Obituary for Henry Lark Watson (1842-1916)
[The Rusk County News, Henderson, Rusk County, Texas, Wednesday October 11, 1916]
[Provided by James Walter Hunt]
"H. L. Watson Among The Dead"
H. L. Watson died at the home of his son, Walter Watson, last Wednesday
(October 4, 1916) evening, in the northern part of this county. He was a member
of the Freewill Baptist Church and a member of the Masonic Lodge at Henderson. He
was buried at Pirtle Thursday (October 5, 1916) evening under the auspices of the
Masons of Henderson. Religious services were conducted by his pastor, Rev. E. S.
Jimmerson.
Henry L. Watson came to Rusk County when he was a boy, settled near Monroe,
soon identified himself with the community, built a home, reared a family, served
in the Confederate Army, returned home after the war was over, and again took his
place on his farm and pursued that occupation until feeble health and old age
forced him to retire.
Was there a better citizen, a more obliging neighbor, a kinder husband, a more
devoted father than Henry L. Watson? Go ask the old men and women of the
community in which he lived for more than a half century, and the unanimous
verdict, rendered in mournful, yet emphatic tones, will disclose the fact that
"There was none." Go ask the young men and women, the most impartial character
wittnesses in the world, those whose excellent recollection goes back to the
time when Mr. Watson was in his prime, and the verdict will be "there was none."
To be able to say of a man who has lived three score and ten years that he
as a husband, father and a citizen has filled all the requirements created by
humility, truth and justice is an exalted eulogy. That much could be said of
Henry Watson.
[Transcript of Masonic Lodge Resolution, provided by James Walter Hunt]
[Provided by James Walter Hunt]
"Henry L. Watson dead."
Whereas, the Divine Master has seen fit to remove by death brother Henry L.
Watson, a member in good standing of Clinton Lodge, No. 23, A.F. & A.M. of
Henderson, Texas.
Brother Watson was born in the state of Tennessee in 1842, moved to Rusk
County, Texas, some time just prior to the civil war; served with honor
distinction as a confederate soldier through the four years of war between
the states; was made a Mason at old Millville Lodge some time in the seventies,
and when this Lodge demised moved his membership to Clinton Lodge, at
Henderson; was married in the sixties in Rusk County, raised a large family
who now live in and near Monroe, Rusk County, Texas; This man had lived out
his three score and ten years; was an honest, upright man; devoted father and
husband, and had lived a long and useful life.
Therefore, be it resolved, that the Officers, member and brethren of
Clinton Lodge No. 23, A.F. & A.M. Henderson, Texas, by this act extend to
the bereaved family of this good man condolence in this their hour of grief
and sorrow.
And be it further resolved that, a copy of these resolutions be spread
upon the minutes of the Lodge, the family furnished with a copy and the news
papers as well.
Committee: s/s- E. F. Crim, C. B. Richardson, H. S. Higginbotham, R. T. Brown