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In loving memory

James Watson
1837-1922


Like a tree, that buds in the Springtime, puts forth its foliage, blossoms, and endures through the storm and beat of the Summer sun, then becomes resplendant in its Autumal beauty, to drop its laurels and sleep the sleep of Winter, so has our husband, father, Comrade, brother, and friend endured and passed on, leaving his 85 years of earthly life to be treasured by all who knew him and called him friend. James Watson was born in Vincennes, Indiana, January 28, 1837, and died in Odon, Indiana, June 8, 1022. His birthplace was then a fortress in the wilderness of Southern Indiana, his father being one of the first settlers in that locality. His father and grandfather were engaged in hat manfacturing, and his boyhood days were spent in and near Vincennes. The deceased moved to Daviess county about forty years ago and has resided in and near Odon ever since. He was united in marriage to Eliza Pegg, and to this union four children were born, two of whom survive, George and Charles, of Terre Haute. A few years later the wife and mother passed away, leaving the father to care for the boys. A few years later the deceased was married to Francetta Kiser; this union ten children were born, nine of whom still survive. They are Myrtle and Mrs. Frank Helm, twins; Mrs. Esther Browning of Odon; Mrs. Thos. Boyd of Dayton, Ohio; Robert of Terre Haute; Ross of Ragelsville; Mrs. Josephine Quackenbush of Marion; Fred of Montgomery, and Mrs Glayds Abrell of Linton. In 1862, the deceased enlisted in Company G, 80th regiment Indiana Volunteers, and served throughout the remainder of the war. He served as Drummer, and was in a number of the bloodiest battles of the Civil war. At the close of the war he followed his trade, that of brick mason, and built and assisted in the building of several buildings in this community. About fifteen years ago he united with the Christian church at this place and had been a faithful worker until his health was broken. Through and accident he became almost totally blind, but his appreciation of life never decreased. A life like this just closed sinks not away as the setting of sun, to be forgotten with out yesterdays, but lingers and sustains us, challenging the best of which we are capable, and beckoning us on to a higher appreciation of life. He was a good-husband, father, friend, and neighbor, and he will be missed from our circle of friendships, but we shall treasure his memory, until across the short span of years, we shall have fulfilled our mission on earth and taken our places, too, in the shadows unfettered by time. Like a faded flower that has borne its fruitage and shed it petals, we lay his mortal clay into the kindly earth, which claims her own, but his life and his love linger in our thoughts as a tender benediction. The funeral occurred from the Oden Christian church, and was in charge of the Rev. R. T. Gwyn. "Light after darkness, gain after loss, Strength after weakness, crown after cross; Sweet after bitter, song after sigh, Home after wandering, praise after cry. Sheaves after sowing, sun after rain, Sight after mystery, peace after pain; Joy after sorrow, calm after blast, Rest after weariness, sweet rest at last. Near after distance, gleam after gloom, Love after loniness, life after tomb; After long agony, rapture of bliss, Right was the pathway leading to this."

Contributed by: Gene Printz

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