Obituary: Charles Herbert Watson (1914)

Northfield News, August 28, 1914, p. 3:

On Thursday of last week, Aug. 20, occurred the death of one of Northfield's old settlers and most respected citizens. He had been in failing health for some time and the end was not unexpected, coming at about 8:30 Thursday morning. Funeral services were held at his late home on Saturday at 2:00 conducted by Rev. M. G. Shuman, pastor of the Methodist church, of which Mr. Watson had been a member for many years. The interment was at Oaklawn Cemetery.  Mssrs. DJ Whiting, Jas. A. Little, J.F. Wyman, A.M. Olin, JC Davison and Wm Green acting as pallbearers.

Charles Herbert Watson

Charles Herbert Watson was born at Granby, Quebec, Canada Oct 20, 1843, thus being exactly 70 years and 10 months old at the time of his death. He came to Minnesota in 1855, settling in Red Wing where he attended the public schools and Hamline University, then located in that city. While in that city he also learned the trade of harness maker.

In August 1862, he enlisted in Co. F., 6th Minnesota volunteer infantry, which was sent at once to Fort Ridgely to assist in repelling the attacks of the Sioux Indians. On the morning of September 2 Mr. Watson was on picket duty near the fort when he heard firing in the distance. A small band of troops had been ambushed by Indians at Birch Coulee, where they were being savagely attacked. It was this firing that Mr. Watson heard: he gave the alarm and relief was sent from the fort and the Indians were finally defeated with severe losses. Mr. Watson was engaged in that battle and also in the battles of Wood Lake and some other engagements with the Indians. Toward the last of their term of enlistment the regiment was stationed for some time at Helena, Arkansas and later was engaged in the siege of Mobile, Alabama and the battles before Fort Blakely, Alabama. After about 3 1/2 years of service Mr. Watson was mustered out at Fort Snelling.[1]

In 1867 he came to this city and engaged in the harness business, having been actively engaged in that business in this city most of the time since then, until about two years ago when he sold his business because of failing health. For a few years he was engaged in farming, one year as manager of the Leonard Johnson stock farm at East Castlerock, Dakota County [MN], and during 1890-92 as manager of the Turlington stock farm at Turlington Nebraska.

He was married on October 30th 1867 to Miss Ella M. Ramsdell, who survives him. Seven children were born of their marriage, six of whom survive their father.  Earl H., Charles E., Clara M., and Helen F., all of this city.  Fred J., of Regina Saskatchewan, and Mrs. Paul Schlattman of Alberta, Minnesota. One daughter, Amy F., died on January 22nd, 1900.

Mr. Watson united with the Methodist Church of this city in 1867, for about 45 years he had been continuously a member of the official board of the church either as steward or trustee. He was highly valued by his bretheran of the church for his sterling qualities, and those who knew him best held him in highest esteem.

He was a modest and retiring to a fault but faithful and efficient in any position that he could be induced to accept. Outside his church he enjoyed the confidence and respect of all who knew him as a businessman of the strictest integrity, an honorable citizen, a kind neighbor, and a faithful friend.

The Charles Herbert Watson Family headstone
in Oaklawn Cemetery in Northfield, MN

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NOTES:

1 Charles' 1864 letters home to his father during his Civil War service were published in 1986 in an article entitled "Minnesota Troops at Helena: Part II: Civil War Letters of Charles Herbert Watson, Company F, 6th Minnesota Volunteer Infantry Regiment" in the Philips County Historical Quarterly, Vol I, #1 & #2 (Dec 1986 & Mar 1987), from the Phillips County Historical Society, Helena, Arkansas, ISSN 8755-5913.