WATSON, Joseph O. (1869-1936)

WATSON

Posted By: Karon Velau (email)
Date: 5/3/2020 at 22:05:52

Joseph Otis Watson Sr.
(November 10, 1869 – February 5, 1936)

J. W. Watson, Sr., 66, Indianola attorney since 1897, prominent in professional and civic affairs, died Wednesday, Feb 5, and was buried Saturday, Feb 8. He was a trustee of Simpson College, president of the Rotary Club, Past Master in the Masonic lodge, director of the People’s Trust and Savings bank as well as a leader in professional groups. The Rev. I. J. Brame conducted the services at the First Baptist church. A tribute was given by Don L. Berry. – 1936 -
[copied from a scrapbook of newspaper articles at the Warren County Historical Society Library, Indianola, IA]

From newspaper clippings in a scrapbook at the Warren County Historical Society Library, Indianola, Iowa
Auto Wreck Is Cause of Death of J. O. Watson
Prominent Indianola Attorney, 66, Dies at Midnight Wednesday from Pneumonia Caused by Injuries
J. O. Watson Sr., 66, prominent Indianola and Warren County attorney, died at midnight Wednesday, in the Lutheran hospital at Fort Dodge, as a result of injuries and shock received in an auto accident near Gilmore City Thursday evening, Jan. 30. Funeral arrangements had not been made Thursday noon. Mr. Watson received a fractured wrist, two broken ribs and severe shock in the auto crash between the Watson car and an auto driven by Clarence Roberts of near Gilmore City. Pneumonia developed which resulted in his death.
Three Others Injured
Injured in the same accident were Richard Watson, Mr. Watson’s son, driver of the car, Mrs. Elsie Belle Langfitt, and Walter Keen, all of Indianola. Mr. Roberts was uninjured. Richard Watson is in the Fort Dodge hospital, suffering from a split kneecap, which will require the surgery of Dr. Steindler, Iowa City specialist. Mrs. Langfitt, already troubled with bone ailment, received a triple fracture of the thigh bone. Walter Keen’s ankle was sprained. The party was returning from a business trip to Pocahontas.
Graduate of Simpson
Mr. J. O. Watson was born in Indianola on November 10, 1869, son of Judge and Mrs. Joseph C. Watson, early settlers in Warren County. Mr. Watson attended the public schools, and was graduated from Simpson College in 1893. For two years following, he taught French and German at Simpson, then studied law at the University of Iowa, where he completed his course in 1897. Returning to Indianola to practice, he was married to Miss Fannie Clark in 1902. Three sons and two grandsons, besides his widow, survive. The sons are Joseph Jr., Vinton C., and Richard D. Two brothers, P. G. Watson and J. H. Watson, live in Indianola; Miss Mattie Watson, resident of Des Moines, was called Wednesday from Florida. A sister, Julia H., died several years ago.
Active Citizen
Mr. Watson was active in civic and political affairs. He was president of the Indianola Rotary club at the time of this death and was a past master of Indianola lodge No. 53, A. F. & A. M. He was a former county attorney and a leader in Republican politics. As senior member of the law firm in which he was associated with his two sons, Joseph Jr. and Richard, he enjoyed a large practice.