Christopher Watson, who had a severe attack of grip the 
forepart of the winter died of the effects of this sickness
and general debility Sunday at _:30 am, aged 78 years.  He 
was the son of Jesse and Sarah (Ware) Watson and was born at 
Berlin, near Camden, NJ Nov. 13, 1838.  He came to this place 
in his early twenties and had since made his home here, having 
first engaged in making hoop poles, then a profitable business.  
During the Civil War he superintended the care of horses in 
Washington, DC.  Later he kept a grocery store for 17 years 
and dealt in cattle.  Forty-two years ago he married Matilda
Wentz, daughter of Jacob and Rebecca (Bower) Wentz of near 
Blain, Jackson township.  She survives him, with their children: 
Marry Minerva, Mrs. J. N. Crouse, Logania; Elmer, P.R.R. station 
agent, Port Royal and Melvin, P.R.R. telegrapher, this place; 
William, with the Morgantown and Kingwwod railroad, Morgantown, 
W. Va; Sara, Mrs. P. D. Calhoun, Harrisburg; Ida, Mrs. William 
Sultzbaugh, Marietta; Lillian Elizabeth, Mrs. J. N. C. Hetherington 
and Jesse Flet, P.R.R. telegrapher, this place and Chas. E., with 
the Morgantown & Kingwood railroad, Morgantown W. Va.  A daughter 
Nettie, died, when three weeks old and a son, Christopher, Jr. died 
when seven years old.  His brother Robert Watson of Philadelphia 
and his sister, Hannah, Mrs. Josiah Jones of Pottsville are the 
surviving members of his parents family, his sister, Mrs. Philip 
Calloway of Chows, NJ having died last week.  Mr. Watson was 
well known in this county and was very popular with old and young.  
He was a member of the Lutheran church and funeral services will 
be at his late home on South Second stret tomorrow at 2pm, by his 
pastor Rev. W. C. Ney, with interment in Newport Cemetery, his 
sons and son-in-law acting as pallbearers."

Source:  Newport News; Perry Co., Pa.; 2/06/1917, USGenWeb Archives 
by: Cathy Wentz-Eisenstadt ctwentz@aol.com August 11, 2006