The Dictionary of Australasian Biography/Watson, Hon. James
Watson, Hon. James, M.L.C., J.P., was born at Portadown, in co. Armagh, Ireland, on Dec. 17th, 1836, and educated at the Church of England school in his native town. He emigrated to the colony of New South Wales early in life, and engaged in mercantile pursuits, becoming a partner in the firm of John Frazer & Co., of Sydney. He was returned to the Assembly for the Lachlan district in 1869, and subsequently represented Young. Mr. Watson was Colonial Treasurer in the Parkes Administration from Dec. 1878 to Jan. 1883, and in Feb. 1887 was called to the Legislative Council. Mr. Watson married on April 8th, 1871, Miss Margaret Salmon Ewan.