James Norman Watson

James Norman Watson-and his wife, Martha Ball, were both born in slavery in Alvamar county, Virginia, the former in October 1828, and Martha, December 21, 1833. They were married in the same county, May 30, 1850, and their children, twelve in number, are all living but one; they are: Sarah E., born February 15, 1850; Norman, December 19, 1851; John J., September 7, 1852; Emma J., May 30, 1856; Mary Alice, March 6, 1857, deceased; Anna M., May 12, 1859; Alexander, September 20, 1861; Julia M., October 25, 1863; William E., September 25, 1865; Cora Bell, May 19, 1868; Flora A., December 11, 1871; David D., May 27, 1874. Mr. Watson is the son of David and Patsy (Beverly) Watson, and his wife’s parents are William and Elizabeth (Clinton) Ball. James Norman belonged to one master during all his slave life-John Crank, and at his death he liberated all of his slaves. Martha Watson’s master was John Fauls; he migrated to Pike county Ohio; liberated all his slaves and then lived about among them until his death. Mr. Watson is a farmer. Address, Pleasant Point, Paulding county, Ohio.