William Watson Jr. Family History

Children
Artemus Watson	b. abt 1753	d. about 1792	m. Hannah Bell (b. 3 Dec 1753 d. 1824 ) dau. Benj. Bell and Martha Tucker. her 2m. Burdett Eskridge (killed in Cloud Creek massacre) her 3m. Daniel Bullock
Apsilla Watson	b. abt 1759 Edgefield Co., S. C.	d.	m. Edward Couch

"In the sixteenth century the Watson's came from Wales, by way of England, to New York, from there to Va., Then through N.C., leaving some of the colony along the way at each of the places named. They finally reached S.C. in 1745, where they settled, and their descendents have remained to present day, on lands granted by King George II and King George III, to which they added large acreage by purchase. The Watson family owned by grant and purchase sixteen square miles of land at one time; it lay between the Saluda and the Edisto rivers. Our ancestors William and John Watson, six generations from us, and the founders of our tract. He came to the ridge in 1745; he had one brother, no sisters of which we know, but with him were three Watson Brothers who were his first cousins. Williams Wife, we think, was named Penelope and was a sister of John Watson. John Watson's daughter, Martha, married Capt. Michael Watson, her first cousin. John Watson was a brother to William Watson's wife, also brother to Richmond, Arthur, and Ezekil. The oldest John, on whom we have a record, came over in the seventeenth century, on the same boat with Elizabeth Smith, whom he rescued from Drowning and on reaching New York married. They settled in the New York State."

Michael was the son of William and Penelope and had no brothers but four sisters, namely, Mary Perry, Patunes Anderson, Sarah Perry, and Keziah Willias.   ....

William Watson, the founder of the Watson family, met his death through treachery of false friends, while fighting the Cherokee Indians at the Edisto River.

We are decended from two branches of the Watson family, namely William and John. Elijah Watson said there was only one family of Watsons and they all came over at the same time."
               [Mr. Sam Watson. article on The Watson Family published in The Carolinas Genealogical Society Bulletin. Vol. VII, no.1 Summer 1970]

1762- Michael Watson was in the militia of South Carolina in an expedition against the Cherokee Indians led by Colonel Grant of the regular Army. During these and other expeditions tracking down lawless bandits in 1767 and 1768 he proved his valor. [Johnson p543]

1769, Dec 21 - Capt. Michael Watson files a plat for 50 acres on Cloud Creek, "a sometimes dry branch of the Saluda River" in Colleton County. surveyed by John Fairchild. [South Carolina Archives, vol. 19, page 283]

1770, Jan 24, - Edward Couch of Edgefield Co., SC is originally granted about 423 acres land by Gov. William Bull near Clouds Creek of Little Saludy River.

1770 about - Artemus Watson marries Hannah Bell (born December 3, 1753) in South Carolina. They had one daughter together, Elizabeth Watson (1778-1870 at age 92) who married James Ogilvie.

"She (Hannah Bell Watson) had a daughter , Elizabeth Watson (1778-1870) who married James Ogilvie. Mrs Benjamin Howard Gray of Shreveport, Louisiana, has a diary of her great-great grandmother, Elizabeth Watson Ogilvie who lived to the age of ninety-two and who state in her diary: "My mother's maiden name was Hannah Bell who with her parents, came from near Petersburg, Virginia, and first settle in Congaree, from thence they moved to Edgefield district South Carolina several years before the Revolutionary War. I have no recollection of my father (Artemus Watson) as he died when I was an infant. My mother was left a widow with three children. Sister Rebecca (Mrs. Lowe), Benjamina and myself. She then married Burdet Eskridge, by whom she had one child, a daughter, Martha, Escridge(sic), my stepfather, was a true Whig, and volunteered on a scouting excursion under Capt. Starling Turner down the country against the Tories at a place said to be Orangeburg. Capt. Turner with his entire command was surrounded and butchered in cold blood. My step-father and a maternal Uncle (Benjamin Bell) were of the number. This was the bloody work of Bloody Bill Cunningham, the Tory Captain. Several years afterward, about five I think, my mother married Daniel Bullock, a Virginian." Later in her diary, Elizabeth Watson Ogilvie states: "James Ogilvie and I were married September 1, 1797, by Uncle William Daniel. We lived with my brother, Benjamin Watson ( who fell heir to the land on which I was raised by virtue of the law of primogeniture) for one year. The year 1799 we lived with old Mr. John Douglas. The year 1800 we lived with old Mr. S. S. Brooks."[Bell page 67]

1770, Nov. 1, - William Dooly sold land to Edward Couch, both of SC. Sold 150 acres for 250 pounds originally granted Jan. 24, 1770 being near Clouds Creek a branch of Little Saluda River adj. E by Henry Hartley and N by Moses Powel. S/ William Dooly. Wit: Patrick McDougal, Michael Walton, William Clark, who swore by oath April 29, 1793 before Henry King, JP. Recorded April 30, 1793. [South Carolina Archives, vol. 14, page 191]

South Carolina
Pursuant to a precept directed
under the hand and seal of John Bremar Esq DSG. beariing date the 7th day of August 1770, I have measured and laid out unto Capt Michael Watson a plantation or tract of one hundred and fifty acres of land, situated in Colleton County, near Cloud Creek. Butting and bounding to the NW part on land held by Wm Watson and part on vacant land to the SW on land held by Edwd Couch, to the SE part on land held by Edwd Couch, and part on land held by Capt. Michael Watson, to the NE part on land by Capt Michael and part on land held by John Watson; And hand such shape for and marks as the above plat, above, etc.
Given under my hand this 6th day of Feb 1771.
Ord. Co. Oct. 1771 John Fairchaild, DS,

1772, Feb 25 - Michael Watson files a memorial for 150 acres on "Clouds Creek, in Colleton County, SC. other names listed are Edward Couch, John Watson and William Watson. [South Carolina Archives, vol. 11, page 136]

1776 - p. 272-274 This land transfer is interesting in that it is not finalized until 1798, several years after Michael Watson dies in 1782.
William Kirkland to Michael Watson. Bond, 5 March 1776, Wm Kirkland obliged unto Michael Watson L600 SC money, condition Wm Kirkland to make title to 100 acres, part held by Jno Dooly, part by Wa Crawford of Charlesdon, sd land was laid out on warrant of John Kinney unto Michael Watson 1 Sept next ensuing. Wit Mark (x) Lott, James (x) Lott. /s/ Wm Kirkland. Proven 25 Jan 1790 by Mark Lott Senr; Russel Willson J P. Rec 14 April 1798. [Edgefield County, South Carolina: Deed Books 13, 14, 15. p. 93]

1776 - Michael Watson was involved in a skirmish at Little River where he helped rescue a division of milita from the Cherokee. The Tories controlled the up country once Charleston was taken.

"The Tory Colonel, Kin Williams, came to the plantation with three hundred men? Watson was not at home at the time, or he would probably have been killed. They burned every house on the place: killed every hog and cow, and all the poultry and either destroyed or carried away all the provisions. The the assistance of his neighbors, he made another home eight miles away, but he was still frequently disturbed. On one ocassion a man named Hartley undertook to carry off the only horse he had left. Watson was then at home and was too much for Hartley. He fired upon him, wounded him in the arm, and took prisoner: made him go home with him, dressed his wound and treated him with greatest kindness. Such kind treatment from Watson and his family had so good an effect upon Hartley that he left the Tories, became a good Whig and served under Watson. Often after the war he was heard to relate these facts. "[Watson p. 148-149 who used Johnson (below) p. 548]

"Michel Watson was at this time an industrious prosperous farmer, living on the Ridge, in Edgefield District, with a young family, enjoying that property which he had acquired by the sweat of his brow; but they were not safe from lawless depredations. He united with the whigs for self-defence, and was chosen a leader. This rendered him more conspicuous -- his party increased, and he became their captain; but this multiplied his enemies in a greater proportion. Being personally much respected and esteemed by the whigs, his command became extensive, alike in number of men and region of country. He thus had opportunities of exhibiting his decision and energy in action, and fertility in expedients, when surrounded with danger, as well as his courage in battle. Under these circumstances, Captain Watson drew dwon on himself the vengence of the British authorities, and of their pliant tools, the tories. But he rose in proportion high in the confidence of General Pickens, and other leading officiers fo the American revolution.
On one occasion, a party of tories surrounded Captain Watson's house in the dead of night, while he was in bed. He heard them consulting at one end of his house about the mode of attack, and concluded that this critical moment must not be lost. Seizing his gun, he leaped out the door in the other end of the house, and escaped to the woods, about fifty yards off. He then halloaed aloud, as if to collect a body of men on guard, " come on boys -- here they are -- charge up to the house!" and fired his gun to indicate that their enemies were on their track. The tories were accordingly alarmed, and took flight. On another occasion, the enemy surrounded his house in the open day; Captain Watson was alone with his family, but did not entertain a thought of surrendering. He leaped out of the window, and ran for the woods. The tories saw him, and kept firing at him as long as in sight, but he escaped without injury. His clothes, indeed, were riddled, but he was unhurt. After this narrow escape, a tory colonel, named Kin Williams, came to his plantation with a host of three hundred men, each having a green oak leaf in his hat. Watson was absent, and thus escaped personal danger. But they burnt every house on the settlement; every cow and hog was killed or driven away; the poultry in the well-stocked barnyard all shot, and the provisions of every kind wantonly burnt or carried off.
[Johnson, Joseph. p. 548 Traditions and Reminiscences, Chiefly of the American Revolution in the South:...]

1782- Michael Watson is listed in the Lineage Book of Daughters of the American Revolution, under the descendant of Miss Mary

Elizabeth Carwile. born in South Carolina.    #11783
Descendant of Capt. Michael Watson, of South Carolina.
Daughter of William Edward Carwile and Chloe Watson, his wife.
Granddaughter of Stanmore Watson and Elizabeth Hutchinson, his wife.
Gr. - granddaughter of Elijah Watson and Chloe Wimberly, his wife.
Gr.-gr.-granddaughter of Michael Watson and ________ Watson (cousin) his wife.
Michael Watson, who was born in Virginia, commanded a company in South Carolina during the Revolution. he was a prominent Whig, and mortally wounded in a conflict with the Tories in Orangeburg County, 1782.
                    [Lineage book by Dau. of the Am. Rev., Washington, D.C., pub. 1900., item notes: v.12]

" the truce was broken by the Whigs; Major Goodwyn of the Congaree militia with eighteen men from the post at Four Holes at midnight seizing Captain Cheshire and three of his men at a friend's house on the Edisto. But this action was probably brought on by the collection of a body of hostile Tories on Dean Swamp, a branch of the South Edisto, near the present town of Salley. Captains Michael Watson and William Butler of Pickens's brigade, learning of the assembling of the party of Tories, determined to break them up. The Expedition was formed at the Ridge, in what is now Edgefield, with Captain Watson in command. Watson's men were mounted militia armed with rifles and muskets, Butler's were cavalry armed with pistols and cutlasses. The party moved forward at sunset to surprise the Tories. They moved with great rapidity and captured a disaffected man named Hutto, whom they hurried along with them under guard. As they approached the Tory encampment Hutto made his escape and gave notice to the Tories of Watson's approach; upon which an ambush was arranged for the approaching Whigs. When Hutto's escape was reported, Watson declared his opinion that the expedition should be abandoned; but Butler thought otherwise, and they continued to advance. As the Whigs approached the edge of the swamp two men were observed as if endeavoring to hid themselves. Butler, Watson and Sergeant Vardel -- a very brave man -- rode rapidly forward to capture them. Watosn first discovered that these men were only a decoy, and when too late warned the others that the whole of the Tories were there concealed. The Tories arose on being discovered, and poured on their assailants a well-directed fire, which brought down Watson, Vardell, and several other of the foremost Whigs. Upon the fall of Watson, Butler assumed command, and, though sorely pressed, brought off the wounded men; but now found to his mortification that the infantry had little ammunition left, and that the enemey were advancing upon him. In this emergency John Corley, his lieutenant, made a desperate charge on the enemy, and that so unexpectedly was the throw them into confusion; following up his advantage, his men, mingling in the disorded ranks of the enemy, prevented them rallying. Butler continued his impetuous onslaught until the Tories took refuge in the swamp. As the Whigs returned in triumph, the gallant Vardell made an effort to rise and wave his hand in exultaion, but fell back and expired. He was buried in the field. Watson survived until the Whigs reached Orangeburgh, but died immediately afterwards." [McCardy, page 628]

In the application of Elliott William Reed, #47218, for the Sons of the American Revolution in 1929 in an article was used to support the application was from John A Chapman, "The History of Edgefield Co., pages 37, 38, 67, 146, 150.

Michael Watsons first essay in arms with the militia of S. C. was in 1762. against the Cherekee Indians, led by Col. Grant of the Reg. Army. He was found very forward; have efficient in opposition to the lawless banditts of 1768. In 1767 he, with his father and bro William with 10 other captured some and killed others of a band of mauraders Capt. Watsons father William Watson & brother William were killed by the outlaws. When the Rev. was began Watson was already known for his bravery & courage & was made Captain of a Co. of Whigs in Le Roy Hammonds Reg. (pg 67). In the war against the Cherokee in 1776 he rendered very efficient services at Little River. In may 1782 Capt Watson led his Co. Against a band of Tories under Cruger in Deans Swamp near Orangeburg, S. C. was serely wounded & died. He was buried was severely wounded & died. He was buried with military knows in Orangeburg, S. C. near where the monument now stands.
Captain in S. C. Militia"

1782, 26 MAY - Michael Watson makes his last will. (much of the inside margin is missing) p. 32

1788 - p. 313-216 Arthur Watson & Robert Stark exors of will of Michael Watson decd to Richard Watson. L&R, 1 February 1788/2 February 1788, L17 lawful money, 150 acres in Colleton County near Clouds Creed adj William Watson, Edward Couch, John Watson. Wit; Samuel Sotcher, Henry King. /s/Arthur (A) Watson. /s/ Robert Stark.
Proven 10 Oct 1798 by Henry King; Rd Tutt. Rec. 10 Octr 1796. [Wells p. 22]

1791, Aug. 30 - Edward files a plat for 206 Acres on Beach Creek, Edgefield Co., Ninety Six Dist., surveyed by Robert Lang on Dec. 13, 1786. [South Carolina Archives, series S213190, vol. 27, page 278, item 1]

1791- Martha Watson, Michael Watson's widow, marries again to Jacob Odom about whom this plaque is describing. The Saluda County Historical Commission and the State of South Carolina erected the plaque, Marker number 41-3, in 1970. . The plaque states: " Jacob Odom House. This site, approximately halfway between August and Columbia, was the location of Jacob Odom's house, where George Washington spent the night of May 21, 1791, on his trip northward through South Carolina. His escort at this time consisted of Colonels Wade Hampton and Thomas Taylor, and Mr. Robert Lythgoe. This stop is noted in Washington's diary."

"the state historical marker near the site of Jacob Odom's house, which was located approximately halfway between Augusta and Columbia. President Washington spent the night here on May 21, 1791. Among his entourage was Colonel Wade Hampton. ... Like most of his stops, Washington's visit to the home of Jacob and Martha Odom attracted a sizable crowd of well-wishers. Well into the second half of the nineteenth century, old-timers in the area still told stories of shaking hands with the president.
In the course of his visit here, Washington met Jacob Odom's stepchildren, who were the offspring of Captain Michael Watson. When the president learned that their father had lost his life in the Revolution, he gave one of the smallest children a gold coin. "
[Barefoot p. 125]

1794 - Edward Couch dies in Old Edgefield District of SC, now Saluda. His estate is settled and his listed heirs include Watson Couch, Moses Holston, Henry Spann, and Moore Johnson. (Claire Furth 2002)
His estate is apparently not settled until 1813.

page 267-269    -     Edward Couch to John Spann. Deed, 16 April 1796, L50 150 acres part of grant to sd Couch 5 August 1793, Horse Creek, Loseway Branch, plantation where Toserlin formerly lived on west side of Caraway Branch. Wit John Permenter, Jacob (D) Dove, John Kent. /s/ Edward Couch. Reliquishment of dower by Absela Couch widow of within named Edward Couch decd, 10 Oct 1796; Joseph Hightower. Proven 10 Octr 1796 by John Kent; Rd Tutt. Rec 10 Oct 1796. [ page 18, Carol Wells]

page 292-293   -    Edward Couch to John Kent. Deed, 10 October 1796, F0, 150 acres being part of a grant to sd Couch 5 August 1793, on Horse Creek. Wit J. Spann, Asceila (X) Permenter. /s/ Edward Couch. Renunciation of dower by Asselia Couch widow of within named Edward Couch 10 Oct 1796; Joseph Hightower, /s/ Asselia Couch. Proven 10 Oct 1796 by Wm Watson; Aquila Miles J. P. Rec 10 Oct 1796.
            [page 20. Edgefield County, South Carolina. Deed Books 13, 14, & 15. Carol Wells, Ge Lee Corley Hendrix]

page 313-216   -   Arthur Watson & Robert Stark exors of will of Michael Watson decd to Richmond Watson. Lease and Release, 1 February 1788/2 February 1788, L17 lawful money, 150 acres in Colleton County near Clouds Creek adj William Watson, Edward Couch, John Watson. Wit: Samuel Sotcher, Henry King. /s/ Arthur (A) Watson. /s/ Robert Stark. Proven 10 Oct 1796 by Henry King; Rd Tutt.   Rec 10 Octr 1796. [page 22. Carol Wells]

p. 180-183    Elijah Watson, planter, to Job Padgett. Deed, 11 August 1796, L2 SC money, 10 acres on Clouds Cr of Little Saluda River, being part of land former granted unto Elias Daniel of 300 acres by Gov Wm Bull, conveyed to Michael Watson deceased; now Elijah Watson heir of Michael Watson decd conveys to Job Padget 10 acres . Wit William Wright, Thomas Deloach. /s/ Elijah Watson. Plat by Wm Wright DS. Proven 13 May 1797 by Thos Deloach; Elkanah Sawyer JP. Rec 13 March 1798. [ Wells p. 88]

Barefoot, Daniel W. Touring South Carolina's Revolutionary War Sites. pub. John F. Blair, Pub. 1999. Winston-Salem, NC Baughn, Linda - records on Genforum, Dec 6, 2002.
Bell, James Elton. Sir Robert Bell and His Early Virginia Colony Descendants: A Compilation of 16th, 17th, and 18th Century English and Scottich Families With the Surname Bell, Beale, Le Bel, Et Al. pub. by Wheatmark, Inc., 2007.
Couch, Robert H. , "One Alabama Couch Family", 1007 Felton Lane, 1/1/2000 Auburn, AL 36830 tel: (334) 887-7348 e-mail: rcouchauburn@mindspring.com
Furth, Claire, records on Genforum, November 30, 2002
Johnson, Joseph. Traditions and Reminiscences, Chiefly of the American Revolution in the South: including Biographical Sketches, Incidents, and Anecdotes, Few of which Have Been Published Particularly of Residents in the Upper County. pub. Walker & James, Charleston, SC. 1851.
McCardy, Edward. The History of South Carolina in the Revolution, 1780-1783. The Macmillan Co., 1902
South Carolina Archives, http://www.archivesindex.sc.gov/onlinearchives/
U. S. Census records
Watson, Sam. article on "The Watson Family" published in The Carolinas Genealogical Society Bulletin. Vol. VII, no.1 Summer 1970]
Wells, Carol and Ge Lee Corley Hendrix. Edgefield County, South Carolina. Deed Books 13, 14, & 15. Heritage Books 2007