Watson, Robert H. The Vidette - August 23, 1894 Death Of Capt. R. H. Watson This week we make the sad announcement of the death of one of our most prominent citizens. Last Sunday evening Capt. Robert H. Watson passed off into that dreamless sleep that marks the line between time and eternity. This news will bring sadness to many hearts in Tishomingo County, for he was well known and widely loved. His death will bring to mind many courtesies and acts of kindness which he was always willing and glad to do. No better evidence of the high esteem in which this true hearted man was held is unneeded that to watch and count the immense throng of people which followed him to his last resting place. The funeral services were conducted at the Methodist Church by Rev. J. C. Lowe, of Byhalia. The friends and acquaintances of the deceased turned out en masse and all could not find room in the church. The bier was made beautiful by loving hands with floral decorations. The ceremony was brief and simple, but touching and appropriate. It was a brave and loyal man, friend and father, a loving husband and useful citizen to whom we rendered tribute. The long procession followed the remains to the cemetery where the lifeless body was tenderly laid to rest. Capt. Watson spent most of his life in Tishomingo County. He was born August 5, 1832, in York District, S. C. He came to this county very young. At the age of 20 he began clerking at East Port with R.B. Brown. In three years he went to Pleasant Site, Ala., and began business as a merchant, planter and miller. He was highly successful and soon amassed considerable property by economy and good management. He married Miss Martha J. Harrison, of Lauderdale County, Ala.., and by her had five children, two of whom are yet living - John H. and Charles L. Watson. His first wife died in Jan. 1878. He married again in 1879, to Miss Morilla Cross, daughter of Dr. Cross, of Lauderdale County, Ala., who still survives him. When the call for troops was made in 1861, Capt. Watson was among the first to respond. He was made Captain of Company B. of the 27th Alabama Infantry. This position he held for one year and was made captain of a cavalry company, and engaged in many important battles and skirmishes. He was captured at Fort Donelson but made his escape. He had many other exciting experiences and narrow escapes during his service in the army. He was finally paroled at Iuka in the year 1865. In 1884 he removed to Iuka and went into the mercantile business. In 1890 he bought the famous Iuka Springs Hotel and made many additions and improvements. Many years ago he joined the Cumberland Presbyterian Church and remained a faithful member until his removal to Iuka, when he, with his loving wife, united himself with the Methodist Church at this place. He was a firm believer in the Christian religions and died in the belief that he was going to a better world. He was a man of wonderful physical endurance and until stricken down last November was always in good health. He had been a sufferer for several months and the end was not unexpected; however it was a shock to his relatives and friends who had hoped against hope for his recovery. He will be missed in Iuka for he was a public spirited and progressive in his views. He was always ready to foster any public enterprise, helpful to the churches and the cause of education. The mortal part of him is dead, but his memory will never die. Let us emulate his virtues and remember him for the good he has done. --------------------------------- Do you Yahoo!? New and Improved Yahoo! Mail - 100MB free storage!