W. R. Watson was born 14 Sept 1848 and died 18 June 1916. He was the son of Finis Watson. In 1871 he began merchandising for himself at Moro Bay, and continued business as "J. B. & W. R. Watson, Dealers in General Merchandise and Plantation Supplies" until 1886, when he sold out. In 1888 he was elected "Sheriff and Collector" of Warren. W. R. was the husband of Ella Victoria Richardson.

This photograph appears courtesy of Belin Watson, great-grandnephew of W. R. Watson.