James Watson (politician)

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James Watson

James Watson (born  April 6, 1750 in Woodbury , Colony of Connecticut , †  May 15, 1806 in New York City ) was an American politician ( Federalist Party ) who represented the state of New York in the US Senate .

After finishing school, James Watson attended Yale College , where he graduated in 1776. He then served in the military for a year before studying law , being admitted to the bar, and practicing as a lawyer. In 1780 the state legislature appointed him to the supply commissioner of the Connecticut Line , a sub-grouping of the Continental Army . After moving to New York in 1786, Watson worked there in the commercial sector.

In his new home he was also politically active. In 1791 he was the first member of the New York State Assembly ; between 1794 and 1796 he was again a member of the State House of Representatives, in 1794 serving as its speaker . A term in the New York Senate followed from 1796 to 1798. From 1795 to 1806 Watson sat on the governing body ( Board of Regents ) of New York University .

After the resignation of US Senator John Sloss Hobart , James Watson was elected as his successor to Congress , where he remained from August 17, 1798 to March 19, 1800. He then also resigned to follow President John Adams' appointment as naval officer . In 1801 he applied for the post of lieutenant governor of New York in vain . Watson no longer held any other political offices. He was still a member of the Society of the Cincinnati and a co-founder and first President of the New England Society of New York from 1805 until his death the following year .

Web links

Commons : James Watson  - Collection of Images, Videos and Audio Files
  • James Watson in the Biographical Directory of the United States Congress (English)
  • James Watson at The Political Graveyard