James Watson Sr. (abt. 1685 - abt. 1776)

Born about 1685 in Argyleshire, Scotland

Husband of Barbary (Unknown) Watson — married 1732 in Virginia

Descendants

Died about 1776 at about age 91 in Trinity Parish, Louisa County, Virginia

Problems/Questions Profile manager: Mitch Watson [send private message]

Biography

James Watson Sr. is a member of Clan Watson.

This profile is part of the Watson Name Study.

James Watson Sr. migrated from Scotland to Virginia.

James Watson Sr. was a Virginia colonist.

James Watson, Jacobite captured at Preston transported on Elizabeth and Anne, Master Edward Trafford, to Virginia or Jamaica, 29 Jun 1716 ^[1]. He was from the Parish of Glamis in Angus, Scotland, a laborer, in Captain Miller's Company.

He was transported to Yorktown, Virginia, as a prisoner, arriving in Jan 1716. James and his fellow prisoners were captured at Preston as supporters of James Edward Stuart, the Old Pretender.

• Deported to the Colonies with Scotch John Michie in 1716 from Liverpool England to Virginia, on the ship, "The Elizabeth & Anne".
• Appointed Constable in Louisa County Virginia of the Precinct from Northeast Creek between the South Anna and the main road where they intersect. ^[2]
• Owned land in Hanover and Louisa Counties of Virginia.
• James Watson of Trinity Parish patented land on 25 Aug 1731 in Louisa County, Virginia. ^[3]
• Will dated 2 Sep 1775 and probated on 12 Feb 1776 "of Trinity Parrish in the County of Louisa.

Note:

• Mary, daughter of James Watson, married David Wood, son of fellow rebel James Wood.
• Elizabeth, daughter of James Watson, married James Michie (abt.1730-1778), son of fellow rebel John Michie.
• Ann, daughter of James Watson, married a Michie, son of fellow rebel John Michie.

After the Jacobite uprisings of 1715 and 1745, thousands of Scots were exiled to the colonies of Jamaica, Australia, Canada and America. The 1715 Jacobite Rebellion was in support of the Old Pretender, James Edward Stuart, son of the deposed King James II of England.

James Watson, was one of the 113 passengers on the Elizabeth & Ann being transported from Liverpool, England to Yorktown, Virginia, arriving on 14 January 1716, by Captain Edward Trafford. The ship Elizabeth & Ann was traditionally used in slave trade, but was commissioned to handle the transport of these Jacobite Rebel prisoners for the Crown. Trafford was rewarded with payment upon receipt of their delivery to His Majesty's Court in London.

The zeal of the canny Scots was such they were not hindered by the frontier of the new colonies, which they found much like their homelands. With this in mind, they were able to move and adapt themselves to the environment of Virginia. As such, this settlement became the Greenbrier of Virginia... which had some similarity to his native Scotland.

Marriage

Married to Barbary _____ (her Will probated on 9 Mar 1778) ^[3]

Children

Children named in Wills of James and Barbary: ^[3]

1. James; commissioned Lieutenant Feb. 8, 1779, and Captain Feb. 6, 1781, in Revolution.
2. Elizabeth; married a Mr. Michie. Issue.
3. Ann; married a Mr. Michie.
4. Mary; married David Wood; lived in Albemarle.
5. Sarah; married 8 Feb 1774 (bond); William Paulett (estate administrator appointed Sep 1775; inventory dated 29 Nov 1775 [Will Book 2, p. 233]). At least one child, Henry who is mentioned in his grandmother's will. Henry died in the West Indies with no direct heirs.
6. William; living 10 Aug 1782; married Susannah, daughter of David Watts. Will dated 1783, in Albemarle County. Robert Michie was a son-in-law, his estate inventory dated 13 May 1793.

Research Notes

From Pam Kay, Director of State and Federal Initiatives Scholastic Education Group^[4]

• James Watson was born in Argyleshire, Scotland, 1685 and died in 1776 in Trinity Parish, Louisa County, Va. He married Barbary in 1732. I have the names of 5 children: Anne Watson, from whom I hailed, born 1732 and married to Robert Michie (Note from Joyce-John Michie is in the will of Wm. Watson). Elizabeth Watson, b. 1733 married James Michie, James Watson, married Elizabeth Shelton, Mary Watson md. David Wood, Sally Watson md. Henry Paulette. The Michie's were a big name, as were the Watsons in that area... and the families were very good friends. There is a lot of lore regarding the escapades of John Miche and John Watson (also referred to as James).. they apparently got out of Scotland by the skin of their teeth, being true Jacobites and causing a bit of trouble fighting to regain the control of Scotland from the English. Michies tavern is a great place to find info on John Michie and James (John) Watson lore."

From another Watson researcher:

• In the "History of Louisa Co., Va? by Malcolm H. Harries: on pages 426, 426A,426B and 427 is data about the Watson Family. This is about Major James Watson who lived at Iona and his descendants. His will was dated Oct. 29, 1820. He and his wife Elizabeth Shelton's first child was John Shelton Watson b. April 6, 1780. This is not in the book. Major James Watson was the son of James Watson. This James was the friend of John Michie. They both were transported to Va. as Jacobite prisoners in 1716. James settled in Louisa while John Michie was across the county line in Albemarle. James was a member of the Trinity Parish, as well as his wife Barbary. I don't know if Barbary was his first wife or not but she was his last. James Watson's will dated 2 Sept. 1775 was rcd. 12 Feb. 1776. He names son James~2 daus. Elizabeth Michie and Ann Michie (these are my husband's lines)~dau. Mary Wood~grandson Henry Paulett~wife Barbary Watson. Barbary Watson's will was dated 9 Feb. 1778 and was rcd. 9 Mar 1778. Mentions grand. Elizabeth Watson. Names son William Watson. (Note from Joyce-I am guessing that the above William is the William whose will I transcribed). Other mentions of Watson in this book from this researcher p. 167 On July 13, 1762 a deed was made by Sarah Burford to the vestry fo the Trinity Parish. One of the vestry was John Watson p. 169 Trinity Parish ~List of Tithes for the year 1777 James Watson 19 ~John Watson 1~Barbara Watson 8 p.. 442 Sheriffs of Louisa County 1771-1772 John Watson, Sheriff~John Byars, sub-Sheriff. Most of the other Watsons in the index are related to the Major James Watson lineage. Those I couldn't identify are Julia, Ninian, OvertonD., Polly, Randolph, Sarah, Thomas, Wm. J. and Wm. James."

Notes from Joyce Haney Dittman ^[5]

• There is a law suit in Louisa Co. with John Pleasants was a partner with George Robinson. John died and there were sums due to the partnership. One such sum was due by John Watson of Louisa Co. The money was owed from 1771 and James Pleasants, son of John, and George Robinson sued John Watson for 800L.for a plea of trespass and damages in 12 Aug. 1772. It was continued 1773, 1779, 1783, 1785, 1786. John was eventually made to pay 530L 7p 3s. plus 1 penny damages.
• Seven page lawsuit between Robert Michie and his wife Ann Watson Michie and James Watson son of James and Barbary Watson.^[5]

• Basically, Robert claims that James Watson promised him that Ann would get an equal share of her fathers estate if he would marry Ann. This promise was given in 1756. then it turns out that James son James inherited virtually the entire estate which amounted to about 12,000L. Robert and Ann sued son James. Depositions were taken from alot of folks. I found one thing confusing however. It states in one place that James Watson died in 1725 when he was obviously alive in 1756. Elizabeth Watson Mickie ,wife of James Mickie decd. testified that she did not know what her father intended. Her deposition was in 1782.
• William Watson said that he, James Watson and Robert Mickie went to Nathan Watson's in Sptosylvania to take his deposition. On return Wm. and Robert talked about Barbary Watson, mother of William and James. He testified that David Wood another brother in law had heard about the contract. (28 Sep 1782).
• Mary Wood testified before John Mickie, son of above Robert and Ann Watson Mickie and claims that words that she never said were put in her original deposition. She said that she didn't know about any marriage contract. 1782
• James Mickie aged 41 deposes that 1 wk. before brother Robert married Nancy he heard father say that if his son Robert married Nancy Watson he would drive him off his plantation and never give him a farthing. James told Robert and Nancy what he heard his father say. A few days later James Watson came by the house and when he left, Robert and Nancy were bound. This deponent further saith that some small time before the said THOMAS Watson died( James was evidently also called Thomas) he came to his house and he mentioned to him that he understood he had left by his will the greatest part of his estate to his son James Watson, and that he had made with Robert Michie a marriage contract to give him an equal part of his estate with any of rest of his children and in that case them two children would get the cheapest part of his estate. He seemed very confused and told me that Robert Mickie could not prove it. 28 Sep 1776
• Dep. of Josiah Wood aged 47. He heard John Michie say that he expected that James Watson would have the best end of his father's estate about the time that Robert Mickie was married. He never heard of any contract of marriage.1776
• Dep. Nathan Watson aged 56. He was with John Mickie and James Watson after Robert got married. Mickie asked Watson what he was giving Robert for marriage. He said that if Watson would give Robert 500L then he John would give a thousand. Watson replyed and told Mickie he would make no such bargain but if he would give double, why did he not give two Negroes as he had given one. Mickie seemed to be angry and told Watson he knew very well what he said WAtson intended to do with his estate, he intended to give it to his. Watson said it was his estate and he would give it to whomever he wanted. 1777
• Barbary Watson said that husband James went to John Mickie father of Robert. On return, he said that John Mickie had been informed that his son, Robert had told his Father that if he would not let him have Nancy Watson, he would go to the wars and that the sd. John had agreed that they marry and he did not care how woon they got married. She never heard of a contract between husband and Mickie. Had heard husband that daughters would get nearly equal but not as much as son.
• Maj. Thomas Johnson said that in about 1758 he, John Mickie, James Watson and Mr. Josiah Wood were riding. Again Mickies aid 1000L for Mickie and 500L from Watson for Robert and Ann. Watson said he couldn't do that and be fair to his other children. Mickie flew in to a (illeg,) and called Watson a rogue and said that he had cheated him out for his son, Robert and told Watson of the differences of their families and Watson insisting that he was of as good a family as he was Mickie there (illeg.) to break his head which Watson much needed. Maj. Johnson parted with them and desired Mr. Wood to keep them from hurting each other. Neither mentioned any contract of bargain. 1776
• David Wood was married to Mary Watson, d/0 James and Barbary
• Patrick Mickie said that he heard Watson say to John Mickie that if you were not worth more than I am you would not be so much against it but saith he that he will give Nancy as much now as I am able and at my death so much as any of the rest of my children. 1776
• William Watson aged 43 son of James and Barbary Watson Claimed father was to give Ann an equal tract 1776
• Mary Wood said that in the year '61 or'62 father sick and expected to died. He directed his son, James, to give David, her husband 200 acres of land and James Mickie, decd. 200 acres and to offer Robert Mickie as much more if he would accept it while if not, he might let it alone. Said that father directed son James to divide all the rest of his estate equally amongst his children. Alb. Co. 1783

Prisioners Imported to the Colony of Virginia on 14 Jan 1716

By his Majestys' Lieutenant Governor & Commander in Cheif of this Dominion:

These are to certify that the above Lift of one hundred & Twelve Rebel Prisoners, Imported into this Colony in the Ship Elizabeth & Ann, of Liverpool, Edward Trafford Master, was taken (by my order) upon the arrival of the said Ship in York River by the officer of the Customs there, and contains the Names of all the Prisoners Imported in the sd ship & that besides the said one hundres & twelve persons, the Master did Report that one other Prisoner by name Duncan Macksale died at sea, which upon Examination of the other Prisoners apeared to be true-

Given under my hand at Williamsburgh this 14th day of January 1716.

List of rebel prisoners imported by Capt Edwd Trafford, in the Elizabeth & Anne from Liverpole:

The Following 29 Are Under Indentures:

John Macintosh

Thos Foster:

George Dickenson

Jno: Mackintosh

Christr Carus

Archd Menzies

James Macintosh

James Blackwood

Danl Thompson

Duncan Clark

Robt Stewart

Jno Robertson

Owen McPherson

Robt Stewart

Jno Stewart

Donald Shaw

Willm Turner

Malcom Stewart

Angus Shaw

James Nisbet:

Jno Stewart

Robt Bruce

Fergus Graham

Jno Stewart

John Dunbar

James Mackintosh

Jno Kennedy

Rob Smith

Francis Hume

The Following Eighty Three Not Indentured:

Jno Wite

Alexr Wite

Thos Allen

Willm Mackilway

Owen Davidson

Alexr Watt

Alex: Mackenzie

Malcolm Macknaughtan

James Wood

Willm Donaldson

Willm Martin

Frances Betty

James Robertson

Donald Mackgilsoray

Frederick Abbot

David Mitchel

Danl Macquin

Alexr Bruce

Silvester Prophet

Willm Wright

Robt Capland

Jno Glendening

Jno Pitello

Jno Peter

Geo Marjoribanks

Patrick Ferguson

Jno Jhonston

Jno Harris

Jno Finny

James Malcum

Adam Chisolm

Alexr Ferguson

William Stroak

Wm Finlay

James Ferguson

Jno Michy

James Paterson

James Mckintosh

Lawrence Ferguson

David Arnot

Willm Mackruther

Jno Donaldson

James Peter

David Mackintosh

Wm Noble

Jno Ogilvy

Alexr Kerr

Robt Grant

James Watson

Robt Menzies

Robt Anderson

Alexr Kid

James Urqhuart

Robt Duncan

James Lindsey

Jno Brown

James Ray

James Johnson

Geo: Lowder

Robt Robertson

Jno Shaw

James Murray

Jno Mundell

Jno Abercromby

Wm Lyon

Hugh Cane

Robt Stewart

Jno Burns

Charles Henderson

Pat Stewart

Alexr Carr

Alexander Stewart

Jno Stewart

Jno Mackintosh

Donald Stewart

Willm Cruster

Willm Dun

Alexr Stewart

Jno Rutherford

Robt Carr

James Stewart

Willm Maxwell

(Note that the Michie, Wood, and Carr family were also strongly associated with the descendants of James Watson.

Sources

1. ↑ Dobson, David. Directory of Scots Banished to the American Plantations, 1650-1775, Genealogical Publishing Com, 1983
2. ↑ Louisa Law Order Book 1742-1746
3. ↑ ^{3.0 3.1 3.2} Notes fromBarbara F. Bonham, 10 Mar 2000
4. ↑ Pam Kay, Director of State and Federal Initiatives Scholastic Education Group, PKay(at)scholastic.com
5. ↑ ^{5.0 5.1} Pioneers of Todd County, Kentucky

• Profile for James Watson (at Geni.com
• James Watson (at Ancestry.com)]