Joseph F. Watson

JOSEPH F. WATSON. - There is nothing in the world that gives a man a keener sense of satisfaction than the consciousness that he has done his duty. The soldier who is wounded while fighting, the doctor who catches the fever from his patient, the sailor who perishes at his post at sea are no more to be admired than the railroad man who becomes disabled in the performance of his duty. If anything could compensate Mr. Watson, the noted councilman of Rosedale, for the pains he has endured and the inconvenience he now suffers, it would be that fact - that he did his duty.

He was born in Shelby county, Kentucky, June 1, 1849, a son of W. H. and Louise Watson, the former of whom was a farmer, and in Kansas he made a farm in the woods. Joseph F. Watson was educated in the public schools in his native county and when he was twenty years old he left his home and came to Missouri. Since then he has spent all of his time in Missouri, Illinois and Kansas. In 1871 he got a position as brakeman and yardmaster with the Chicago and Alton Railroad. Later he acted as special conductor for the road. After several years he became conductor for the St. Louis and Keokuk Short Line, traveling between Hannibal and St. Louis. Then he worked for the Wabash road and in 1881 he went to work for the Fort Scott & Gulf Railroad as brakeman and fireman. In November, 1887, he went to work for the Kansas City Belt Line as foreman of the switching crew and yardmaster. In October, 1908, while in the employe of this road he met with an accident. He was climbing on top of a car, when the handle broke and he fell back. He turned a somersault and landed on his feet, breaking the bones in both feet. This made it impossible for him to again perform any physical work. He has since that time lived a retired life at Rosedale. In 1911 he was elected to the office of city councilman in the Fourth ward of Rosedale, and he is now acting as one of the city fathers.

In 1888 he married Lizzie Cross, a young lady who was born in Sullivan county, Kansas. One son was born to this union, George O., who is a salesman of railroads supplies. He started in the yards and worked up to the position of claim agent. He resigned this position to accept his present post. He belongs to the order of Masons, having joined in Rosedale. He lives at home with his father and the two men are very devoted to each other.

Mr. Watson is a member of the Odd Fellows fraternal order and he is also a member of the Switchmen's Union. He is very popular in Rosedale not only with the railroad men, but with all who know him. He is very desirous of seeing Rosedale prosper and he is doing excellent work in his position as councilman.