Early Doctors in Jefferson County
Dr. John W. Watson
Source: History of Jefferson County Illinois
By: William Henry Perrin
© 1883
 

   Dr. John W. Watson was a native of Maryland, born in 1771. He was removed by his parents to Virginiawhen a small boy and was there reared. He studied medicine and was a graduate of Jefferson Medical College. He married in Virginia in 1811, removed to Bourbon County, Ky, and soon after to Pendleton County of the same state. After about ten years, he turned his face Westward and came to Illinois, arriving in Mount Vernon in November, 1821. His journey was overland with a two-horse wagon, which carried his family and all his earthly possessions. He settled on a farm known as Mulberry Hill, and the following year (1822) bought land one-half mile north of Mount Vernon on the Vandalia road, where he remained and managed his farm, in connection with his duties of his profession until he died, which sad event occurred June 3, 1845.

He was the first physician of the county, and his ride extended over a great portion of this part of the state. He often made rides of fifty and one hundred miles, on horseback in one day. In 1828, he was called on a professional visit to Williamson County, and from the long ride, his horse became exhausted and died on his arrival at his journey's end, and he was obliged to borrow a horse to get back to his home.

  Submitted By: Cindy Ford