Theodore T. Watson, the father of our subject, was born in Pittston, Luzerne county, Pennsylvania, March 8, 1835, and died August 14, 1885. He was a farmer by occupation and followed that pursuit in New York and Illinois. In the former state he married Ann Eliza Cahoon, whose birth occurred in New York, April 13, 1837, a daughter of Hiram and Adeline (Henry) Cahoon, both of w horn were natives of western New York. With his family Theodore T. Watson removed to Illinois in January, 1867, settling in Fidelity, Jersey county, and there he engaged in farming. In September, 1868, he removed to Christian county and after living for a short time in Assumption removed to a farm near Radford, where he carried on agricultural pursuits until 1883. He then retired to Assumption where he made his home until his death, two years later. His widow is still living in Assumption in her sixty-sixth year. Their children were six in number. The eldest, Mrs. Ada Prall, died in Parsons, Kansas, in 1892, leaving two sons, Roy and Newton. Josephine, named for her paternal grandmother, is the wife of Frank Snell, of Moweaqua, Illinois. Edward C. is the third. Lyda died at the age of ten years and two died in infancy.

      Edward C. Watson began his education in the district schools and spent one year as a student in Assumption and two years in the State Normal School at Valparaiso. His own education being completed, he then engaged in teaching With success for several years, first having charge of a district school in Cherokee county, Iowa, and the second year of the school in, his old home district in Christian county, where he had previously been a pupil. The next three years were spent in the Assumption school, being principal of the same the last year. He then became principal of the school of Towerhill, Shelby county, Illinois, after which he returned to Assumption and accepted the position of chief clerk with the Assumption Coal & Mining Company, serving in that capacity in a most commendable manner for ten consecutive years. On the 8th of March, 1902, he was appointed postmaster of Assumption and has since had charge of tlie office, conducting its affairs in a systematic and busi- nesslike manner which gives general satisfaction to its patrons. He also served as village clerk of Assumption in 1886 and at all times has been found loyal to the trust reposed in him. For sixteen years he has been a director of the Assumption Building & Loan Association and for a time was also its treasurer.

      Mr. Watson was married in Assumption, May 15, 1890, to Miss Laura Travis, a daughter of Thomas M. and Jane G. (Barrett ) Travis, the latter a daughter of M. L. Barrett, who was one of the pioneer settlers of Christian county, settling here in 1858. Mr. Travis was a native of Pennsylvania and in 1855 removed westward, settling in Shelby county, Illinois. M. B. Travis, of Chicago, Byron Travis, of Assumption, and H. C. Travis are brothers of Mrs. Watson. Unto Mr. Watson and his wife have been born two sons : Leland and Myron.

      A valued member of several fraternal organizations, Mr. Watson is now actively identified with Brownwell Lodge, No. 451, A. F. & A. M., and has filled all of its offices, serving as its master for four terms. He also belongs to Tecumseh Lodge, No. 683, I. O. O. F. ; to the Modern Woodmen of America; the Fraternal Army of Loyal Americans; and the Mutual Protective League. In the Presbyterian church, of which he has long been an active and leading member, he is now serving as elder and is the superintendent of the Sunday-school.