John Quincy Watson1,2,3

Family Chart
ID# 271, (1842 - 1934)
FatherJames R. Watson4,5,6 (Dec 1811 - 8 Jun 1885)
MotherMargaret Jane [surname unknown]4,5,6 (abt 1817 - btn 1853 - 1858)

Key Events:

Birth: 5 Oct 1842, Mesopotamia, Trumbull Co., Ohio7,8,9
Marriage: 7 Apr 1867, White Pigeon, St. Joseph Co., Michigan, Lucy Florence Walker (30 May 1849 - 9 Jul 1928)10,11,12
Death: 9 Jul 1934, Peoria, Peoria Co., Illinois13,14,15
Burial: 11 Jul 1934, Springdale Cemetery, Peoria, Peoria Co., Illinois1

Copyright Notice

Narrative:

     John Quincy Watson was born on 5 Oct 1842 in Mesopotamia, Trumbull Co., Ohio.7,8,9 He appeared on the 1850 Federal Census of Amherst Twp., Lorain Co., Ohio, in the household of his parents, James R. Watson and Margaret Jane [surname unknown].16 He appeared on the 1860 Federal Census of Elkhart Co., Indiana, in the household of his father and stepmother, Susan [surname unknown].17

Service in the Civil War --- Text Stolen from ReigelRidge.com !! ---


     John enlisted as a Private in Company M, 2nd Cavalry Regiment, Indiana, on 19 Nov 1861. According to family lore he was a drummer boy, though his age, and the record, suggest he was a private. His regiment was organized at Indianapolis in Sep 1861, being the first complete cavalry regiment raised in the state. It was mustered in 9 Dec and left the state on the 16th for Louisville, going from there to Camp Wickliffe. It fought at Gallatin, Tennessee on 16 Feb 1862. It moved with Buell's army to the Tennessee reaching the field at Shiloh after the battle. It was in a skirmish en route for Corinth, was engaged at Pea Ridge in Apr 1862, and participated in a reconnaissance in force a few days later, driving the enemy for 3 miles. It was actively engaged in the siege of Corinth, Mississippi (29 Apr - 30 May). After the evacuation it moved with Buell's army into northern Alabama. It was engaged at Tuscumbia, Mississippi on 31 May 1862. He was discharged on 10 Jun 1862.18,19
     John married Lucy Florence Walker, daughter of Austin Hiram Walker and Julia Ann Dyer, on 7 Apr 1867 in White Pigeon, St. Joseph Co., Michigan.10,11,12
     John and Lucy appeared on the 1870 Federal Census of Elkhart, Elkhart Co., Indiana, enumerated 8 Aug 1870, reporting that he had $100 in personal estate, and she owned real estate valued at $4300. Their children Minnetta and Julia were listed as living with them, as well has his brother, DeWitt C. Watson, and Alice Roufe, a 19-year-old domestic servant.20

Living in Peoria --- Text Stolen from ReigelRidge.com !! ---


     John and Lucy moved with their surviving daughter to Peoria, Illinois, before 1876, based on records showing their children born in 1876 and later were born there. He first appears in the Peoria City Directory in 1879, when they are listed as living at 1023 S. Adams with his father shown at the same address.21
     John and Lucy appeared on the 1880 Federal Census of Peoria, Peoria Co., Illinois, at 207 Walnut St., enumerated 7 Jun 1880. Their children Minnetta, Rilla and Bessie were listed as living with them.3 He is shown at that address in the 1880 and 1881 City Directories, and then at 605 Smith in 1882 through 1889, then at 305 Smith in 1890. His father is shown living at the same addresses in 1882 until his death in 1885, after being shown as boarding elsewhere in 1880.22,23
     The family moved to 203 Pennsylvania Ave. by 1891, and apparently lived there until 1893. In 1894 through 1897 they are listed at 506 Fisher.24 By 1898 the family had moved to 601 Seventh Ave., where they lived until about 1905.25 John and Lucy appeared on the 1900 Federal Census of Peoria, Peoria Co., Illinois, at 601 Seventh Ave., enumerated 1 Jun 1900, reporting that the family rented its home. Their children Minnetta, Bessie, Estella, Edith and Jessie were listed as living with them, as was Marion Nelson, a 28-year-old lodger.26
     In 1906 and 1907 the family is reported as living at 314 Sixth Ave.. They apparently then moved briefly to the Van Sant building.27,28 About 1909 the family moved to 408 Chestnut which was apparently a two-family dwelling. They lived there until about 1912. Their daughter Estella with her husband and their new daughter lived with them for a short time after they returned from Missouri.29 John and Lucy appeared on the 1910 Federal Census of Peoria, Peoria Co., Illinois, at 408 Chestnut St., enumerated 15 Apr 1910.30
     About 1913 John and Lucy moved to to the home of their daughter Jessie and her husband Joseph Frank Prenger, at 208 Goodwin.31 About 1913 they all moved across the street to 219A Goodwin.32 About 1916 they all moved to 602 5th Ave.33
     After Jessie died in 1917 they moved to the home of their eldest daughter, Min, and her husband Edwin Lehmann, at 1709 N Perry Ave.34 They appeared on the 1920 Federal Census of Peoria, Peoria Co., Illinois, in the household of their daughter Min and her husband, Edwin Lehmann.35
     John and Lucy apparently lived with the Lehmanns the remainder of their lives, with two brief exceptions. About 1918 they lived for a time with their daughter Estella and her husband. Then, in 1928 they are listed as living at 318 College, a four-family dwelling.36,37,38 She died there on 9 Jul 1928.39,40,41,42
     John appeared on the 1930 Federal Census of Peoria, Peoria Co., Illinois, back in the household of Min and Edwin.43

Becoming a Railroad Man --- Text Stolen from ReigelRidge.com !! ---

Union Depot, Peoria
Local History and Genealogy Collection, Peoria Public Library, Peoria, Illinois

     John was a farm worker at age 17, presumably on his father's farm, as reported on the 1860 census. By 1870 he was a brakeman on a railroad, and continued in various railroad occupations the rest of his working life, until his retirement in 1928 at age 86.44,45,46
     The 1879 Peoria City Directory lists him as a yardmaster for the Pekin, Lincoln & Decatur Railway. That line was consolidated in Dec of that year with the Decatur, Mattoon and Southern Railroad to form the Peoria, Decatur and Evansville Railway.47,48 It appears he lost his position in that consolidation as he is listed the following year as a brakeman with the Toledo, Peoria, and Western Railway. In 1881 he is listed as a baggageman, and in 1882 as a switchman, in both cases with his employer not identified.49,50
     He was listed as a switchman for Peoria and Pekin Union Railway from 1883 until 1892. That line was established in 1881 as a short line railroad providing interconnection to the many major lines terminating in the Peoria area. It remained in operation until 2004, when it leased it's plant to the Tazewell and Peoria Railroad.51,52,53,54
     Peoria's new Union Depot opened in 1882, and the next year John was listed in the City Directory as a gatekeeper there. He remained in that position until at least 1913. He is listed in 1917 and 1920 as a flagman for P. & P. U. Railway. After having no occupation shown for several years, in 1928 he is listed at a crossing watchman, the last time he is listed with an occupation, apparently retiring at that point.55,56,57,58,59
     John died on 9 Jul 1934 in Peoria, Peoria Co., Illinois, at age 91.13,14,15 He was buried on 11 Jul 1934 in Springdale Cemetery, Peoria, Peoria Co., Illinois.1

Children:
     Children with Lucy Florence Walker:

Citations

  1. [S747] John Quincy Watson, Standard Certificate of Death.
  2. [S54] Pound, Glabe Family.
  3. [S368] John Q. Watson household, 1880 U.S. Census, Peoria Co., Illinois.
  4. [S11] Pound, "Ancestors of Leland E. Pound."
  5. [S399] Davis, and Bradley, John Watson of Narragansett, pg 90, citing census and Leland E. Pound, personal letter dated 27 Jan 1981.
  6. [S901] James Watson household, 1850 U.S. Census, Lorain Co., Ohio, shows them living apparently as parent and child.
  7. [S747] John Quincy Watson, Standard Certificate of Death, shows date, with month as Oct, "city or town" as Elkart, and state as Indiana.
  8. [S901] James Watson household, 1850 U.S. Census, Lorain Co., Ohio, shows age 6 and state, as Indiana.
  9. [S913] John Q. Watson household, 1900 U.S. Census, Peoria Co., Illinois, shows month, as Dec, year, age 57, and state, as Ohio.
  10. [S66] Pound, Family File "POUNDA~1.FTW," 31 Jan 1999, shows date, town, and state.
  11. [S747] John Quincy Watson, Standard Certificate of Death, shows widowed, and her name.
  12. [S913] John Q. Watson household, 1900 U.S. Census, Peoria Co., Illinois, shows married 34 years.
  13. [S11] Pound, "Ancestors of Leland E. Pound", shows date, town, and state.
  14. [S399] Davis, and Bradley, John Watson of Narragansett, pg 102, shows date, town, and state.
  15. [S747] John Quincy Watson, Standard Certificate of Death, shows date, place, city, county, and state.
  16. [S901] James Watson household, 1850 U.S. Census, Lorain Co., Ohio.
  17. [S1661] James Watson household, 1860 U.S. Census, Elkhart Co., Indiana.
  18. [S90] "U.S. Civil War Soldier Records and Profiles," Ancestry.com.
  19. [S24] Interview, Carmen Glabe Reigel, 7 Oct 1998.
  20. [S904] John Q. Watson household, 1870 U.S. Census, Elkhart Co., Indiana.
  21. [S3468] Root's Peoria City Directory, 1879, pg 305, lists James R. and John Q. Watson, both at 1023 S. Adams.
  22. [S3469] Gould's Peoria City Directory, 1880-1, pg 287, shows John Q. at 307 Walnut and James R. "bds. 307 Maple"; 1881-2, pg 324 shows John Q. at 207 Walnut and does not show James; 1882-3 pg 378, 1883-4 pg 486, 1884-5 pg 496, and 1885 pg 474, all show both at 605 Smith (son listed as Jefferson Q. in 1883 through 1885; 1886-7 pg 491, and 1887 pg 606, all show Jefferson Q. at 605 Smith.
  23. [S3470] Auer's Peoria City Directory, 1890-91, pg 672 shows Jefferson Q. at 305 Smith; the street directory section, pg 1003, shows John Q. at that address.
  24. [S3471] Franks Peoria City Directory, 1894 pg 760 shows John Q. and Minnie E.; 1895 pg 562 shows John Q, Minnie E. and Rillia A.; 1896 pg 627 shows John Q., May and Minnie E.; and 1897 pp 615-6 shows Bessie, John Q., and Minnie E., all at 506 Fisher.
  25. [S3471] Franks Peoria City Directory, 1898 pg 624 shows Bessie D., John Q., Lucy F., Minnie E., and Stella P.; 1899 pp 674-5 shows Bessie D., John Q., and Minnie E.; 1900 pp 715-6, 1901 pp 675-6, 1902 pp 736-6, and 1903 pp 722-3 all show Bessie D., John Q., and Minnie E.; 1904 pg 723 shows Bessie D., Edith L., Estella P., Jessie D., John Q. and Minnie E.; and 1905 pp 735-6 shows Edith L., Jessie D., John Q., Minnie E. and Stella P., all at 601 Seventh av.
  26. [S913] John Q. Watson household, 1900 U.S. Census, Peoria Co., Illinois.
  27. [S3472] White's Peoria City Directory, 1906 pp 828-9, shows Estella, Jessie M., John Q. and Minnie E. at 314 Sixth av.; 1907 pg 783 shows Estella, John Q. and Minnie E. at 613 Sixth, and Jessie D. at 314 Sixth, while street directory at pg 1032 shows John Q. at 314 and someone else at 613.
  28. [S3471] Franks Peoria City Directory, 1908 pg 865, shows John Q. and Jessie M. at 9 Van Sant bldg.
  29. [S3471] Franks Peoria City Directory, 1909 pg 321 shows William F. Glabe, and pg 890 shows Jessie M. and John Q. Watson at 408 Chestnut, pg 984 shows John Q. Watson at 408 and Wilfred F. Peters at 408B; 1910-1911 pg 924 shows John Q. Watson at 408A Chestnut and pg 1028 shows John Q. at 408A and Wilfred F. Peters, dentist at 408B; 1912-1913 pg 1034 shows John Q. and Lucy F. at 408A and pg 1156 shows Peters at 408 and John Q. at 408A.
  30. [S1723] John Q. Watson household, 1910 U.S. Census, Peoria Co., Illinois.
  31. [S3471] Franks Peoria City Directory, 1913-1914 pg 1092 shows John Q. and Lucy F. at 208 Goodwin.
  32. [S3471] Franks Peoria City Directory, 1913-1914 pg 835, 1914-1915 pg 767, and 1915-1916 pg 797.
  33. [S3473] Peoria City Directory, 1916 pg 796 shows the Prengers at 602 5th av and pg 878 shows John Q. and Lucy Watson at same address.
  34. [S3473] Peoria City Directory, 1917 pg 540 shows Edwin and Minnie R. Lehmann at 1709 N Perry av. and pg 878 shows John Q. and Lucy Watson at same address.
  35. [S1883] Edwin Leahmann household, 1920 U.S. Census, Peoria Co., Illinois.
  36. [S3471] Franks Peoria City Directory, 1918 pg 768 shows Wm F and Stella Glabe at 1211 E Gift av. and pg 1313 shows John Q. and Lucy Watson at same address.
  37. [S3473] Peoria City Directory, 1920 pp 754, 1043, 1922 pp 765, 1056, 1923 pp 769, 1054, 1924 pp 593, 851, 1925 pp 461, 701, and 1926 pp 473, 718 all show Edwin and Minnie Lehmann and John Q. and Lucy Watson at 309 N Institute pl; 1928 pg shows John Q. and Lucille F. Watson at 318 College, pg 830 lists them in unit 2 of 4 units listed; 1931 pp 453, 707, 1932 pp 388, 612, 1933 pp 351, 569, and 1934 pp 350, 576 all show Edwin and Minnie Lehmann and John Q. Watson at 309 N Institute pl; the Watsons are not listed in 1927, 1929, or 1930.
  38. [S746] Lucy Watson, Standard Certificate of Death, shows residence as 318 College.
  39. [S11] Pound, "Ancestors of Leland E. Pound", shows date, city, and state.
  40. [S399] Davis, and Bradley, John Watson of Narragansett, pg 102, shows date, city, and state.
  41. [S1725] Edwin Lehmann household, 1930 U.S. Census, Peoria Co., Illinois, shows her husband as a widower.
  42. [S746] Lucy Watson, Standard Certificate of Death, shows date, place, city, county, and state.
  43. [S1725] Edwin Lehmann household, 1930 U.S. Census, Peoria Co., Illinois.
  44. [S1661] James Watson household, 1860 U.S. Census, Elkhart Co., Indiana, shows occupation as farm work.
  45. [S904] John Q. Watson household, 1870 U.S. Census, Elkhart Co., Indiana, shows occupation as RR brakeman.
  46. [S747] John Quincy Watson, Standard Certificate of Death, shows retired in 1928.
  47. [S3468] Root's Peoria City Directory, 1879, pg 305.
  48. [S1265] Wikipedia, online, "WikiProject Trains/ICC valuations/Illinois Central Railroad," viewed Jul 2012, shows consolidation of railroads.
  49. [S3469] Gould's Peoria City Directory, 1880-1, pg 287; 1881-2, pg 324; and 1882-3 pg 378.
  50. [S368] John Q. Watson household, 1880 U.S. Census, Peoria Co., Illinois, shows occupation as a brakeman on a railroad.
  51. [S3469] Gould's Peoria City Directory, 1883-4 pg 486, 1884-5 pg 496, 1885 pg 474, 1886-7 pg 491, 1887 pg 606, and 1889 pg 624.
  52. [S3470] Auer's Peoria City Directory, 1890-91, pg 672.
  53. [S3471] Franks Peoria City Directory, 1891 pg 665, and 1892 pg 676.
  54. [S1265] Wikipedia, online, "Peoria and Pekin Union Railway," viewed Jul 2012, shows history and description of railroad.
  55. [S3471] Franks Peoria City Directory, 1893 pg 737, 1894 pg 760, 1895 pg 562, 1896 pg 627, 1897 pp 615-6, 1898 pg 624, 1899 pp 674-5, 1900 pp 715-6, 1901 pp 675-6, 1902 pp 736-6, 1903 pp 722-3, 1904 pg 723, and 1905 pp 735-6 all show him as gate keeper at Union Depot, or later, Union Station.
  56. [S3472] White's Peoria City Directory, 1906 pp 828-9, and 1907 pg 783 show occupation as gatekeeper at Union Station.
  57. [S3471] Franks Peoria City Directory, 1909 pg 890, 1910-1911 pg 924, 1912-1913 pg 1034, and 1913-1914 pg 1092, show occupation as gateman, Union Station; he is not found in the 1914-1915, 1915-1916, nor 1916 issues.
  58. [S3473] Peoria City Directory, 1917 pg 878 shows occupation as flagman, P & P U; 1918 pg 1313 shows occupation as emp Bridge Junction; he is not listed in 1919; 1920 pg 1043, shows occupation as flag P & P U; he is not listed in 1921 has no occupation listed in 1922 through 1926 and is not listed in 1927; 1928 pg shows occupation as crossing watchman; he is not listed in 1929 and 1930 and shows no occupation in 1931 through 1934.
  59. [S747] John Quincy Watson, Standard Certificate of Death, shows occupation as gatekeeper for P+PURR, retired in 1928.
  60. [S3462] "Illinois Deaths and Stillbirths, 1916-1947," FamilySearch.org, record for Minnie Ruth Lehmann, citing FHL#1991869, cert no 34935.
  61. [S904] John Q. Watson household, 1870 U.S. Census, Elkhart Co., Indiana, shows them living apparently as parent and child.
  62. [S66] Pound, Family File "POUNDA~1.FTW," 31 Jan 1999.
  63. [S8696] Waton twins, Return of A Birth.
  64. [S473] Estella Pearl Glabe, Standard Certificate of Death.
  65. [S3462] "Illinois Deaths and Stillbirths, 1916-1947," FamilySearch.org, record for Jessie Prenger, citing FHL#1543608, cert no 1201, shows father as O. Watson.