Watson, Thomas E. (Thomas Edward), 1856-1922

Thomas Edward Watson was born in Columbia County near Thomson, Georgia on September 5, 1856. He attended Mercer University in Macon, Georgia and during that time taught school for two years before he was admitted to the bar in 1875. Watson began practicing law in Thomson, Georgia in 1876, where he was also a farmer. Watson began his political career by winning election to the Georgia House of Representatives in 1882, where he served for one term. In 1888, Watson was appointed the presidential elector for Georgia Democratic ticket of Grover Cleveland and Allen G. Thurman. He then went on to be elected to the U.S. House of Representatives as a Populist (1891-1893), but was unsuccessful as a candidate for reelection in 1892 and in 1894. Watson resumed his law practice in Thomson, Georgia, and was later nominated for vice president at the Populist National Convention at St. Louis in 1896 and for president by the People's Party in 1904. Watson concluded his political career in 1921 when he won election to the United States Senate as a Democrat. Watson served in this position until his death on September 26, 1922. In addition to his political career, Watson was also a prolific writer and editor. In March 1905, Watson launched Tom Watson's Magazine and served as editor for two years. In 1906 and 1907, he published two magazines, The Jeffersonian (weekly) and Watson's Jeffersonian Magazine (monthly). He edited both from his home in Thomson, Georgia. He wrote many books and articles, including some expressing his opposition to the Catholic Church and its activities. Watson also authored biographies of Napoleon and Andrew Jackson. He was survived by his wife Georgia Durham and two of his three children. His interment is in Thomson Cemetery, Thomson, Georgia.

From the description of Thomas E. Watson letter, circa 1913. (University of Georgia). WorldCat record id: 423007874

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