Biography of Thomas E. Watson


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Watson Thomas E. Lawyer, congressman. Born in Georgia in 1856. Studied two years at Mercer College; taught school. Admitted to the bar in 1875. Practiced in Thomas, Georgia. Member Georgia Legislature, 1882-83. Democratic elector-at-large, 1888. Member of Congress, 1891-93, as a Populist. Was candidate and claims election (on honest count), at elections in 1892 and 1894, but his opponent was given the certificate. Resumed practice of law in 1895. While in Congress, secured first appropriation for free delivery of mails in rural districts that Congress ever passed. Nominated for vice-president of United States at St. Louis Populist Convention, which endorsed Bryan for president in 1896. For some time, conducted Populist paper at Atlanta. Nominated for president by People's Party in 1904, and made an active campaign. Began publication of "Tom Watson's Magazine" in New York, 1905. In 1920 was elected United States senator for the term 1921-27. Author: "The Story of France," "Life of Thomas Jefferson," "Life of Napoleon," "Life and Times of Thomas Jefferson," "Bethany, a Study and Story of the Old South." Watson died in 1922.