; Cora, the wife of A. J. Dietrich, a twin brother of W. A.; Frank N.; Daisy, the wife of W. E. Warrick.
Frank N. Watson was reared to manhood on the parental farmstead in Northwest Township and attended the district schools, completing his studies in the high school at Montpelier with the class of 1895. He then followed the vocation of school teacher for eight years, being employed in the schools of Williams County. Aside from his labors as a teacher, however, Mr. Watson has devoted practically his entire life to agricultural interests, in which he has been rewarded with splendid success. He owns seventy-eight acres of excellent land, devoted to general farming and stock raising and maintains his place at a high state of cultivation, following up-to-date methods in his work. Mr. Watson is a stockholder and the president of the Farmers’ Grain Elevator at Pulaski.
On August 20, 1892, Mr. Watson was married to Pearl Koch, who was born in Jefferson Township, the daughter of Daniel P. Koch, who is referred to specifically in dater paragraphs in this sketch. To this union have been born eight children: Lawrence, Opal, Willard, June, Hubert, Robert, Marjorie and William C.
Religiously, Mr. and Mrs. Watson are members of the Church of the Brethren, while, politically, Mr. Watson gives his support to the Republican party. Because of his business success, his public spirit and his sterling qualities of character, he well merits the high standing which he occupies in the esteem of all who know him.
Source: Bowersox, Charles A. ed. A standard history of Williams County, Ohio: an authentic narrative of the past, with particular attention to the modern era in the commercial, industrial, educational, civic and social development , 2 vols. Publisher Chicago: Lewis Pub. Co. 1920.